1 Samuel 10:10

KJV

And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they came {H935} thither to the hill {H1389}, behold, a company {H2256} of prophets {H5030} met {H7125} him; and the Spirit {H7307} of God {H430} came {H6743} upon him, and he prophesied {H5012} among {H8432} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they arrived at the hill, and there in front of him was a group of prophets, the Spirit of God fell on him and he prophesied along with them.

Berean Standard Bible

When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them.

American Standard Version

And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came mightily upon him, and he prophesied among them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:10 marks the climactic fulfillment of the third sign given by Samuel to Saul, publicly validating his anointing as Israel's first king. As Saul arrived at "the hill" (Gibeah of God), he was 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a series of three signs Samuel gave Saul following his private anointing as king in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul"). The preceding verses detail Saul's journey from Samuel's presence, encountering two men near Rachel's tomb ([1 Samuel 10:2](/1_samuel/10-2 "1 Samuel 10:2 - First Sign: Men at Rachel's Tomb")), then three men at the plain of Tabor ([1 Samuel 10:3-4](/1_samuel/10-3 "1 Samuel 10:3-4 - Second Sign: Men at Tabor")), each interaction confirming Samuel's words. The third sign, detailed in [1 Samuel 10:5](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - Third Sign: The Hill of God"), specifically foretold Saul's arrival at Gibeah of God, his encounter with a company of prophets, and the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him, leading him to prophesy. Thus, [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul Prophesies") is the dramatic fulfillment of this final, most public, and most transformative sign, setting the stage for Saul's public presentation and selection as king in [1 Samuel 10:17-27](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17-27 - Saul Publicly Chosen as King").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** "The hill" mentioned in this verse is identified as Gibeah of God (or Gibeah of Elohim) in [1 Samuel 10:5](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - The Hill of God"), a significant location in Benjaminite territory, Saul's own tribe. This area was known to have a Philistine garrison, indicating the oppressive foreign presence that necessitated Israel's demand for a king. The "company of prophets" refers to a 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](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - The Hill of God"). Such prophetic communities served as centers of spiritual life and training, distinct from the official priesthood. For the Spirit of God to "come upon" someone was a recognized phenomenon in ancient Israel, signifying divine empowerment for specific tasks, often seen in judges (e.g., [Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Judges 3:10 - The Spirit of the Lord on Othniel")) and leaders, equipping them with supernatural ability for their God-given roles.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul Prophesies") is **Divine Empowerment and Anointing**, demonstrating that God supernaturally equips those He calls to service, providing 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 proved that God had indeed chosen and set Saul apart for kingship, serving as an undeniable sign for both Saul and those who witnessed it. Furthermore, the verse underscores **Transformation**, fulfilling Samuel's prophecy in [1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - Saul Turned Into Another Man") that Saul would be "turned into another man." This spiritual experience marked a significant shift in Saul's life, preparing him for the weighty responsibilities of leadership. Finally, it subtly reinforces **God's Unexpected Choices**, as Saul, from the smallest tribe and a humble background ([1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Humble Background")), is suddenly elevated and divinely enabled, showcasing God's sovereignty in selecting and using individuals for His purposes regardless of their perceived status.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach'_):** The term "Spirit of God" (רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים, _Ruach Elohim_) signifies the active, dynamic, and empowering presence of God. In the Old Testament, the "Spirit of the Lord" or "Spirit of God" often "comes upon" individuals to enable them for specific tasks, endowing them with strength, wisdom, or prophetic ability for a particular purpose or period. This is distinct from the New Testament concept of the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Here, it denotes a divine impartation of power and authority necessary for Saul's new role.
* **Prophesied (Hebrew, _naba'_):** The verb "prophesied" (וַיִּתְנַבֵּא, _wayyitnabbē'_) comes from the root נָבָא (_naba_), meaning "to speak under divine inspiration," "to utter," or "to behave as a prophet." In this context, it likely refers to an ecstatic utterance, possibly involving fervent praise, inspired declarations of God's greatness, or spontaneous worship, rather than necessarily foretelling future events. It indicates that Saul was caught up in a divinely inspired state, joining the existing prophets in their spiritual expressions, which was highly unusual for him.
* **Company (Hebrew, _chebel'_):** The word "company" (חֶבֶל, _chebel_) can mean a "band," "cord," or "company." In the context of "a company of prophets," it refers to a group or band of individuals who functioned together as prophets, likely living in community or gathering for worship and spiritual training. This term emphasizes the collective nature of their prophetic activity and Saul's sudden inclusion into their midst.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they came thither to the hill":** This clause establishes the setting for the third and final sign. "The hill" refers to Gibeah of God, a strategic location in Benjaminite territory. Saul's arrival at this specific place, as foretold by Samuel, underscores the precise fulfillment of prophecy and the divine orchestration of events. It marks the geographical culmination of Saul's journey and Samuel's instructions.
* **"behold, a company of prophets met him":** The phrase "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _wəhinnēh_) draws attention to the surprising and significant nature of the encounter. Saul, a man from a humble background, is met by a recognized group of spiritual figures. This meeting is not accidental but divinely arranged, serving as the immediate catalyst for the subsequent divine empowerment and a public witness to what is about to transpire.
* **"and the Spirit of God came upon him":** This is the pivotal moment of the verse. The "coming upon" of the Spirit signifies a direct, powerful, and supernatural intervention by God. It is an act of divine enablement, equipping Saul with spiritual power and authority for his new calling. This was not a permanent indwelling but a temporary empowerment for a specific purpose, demonstrating God's active involvement in his life and kingship.
* **"and he prophesied among them":** As a direct result of the Spirit's coming upon him, Saul begins to prophesy. This was an uncharacteristic act for Saul, who was not known to be a prophet. His participation in the ecstatic worship or inspired utterances of the prophetic company served as a visible and audible sign to all present, including Saul himself, that God's hand was indeed upon him. It was a public manifestation of his divine anointing and transformation, fulfilling Samuel's prophecy that he would be "turned into another man."

