TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 10 verses 9–16
Saul has now taken his leave of Samuel, much amazed, we may well suppose, at what has been done to him, almost ready to question whether he be awake or no, and whether it be not all a dream. Now here we are told,
I. What occurred by the way, Sa1 10:9. Those signs which Samuel had given him came to pass very punctually; but that which gave him the greatest satisfaction of all was this, he found immediately that God had given him another heart. A new fire was kindled in his breast, such as he had never before been acquainted with: seeking the asses is quite out of his mind, and he thinks of nothing but fighting the Philistines, redressing the grievances of Israel, making laws, administering justice, and providing for the public safety; these are the things that now fill his head. He finds himself raised to such a pitch of boldness and bravery as he never thought he should be conscious of. He has no longer the heart of a husbandman, which is low, and mean, and narrow, and concerned only about his corn and cattle; but the heart of a statesman, a general, a prince. Whom God calls to any service he will make fit for it. If he advance to another station, he will give another heart, to those who sincerely desire to serve him with their power.
II. What occurred when he came near home. They came to the hill (Sa1 10:10), that is, to Gibeah, or Geba, which signifies a hill, and so the Chaldee here takes it as a proper name; he met with the prophets as Samuel had told him, and the Spirit of God came upon him, strongly and suddenly (so the word signifies), but not so as to rest and abide upon him. It came on so as to go off quickly. However, for the present, it had a strange effect upon him; for he immediately joined with the prophets in their devotion, and that with as much decorum and as great a transport of affection as any of them: He prophesied among them. Now,
1.His prophesying was publicly taken notice of, Sa1 10:11, Sa1 10:12. He was now among his acquaintance, who, when they saw him among the prophets, called one another to come and see a strange sight. This would prepare them to accept him as a king, though one of themselves, when they had seen how God had advanced him to the honour of a prophet. The seventy elders prophesied before they were made judges, Num 11:25. Now, (1.) They all wondered to see Saul among the prophets: What is this that has come to the son of Kish? Though this school of the prophets was near his father's house, yet he had never associated with them, nor shown them any respect, perhaps had sometimes spoken slightly of them; and now to see him prophesying among them was a surprise to them, as it was long after when his namesake, in the New Testament, preached that gospel which he had before persecuted, Act 9:21. Where God gives another heart it will soon show itself. (2.) One of them, that was wiser than the rest, asked, "Who is their father, or instructor? Is is not God? Are they not all taught of him? Do they not all owe their gifts to him? And is he limited? Cannot he make Saul a prophet, as well as any of them, if he please?" Or, "Is not Samuel their father?" Under God, he was so; and Saul had now lately been with him, which, by his servant, he might know. No marvel for him to prophesy who lay last night under Samuel's roof. (3.) It became a proverb, commonly used in Israel, when they would express their wonder at a bad man's either becoming good, or at least being found in good company, Is Saul among the prophets? Note, Saul among the prophets is a wonder to a proverb. Let not the worst be despaired of, yet let not an external show of devotion, and a sudden change for the present, be too much relied on; for Saul among the prophets was Saul still.
2.His being anointed was kept private. When he had done prophesying, (1.) It should seem he uttered all his words before the Lord, and recommended the affair to his favour, for he went straight to the high place (Sa1 10:13), to give God thanks for his mercies to him and to pray for the continuance of those mercies. But, (2.) He industriously concealed from his relations what had passed. His uncle, who met with him either at the high place or as soon as he came home, examined him, Sa1 10:14. Saul owned, for his servant knew it, that they had been with Samuel, and that he told them the asses were found, but said not a word of the kingdom, Sa1 10:14, Sa1 10:15. This was an instance, [1.] Of his humility. Many a one would have been so elated with this surprising elevation as to proclaim it upon the house-top. But Saul, though he might please himself with it in his own breast, did not pride himself in it among his neighbours. The heirs of the kingdom of glory are well enough pleased that the world knows them not, Jo1 3:1. [2.] Of his prudence. Had he been forward to proclaim it, he would have been envied, and he knew not what difficulty that might have created him. Samuel had communicated it to him as a secret, and he knows how to keep counsel. Thus it appears that he had another heart, a heart fit for government. [3.] Of his dependence upon God. He does not go about to make an interest for himself, but leaves it to God to carry on his own work by Samuel, and, for his own part, sits still, to see how the matter will fall.
