Topical Bible: Heart: Change of Saul

◄ Heart: Change of Saul ►

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The transformation of Saul's heart is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the profound impact of divine intervention and the potential for personal change. Saul, the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel. His account is primarily found in the book of 1 Samuel.

Divine Selection and Anointing

Saul's journey begins with his selection by God, as conveyed through the prophet Samuel. In 1 Samuel 9, Saul is described as a handsome and tall young man, standing out among the Israelites. Despite his physical attributes, it is God's choice that sets him apart for leadership. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" This anointing signifies God's appointment and the beginning of Saul's transformation.

The Change of Heart

The pivotal moment of Saul's change of heart occurs shortly after his anointing. In 1 Samuel 10:9, it is written, "As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all the signs came to pass that day." This divine act signifies a spiritual and psychological transformation, equipping Saul with the necessary attributes to lead the nation of Israel. The change of heart is not merely a personal development but a divinely orchestrated preparation for his role as king.

Manifestation of the Change

The evidence of Saul's changed heart is further demonstrated when he joins a group of prophets and begins to prophesy, as recorded in 1 Samuel 10:10-11. The people who knew Saul were astonished, asking, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" This unexpected behavior underscores the profound nature of his transformation, as he is now acting under the influence of the Spirit of God.

Challenges and Failures

Despite the initial change of heart, Saul's reign is marked by a series of challenges and failures. His disobedience to God's commands, particularly in 1 Samuel 13 and 15, reveals a struggle to maintain the integrity and humility required of a king. In 1 Samuel 13:13-14, Samuel rebukes Saul for his impatience and lack of faith, declaring that his kingdom will not endure. This marks the beginning of Saul's decline, as his heart turns away from complete obedience to God.

Theological Implications

The change of Saul's heart serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the potential for transformation through divine intervention. It highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness in leadership, as well as the consequences of deviating from God's will. Saul's account is a testament to the complexity of human nature and the ongoing struggle between divine calling and personal failure.

In summary, the change of Saul's heart is a multifaceted event that underscores the transformative power of God's Spirit, the responsibilities of leadership, and the enduring need for faithfulness to God's commands.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 10:9
And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Why Saul Became Paul
... of Rock.' With characteristic independence, Saul chooses for ... name, which shall express
the change that he ... great lesson, that the central heart of Christianity ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/why saul became paul.htm

Saul's Conversion
... great God, he said, ver.5, "Who art thou, Lord?" See how soon God can change the
heart and voice of his most bitter enemies. Not many days ago, Saul was not ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/sauls conversion.htm

The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ]
... in glory, and was revealing Himself to Saul then and ... face, when there is yet time
to change our course ... and enabled him to keep sunshine in his heart when winter ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the young saul and the.htm

About the Prefigured Change of the Israelitic Kingdom and ...
... be passed by in silence, concerning the change of things ... establishment of David in
the kingdom, when Saul was rejected ... For she says, "My heart is made strong in ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 about the prefigured change.htm

Saul Rejected
... The heart that answers the touch of God's rebukes by ... of his deposition was not outward
change in his ... in secret, so Samuel consented to honour Saul before the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/saul rejected.htm

The Power of Sorrow.
... most distinct instance we have of this is in the life of Saul. ... comparative peace,
might have continued; but outward respectability is not change of heart. ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/viii the power of sorrow.htm

Conversion --Varied Phenomena or Experience.
... Zaccheus, and the jailer, and Saul, and the three thousand ... that something, which
he called a change, had taken ... faith, reaching up out of a heart that mourns ...
/.../chapter xix conversionvaried phenomena or.htm

The Fixed Heart
... the words to David himself, fleeing from Saul, and hiding ... powers, to keep a little
corner of his heart clear, and ... the mill or in the crowds on 'Change, to do ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the fixed heart.htm

The Unchangeableness of God
... he says, I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul.' What Christian ... He is immutable
in his love; he may change his countenance, but not his heart. ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/4 the unchangeableness of god.htm

Christ's Remonstrances
... me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why perseoutest ... change the skin,
because He can change the nature ... The revelation in heart and mind was the main ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/christs remonstrances.htm