1 Samuel 10:9

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so, that when he had turned {H6437} his back {H7926} to go {H3212} from Samuel {H8050}, God {H430} gave {H2015} him another {H312} heart {H3820}: and all those signs {H226} came {H935} to pass that day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As it happened, as soon as he had turned his back to leave Sh'mu'el, God gave him another heart; and all those signs took place that day.

Berean Standard Bible

As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all the signs came to pass that day.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse describes the immediate divine empowerment of Saul following his private anointing by Samuel as Israel's first king. It highlights a profound internal transformation, where God divinely equipped Saul with a new disposition suitable for leadership, and simultaneously confirms his calling through the instantaneous fulfillment of all the prophetic signs Samuel had given him, underscoring God's active hand in establishing the monarchy and validating His chosen leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The preceding narrative (1 Samuel 9-10) meticulously details Saul's unexpected encounter with Samuel, his private anointing as "prince" (Hebrew: _nagid_) over God's inheritance, and the specific prophetic signs Samuel gives him to confirm this divine appointment (1 Samuel 10:1-8). These signs include meeting men at Rachel's tomb, encountering three men going to Bethel, and joining a band of prophets. Verse 9 marks the pivotal moment where these prophecies begin to unfold immediately upon Saul's departure from Samuel, signifying God's direct and swift involvement in his inauguration. The subsequent events, particularly Saul's encounter with the prophets and his prophesying (1 Samuel 10:10-13), directly fulfill one of these signs and further demonstrate the "new heart" or divine empowerment mentioned in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel was undergoing a monumental transition from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a centralized monarchy, a significant shift requested by the people (1 Samuel 8:4-5) but viewed by God as a rejection of His direct rule (1 Samuel 8:7). This era was characterized by persistent Philistine oppression (1 Samuel 9:16), necessitating strong, unified leadership. Kingship in the ancient Near East often involved divine legitimation and endowment, and Saul's experience aligns with this pattern, though uniquely within the covenantal framework of Israel. The "heart" (Hebrew: _lev_) in ancient Hebrew thought was considered the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, not merely affection. Therefore, a "new heart" implies a fundamental change in Saul's capacity for leadership, a divine reorientation of his inner being for the demands of kingship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative** in establishing leadership, as God actively chooses and equips Saul for a role he did not seek. It emphasizes **Divine Empowerment for Service**, showing that God provides the necessary disposition and abilities for those He calls, as seen in the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him (1 Samuel 10:6). Furthermore, the immediate fulfillment of "all those signs" underscores the theme of **Divine Confirmation and Validation**, providing undeniable proof of God's hand in Saul's anointing and the legitimacy of Samuel's prophetic word. This sets the stage for the immense challenges of kingship and the ongoing tension between human choice and divine will throughout Saul's reign, foreshadowing the critical importance of obedience as seen later in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lev'_):** In biblical Hebrew, "lev" (לֵב) refers to the innermost being, encompassing intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It is the seat of thought and decision-making. In this context, "another heart" does not primarily denote a moral or spiritual regeneration (as in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), but rather a divine reorientation or endowment of Saul's inner capacity, making him suitable for the demands of kingship. It signifies a change in disposition and capability for leadership, preparing him for the Spirit of the Lord.
* **Signs (Hebrew, _'otot'_):** The Hebrew word "otot" (אוֹתֹת) refers to miraculous signs, tokens, or proofs that serve to confirm a divine message or action. Samuel had given Saul three specific "signs" (1 Samuel 10:2-7) that would validate his anointing and assure him of God's presence and purpose. Their immediate fulfillment here serves as undeniable, tangible evidence of God's active involvement and the truthfulness of Samuel's prophecy, confirming Saul's divine appointment to himself and to others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel":** This clause establishes the immediate temporal setting for the divine intervention. The moment Saul physically departs from Samuel's presence, signifying the end of the prophetic instruction and the beginning of his journey as king-elect, God's action commences. It emphasizes the direct and swift nature of God's response to Samuel's anointing, indicating that the transformation was not a gradual process but an immediate divine work.
* **"God gave him another heart":** This is the central theological statement of the verse. It signifies a profound, divinely initiated internal transformation in Saul. This "new heart" (לֵב אֲחֵר, _lev acher_) is not necessarily a moral change for salvation, but rather a dispositional and intellectual empowerment specifically for the kingly office. It equipped Saul with the necessary courage, discernment, and capacity to lead Israel, aligning his inner being with the immense responsibilities of his new role, preparing him for the Spirit of the Lord to come mightily upon him (1 Samuel 10:6).
* **"and all those signs came to pass that day":** This final clause provides the external, observable confirmation of God's work in Saul. The three specific prophetic signs Samuel had given Saul (1 Samuel 10:2-7) were fulfilled precisely as foretold, and on the very same day. This immediate and complete fulfillment served as irrefutable validation of Saul's divine appointment and the authenticity of Samuel's prophetic word, bolstering Saul's confidence and demonstrating God's active hand to any who might witness or hear of these events.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** by hinting at the future transformation and divine empowerment of Saul, which will be further demonstrated when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him (1 Samuel 10:10). **Divine Intervention** is a prominent theme, as God is explicitly stated as the active agent ("God gave him another heart"), emphasizing His sovereignty in the establishment of the monarchy. The immediate and complete fulfillment of the signs serves as **Confirmation** and **Validation**, reinforcing the authority of Samuel's prophecy and the legitimacy of Saul's anointing. The phrase "another heart" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "heart" represents the entirety of Saul's inner being and his capacity for leadership, rather than merely the physical organ, signifying a holistic reorientation for his new role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's sovereign initiative in calling and equipping individuals for specific purposes, even before they fully comprehend or embrace their roles. The "new heart" signifies a divine enablement, demonstrating that God provides the necessary internal disposition and external confirmation for the tasks He appoints. It highlights that God's chosen leaders are not left to their own devices but are supernaturally prepared for their responsibilities. This divine empowerment, however, comes with the implicit expectation of obedience and faithfulness, a theme that will become tragically prominent in Saul's later reign, reminding us that divine gifts require faithful stewardship.