First, you ask that I explain how it can be said in the first book of Kings [Samuel], “The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul,” when it is said elsewhere “There was an evil spirit from the Lord in Saul.” Thus it is written: “And it happened that when he turned his back to depart from Samuel, God gave Saul another heart, and all the signs came to pass on that day. Then he came to the hill and, behold, a chorus of prophets met him on the way and the Spirit of God came upon him and he prophesied among them.” But Samuel had already predicted this when he anointed him. About that, I don’t think that there is any question. For “the Spirit blows where he wills,” and no one’s soul can be fouled by contact with the Spirit of prophecy, for it extends everywhere on account of its purity. Yet, it does not affect everyone in the same way; the Spirit’s infusion in some people confers images of things, others are granted the mental fruit of understanding, others are given both by inspiration, and still others know nothing. But the Spirit works through infusion in two ways. The first way comes during sleep, and not only to saints, but even Pharaoh and King Nebuchadnezzar saw what neither of them was able to understand but both of them were able to see. The second way is through demonstration in ecstasy (which some Latins translate as “trembling”—astonishingly idiosyncratic, but close in meaning nonetheless), where the mind is separated from the bodily senses so that the human spirit, which is assumed by the divine Spirit, might be free of perceiving and intuiting ideas, as, for instance, when it was shown to Daniel what he had not understood and, to Peter, the sheet let down from heaven by its four corners, who only later recognized what this vision represented. One way is through the mental fruit of understanding, when the significance and relevance of the things demonstrated through images is revealed, which is a more certain prophecy, for the apostle calls such prophecy “greater,” as Joseph deserved to understand but Pharaoh only to see, and as Daniel explained to the king that he saw but did not know. But since the mind is affected in such a fashion that it does not understand ideas of things by conjectural examination but intuits the things themselves, as wisdom and justice and every divine form are understood to be immutable, it does not pertain to the prophecy about which we are now concerned.
Continue studying 1 Samuel 10:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:10 describes the climactic fulfillment of the third prophetic sign given by Samuel to Saul, publicly validating his divine anointing as Israel's first king. Upon arriving at "the hill" (Gibeah of God), Saul was unexpectedly met by a company of prophets, and in a profound display of divine empowerment, the Spirit of God came upon him, causing him to prophesy among them. This extraordinary event served as undeniable proof of God's hand upon Saul, confirming Samuel's prophetic words and signifying a supernatural transformation, preparing Saul for the weighty responsibilities of his new, unexpected role as monarch.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This pivotal verse represents the culmination of a series of three specific signs that Samuel had given Saul, following his private anointing as king in 1 Samuel 10:1. The preceding narrative meticulously details Saul's journey from Samuel's presence, recounting his encounter with two men near Rachel's tomb (1 Samuel 10:2), followed by three men at the plain of Tabor (1 Samuel 10:3-4), each interaction serving to confirm Samuel's prophetic accuracy. The third and most dramatic sign, specifically foretold in 1 Samuel 10:5, predicted Saul's arrival at Gibeah of God, his encounter with a company of prophets, and the transformative experience of the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him, leading him to prophesy. Thus, 1 Samuel 10:10 is the precise and dramatic fulfillment of this final, most public, and profoundly transformative sign, setting the immediate stage for Saul's public presentation and selection as king in 1 Samuel 10:17-27.
Historical & Cultural Context: "The hill" referenced in this verse is explicitly identified as Gibeah of God (or Gibeah of Elohim) in 1 Samuel 10:5, a strategically significant location within the territory of Benjamin, Saul's own tribal homeland. This region was notably under Philistine oppression, evidenced by the presence of a Philistine garrison, a situation that underscored Israel's urgent demand for a king to deliver them. The "company of prophets" refers to a distinct group or "school" of prophets, possibly associated with Samuel, who engaged in communal worship, ecstatic praise, and divine inspiration, often accompanied by musical instruments as described in 1 Samuel 10:5. Such prophetic communities functioned as vital centers of spiritual life and training, distinct from the established priesthood. For the Spirit of God to "come upon" an individual was a well-understood phenomenon in ancient Israel, signifying a temporary but powerful divine empowerment for specific tasks, often observed in judges (e.g., Judges 3:10) and leaders, equipping them with supernatural ability for their God-given roles.
Key Themes: The central theme of 1 Samuel 10:10 is Divine Empowerment and Anointing, powerfully demonstrating that God supernaturally equips those He calls to service, bestowing upon them the necessary abilities beyond their natural inclinations. This event also highlights Prophetic Confirmation, as Saul's uncharacteristic act of prophesying publicly validated Samuel's words and served as undeniable proof that God had indeed chosen and set Saul apart for kingship, acting as a clear sign for both Saul and all who witnessed it. Furthermore, the verse underscores Transformation, fulfilling Samuel's prophecy in 1 Samuel 10:6 that Saul would be "turned into another man." This profound spiritual experience marked a significant and visible shift in Saul's life, preparing him for the weighty responsibilities of leadership. Finally, it subtly reinforces God's Unexpected Choices, as Saul, originating from the smallest tribe and a humble background (1 Samuel 9:21), is suddenly elevated and divinely enabled, showcasing God's sovereignty in selecting and using individuals for His purposes regardless of their perceived status or lineage.