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Foreshadowing** is evident as this event directly fulfills Samuel's prophecy in [1 Samuel 10:5-6](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5-6 - Samuel's Prophecy to Saul"), building anticipation for Saul's future role as king. The sudden and public nature of Saul's transformation through prophecy also serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of divine anointing and empowerment, visually demonstrating God's sovereign choice and equipping. There is a subtle **Irony** in Saul, a seemingly shy and unassuming man from a small tribe, suddenly engaging in ecstatic prophetic utterance, highlighting God's ability to use unexpected individuals. The narrative also uses **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 weight of his calling. Finally, the entire scene is a clear instance of **Divine Intervention**, where God directly intervenes in Saul's life through 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](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul Prophesies") stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign election and His commitment to equip those He calls for specific tasks. Throughout the Old Testament, the "Spirit of the Lord" is depicted as the source of divine enablement, empowering individuals for leadership, judgment, and prophetic ministry. This temporary, task-specific empowerment was God's way 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 with a broader biblical pattern where God's Spirit descends upon individuals to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that true leadership is ultimately derived from and sustained by divine power, not human strength or merit. This event underscores the principle that when God calls, He also equips, transforming individuals to meet the demands of His will.

* [Numbers 11:25](/numbers/11-25 "Numbers 11:25 - The Spirit on the Seventy Elders")
* [Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Judges 3:10 - The Spirit of the Lord on Othniel")
* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Anointed One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Saul's divine empowerment in [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul Prophesies") offers profound lessons for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God is the ultimate enabler of all ministry and service. When God calls us to a task, whether great or small, He does not leave us to rely on our own strength, talents, or wisdom. Instead, He 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, suddenly prophesied. This demonstrates God's ability to use anyone, regardless of their background, perceived limitations, or natural abilities, for His glory. Therefore, we are encouraged to step out in faith when God calls, trusting that He will equip us for every good work, transforming us into the people He intends us to be, ready to fulfill His purposes in the world. Our reliance should be on His Spirit, not on our own capabilities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or service do you feel inadequate, and how might Saul's experience encourage you to trust in God's empowering Spirit?**
* **Have you ever experienced God's Spirit enabling you to do something beyond your natural abilities or comfort zone? How did that transform your perspective?**
* **How does the idea of God choosing and equipping "unexpected" individuals (like Saul) challenge your assumptions about who God can use in His kingdom?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater reliance on the Spirit's empowerment in your daily life and ministry?**

### 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 specified in [1 Samuel 10:5](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - The Hill of God"). This was a significant location in the territory of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe, and later became Saul's capital. It was known to have a Philistine garrison, highlighting the oppressive foreign presence that necessitated 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 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 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](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - The Hill of God"), they often engaged in ecstatic worship, accompanied by musical instruments like harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, as they prophesied. Their activities involved speaking under divine inspiration, often in praise or declarations of God's greatness, rather than exclusively foretelling the future.

**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 divine inspiration, caught up in an ecstatic spiritual experience. While prophecy can include foretelling the future, in this specific context, it more likely refers to inspired utterances of praise, worship, or declarations of God's truth, similar to the communal, Spirit-filled expressions of the prophetic company. It was an uncharacteristic act for Saul, a public manifestation of the Spirit's power upon him, confirming his divine anointing and transformation, as foretold by Samuel in [1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - Saul Turned Into Another Man").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of Saul by the Spirit of God in [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul Prophesies") serves as a significant foreshadowing of Christ and the New Covenant. Saul, chosen and empowered by the Spirit to be Israel's first king, prefigures Jesus, the ultimate 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](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - Jesus' Baptism"); [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Anointing for Ministry")) to empower Him for His eternal messianic ministry, establishing His spiritual kingdom. Furthermore, Saul's experience of the Spirit's temporary empowerment points forward to the New Covenant promise where the Spirit is poured out on all believers, permanently indwelling them ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Indwelling Spirit"); [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")), enabling them for service and transforming them into new creations. Saul's anointing by the Spirit for kingship is thus a glimpse of the greater anointing of the Messiah and the universal outpouring of the Spirit that inaugurates the church, the body of Christ, empowered to prophesy and bear witness to God's truth in the world ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.