What was the "hill of God" mentioned in this verse?

The "hill of God" (Hebrew: *Gibeath-Elohim*) is generally identified with Gibeah of Benjamin, Saul's hometown, or a prominent high place in its vicinity. It was likely a site with religious significance, possibly a high place where God was worshipped or where prophetic activity frequently occurred. Its mention here signifies a specific, recognizable location for Saul's encounter. The fact that it was also the site of a Philistine garrison underscores the tension and divine sovereignty in the narrative.

What was a "company of prophets" and what was their purpose?

A "company of prophets" (Hebrew: *chevel nevi'im*) refers to an organized group or "school" of prophets, indicating a communal aspect to prophetic activity in ancient Israel. These groups often lived together, studied, and engaged in communal worship and spiritual exercises. Their purpose was to foster an environment conducive to prophetic inspiration, to train and mentor aspiring prophets, and to collectively engage in spiritual practices that prepared them for receiving and delivering divine messages. Their presence here signifies a legitimate and recognized spiritual phenomenon in Israel at the time, providing a credible context for Saul's spiritual transformation. Such groups are also seen later in the ministries of Elijah and Elisha, for example, in 2 Kings 2:3.

Why were musical instruments used by the prophets?

Musical instruments such as the psaltery, tabret, pipe, and harp were commonly used in ancient Israelite worship and prophetic contexts. Music was believed to have the power to quiet the soul, focus the mind, and create an atmosphere of spiritual receptivity, making individuals more open to divine inspiration. It could help induce a state of ecstasy or heightened spiritual awareness, which was often associated with prophetic utterance. For instance, the prophet Elisha requested a musician to play before he prophesied in 2 Kings 3:15. Thus, the music served as a catalyst, preparing the prophets' hearts and minds to receive and express the word of the Lord.

Why was there a Philistine garrison at the "hill of God"?

The presence of a Philistine garrison at the "hill of God" (Gibeah) highlights the political reality of Israel's subjugation under Philistine rule during this period. The Philistines maintained military outposts (*netziv*) in strategic locations throughout Israel to assert their control, collect tribute, and prevent the Israelites from arming themselves, as detailed in 1 Samuel 13:19-22. The juxtaposition of this oppressive military presence with a profound spiritual manifestation underscores God's sovereignty. It demonstrates that God's power and plans are not limited by human adversaries or political circumstances; He can manifest His presence and accomplish His purposes even in territories under enemy occupation.

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1 Samuel 10:5

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Bible Versions

After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where [is] the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

After {H310} that thou shalt come {H935} to the hill {H1389} of God {H430}, where is the garrison {H5333} of the Philistines {H6430}: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither {H935} to the city {H5892}, that thou shalt meet {H6293} a company {H2256} of prophets {H5030} coming down {H3381} from the high place {H1116} with a psaltery {H5035}, and a tabret {H8596}, and a pipe {H2485}, and a harp {H3658}, before {H6440} them; and they shall prophesy {H5012}:

After that, you will come to Giv'ah of God, where the P'lishtim are garrisoned. On arrival at the city there, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by lutes, tambourines, flutes and lyres; and they will be prophesying.

After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.

After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a timbrel, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they will be prophesying:

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

2 Kings 3:15

But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.
1 Samuel 19:20

And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing [as] appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.
1 Samuel 13:3

And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that [was] in Geba, and the Philistines heard [of it]. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
2 Kings 2:3

And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.
1 Chronicles 25:1

¶ Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
1 Chronicles 25:6

All these [were] under the hands of their father for song [in] the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.
2 Kings 2:5

And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.

Bible Versions

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