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore the divine nature of Saul's transformation. Foreshadowing is prominently evident, as this event directly fulfills Samuel's precise prophecy in 1 Samuel 10:5-6, building anticipation for Saul's future role as Israel's first king. The sudden and public nature of Saul's transformation through prophecy also serves as powerful Symbolism of divine anointing and empowerment, visually demonstrating God's sovereign choice and equipping. There is a subtle layer of Irony in Saul, a seemingly shy and unassuming man from a small tribe, suddenly engaging in ecstatic prophetic utterance, which highlights God's ability to use unexpected and seemingly unqualified individuals for His purposes. The narrative also utilizes Dramatic Irony, as the reader understands the full significance of this event—Saul's divine confirmation as king—even if Saul himself may not yet fully grasp the immense weight and implications of his calling. Finally, the entire scene is a clear instance of Divine Intervention, where God directly intervenes in Saul's life through the manifest presence of His Spirit to prepare him for leadership.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The anointing of Saul by the Spirit of God in 1 Samuel 10:10 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign election and His unwavering commitment to equip those He calls for specific tasks. Throughout the Old Testament, the "Spirit of the Lord" is consistently depicted as the divine source of enablement, empowering individuals for leadership, judgment, artistic skill, and prophetic ministry. This temporary, task-specific empowerment was God's chosen method of validating His chosen ones and providing them with the necessary wisdom, courage, and spiritual authority to fulfill their divine assignments. Saul's experience aligns perfectly with a broader biblical pattern where God's Spirit descends upon individuals to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that true leadership and effective service are ultimately derived from and sustained by divine power, not human strength, natural talent, or inherent merit. This event profoundly underscores the theological principle that when God calls, He also infallibly equips, transforming individuals to meet the demands of His will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Saul's divine empowerment in 1 Samuel 10:10 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God is the ultimate enabler of all genuine ministry and service. When God calls us to a task, whether it appears great or small, He does not leave us to rely solely on our own strength, talents, or acquired wisdom. Instead, He faithfully promises to provide the necessary empowerment through His Spirit. This divine enablement can manifest in unexpected ways, sometimes even causing us to act outside our natural inclinations or comfort zones, much like Saul, who was not a prophet, yet suddenly prophesied. This demonstrates God's boundless ability to use anyone, regardless of their background, perceived limitations, or natural abilities, for His glory. Therefore, we are profoundly encouraged to step out in faith when God calls, trusting wholeheartedly that He will equip us for every good work, transforming us into the very people He intends us to be, ready to fulfill His sovereign purposes in the world. Our primary reliance should always be on His Spirit, not on our own limited capabilities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was "the hill" or "Gibeah of God" mentioned in this context?
Answer: "The hill" refers to Gibeah of God (Hebrew: גִּבְעַת הָאֱלֹהִים, Giv'at ha'Elohim), as specifically mentioned in 1 Samuel 10:5. This was a significant geographical and strategic location within the territory of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe, and it later became Saul's capital. It was known to have a Philistine garrison, highlighting the oppressive foreign presence that underscored Israel's desire for a king. The presence of a "company of prophets" there suggests it was also a recognized center for prophetic activity and communal worship.
What was a "company of prophets" and what did they do?
Answer: A "company of prophets" (Hebrew: חֶבֶל נְבִיאִים, chevel nevi'im) refers to a group, band, or community of prophets who often lived and worshipped together. These were likely "schools of prophets" or prophetic guilds, possibly associated with Samuel, dedicated to spiritual training, communal worship, and seeking divine inspiration. As described in 1 Samuel 10:5, they frequently engaged in ecstatic worship, often accompanied by musical instruments like harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, as they prophesied. Their activities involved speaking under divine inspiration, often in fervent praise or declarations of God's truth and greatness, rather than exclusively foretelling future events.
What did it mean for Saul to "prophesy" in this context? Was he foretelling the future?
Answer: When Saul "prophesied" (Hebrew: וַיִּתְנַבֵּא, wayyitnabbē') among the prophets, it primarily meant he was speaking or behaving under direct divine inspiration, caught up in an ecstatic spiritual experience. While prophecy can certainly include foretelling the future, in this specific context, it more likely refers to inspired utterances of praise, worship, or spontaneous declarations of God's truth, akin to the communal, Spirit-filled expressions of the prophetic company. It was an entirely uncharacteristic act for Saul, a public and undeniable manifestation of the Spirit's power upon him, serving to confirm his divine anointing and profound transformation, as precisely foretold by Samuel in 1 Samuel 10:6.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of Saul by the Spirit of God in 1 Samuel 10:10 serves as a profound and multifaceted foreshadowing of Christ and the New Covenant. Saul, chosen and empowered by the Spirit to be Israel's first earthly king, prefigures Jesus, the ultimate and eternal King of Israel and the world, who was supremely anointed by the Holy Spirit without measure. Just as the Spirit "came upon" Saul to equip him for his temporary earthly reign, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism (Matthew 3:16) to empower Him for His eternal messianic ministry, establishing His spiritual kingdom and fulfilling the prophecy in Luke 4:18. Furthermore, Saul's experience of the Spirit's temporary, task-specific empowerment points forward to the glorious New Covenant promise where the Spirit is poured out on all believers, permanently indwelling them (John 14:16-17), enabling them for service and transforming them into new creations. Saul's anointing by the Spirit for kingship is thus a significant glimpse of the greater anointing of the Messiah and the universal outpouring of the Spirit that inaugurates the church on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), the body of Christ, empowered to prophesy and bear witness to God's truth in the world (Acts 1:8).