* [Exodus 4:12](/exodus/4-12 "God Equips Moses")
* [Isaiah 6:7](/isaiah/6-7 "Isaiah's Cleansing and Commission")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "God Works in You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Saul receiving "another heart" and witnessing the immediate fulfillment of prophetic signs offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, not only calling us to serve but also supernaturally equipping us for the tasks He sets before us. When we feel inadequate or overwhelmed by the responsibilities God places on our shoulders, this verse assures us that His enablement is greater than our perceived limitations. Just as Saul was transformed for kingship, we are transformed by the Holy Spirit for Christ-like living and service. We are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide the necessary wisdom, strength, and discernment. Furthermore, God often provides confirmations and opens doors, not always through dramatic signs, but through circumstances, the counsel of wise believers, or the clear leading of His Word, reinforcing His guidance in our lives. This divine empowerment, however, also carries a weighty responsibility: to steward God's gifts faithfully and to walk in obedience to His commands, remembering that true success in God's eyes is measured by faithfulness, not merely by initial endowment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel God is calling you to step into a new role or responsibility?**
* **How does the concept of God giving Saul "another heart" encourage you about God's ability to equip you beyond your natural capabilities?**
* **What "signs" or confirmations has God provided in your life that affirm His leading or calling?**
* **How can you ensure that divine empowerment leads to greater faithfulness and not to presumption or disobedience?**

### FAQ
**Does "God gave him another heart" mean Saul was regenerated or born again?**

Answer: No, in this Old Testament context, "God gave him another heart" (לֵב אֲחֵר, _lev acher_) does not imply spiritual regeneration or being "born again" in the New Testament sense, as described in passages like [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - You Must Be Born Again") or [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Instead, it refers to a divine endowment or a change in Saul's disposition, intellect, and capacity specifically for the kingly office. God supernaturally equipped him with the necessary mental and emotional framework to lead Israel, preparing him for the Spirit of the Lord to come upon him (1 Samuel 10:6). It was a functional transformation for a specific role, not a saving transformation of his moral nature. Saul's later disobedience and rejection by God (1 Samuel 15:23) confirm that this "new heart" was not equivalent to a permanent, saving change of heart.

**What were "all those signs" that came to pass?**

Answer: The "signs" refer to the three specific prophetic events that Samuel foretold to Saul immediately after anointing him (1 Samuel 10:2-7). These included:
* Meeting two men near Rachel's tomb who would tell him his father's donkeys were found.
* Meeting three men going up to Bethel, one carrying three young goats, another three loaves of bread, and another a skin of wine, who would greet him and give him two loaves of bread.
* Meeting a band of prophets coming down from the high place with musical instruments, and the Spirit of the Lord would rush upon him, causing him to prophesy with them and be "changed into another man."
The verse confirms that all these specific, detailed predictions came to pass on that very day, providing undeniable evidence of God's hand in Saul's anointing and the authenticity of Samuel's prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Saul's "new heart" was a temporary, functional empowerment for kingship, foreshadowing the need for divine enablement in leadership, it ultimately points to the radical and permanent heart transformation offered through Jesus Christ. Saul's anointing by Samuel, though divinely initiated, was for a flawed human king who would eventually fail due to disobedience. In contrast, Jesus is the true and eternal King, anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit without measure (John 3:34). He is the one who truly gives a "new heart"—a spiritual regeneration that transforms the very core of our being, enabling us to obey God's laws and walk in His ways (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The signs that confirmed Saul's anointing pale in comparison to the countless miracles and the ultimate resurrection of Christ, which serve as the irrefutable signs of His divine Sonship and His ultimate authority as King of kings and Lord of lords (Romans 1:4). Unlike Saul, whose "new heart" was for a specific task and did not prevent his spiritual decline, Christ offers a complete spiritual renewal that empowers believers for a life of righteousness and eternal fellowship with God, fulfilling the deepest longings for a transformed heart that Saul's experience only hinted at (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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.

Cross-References

Isaiah 38:7

And this [shall be] a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;

Isaiah 38:8

Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.

Judges 6:36

And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

Judges 6:40

And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

1 Samuel 10:2

When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

1 Samuel 10:6

And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

Judges 6:21

Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that [was] in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.