1 Samuel 10:9

ยถ 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.

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}.

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.

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

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

1 Samuel 10:9 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Saul, immediately following his private anointing as king by the prophet Samuel. This verse highlights divine intervention and confirmation of Saul's new role.

Context

Prior to this verse, Samuel had anointed Saul with oil, designating him as Israel's first king, as commanded by God (1 Samuel 10:1). Samuel then provided Saul with three specific prophetic signs that would confirm God's hand upon him and validate his calling (1 Samuel 10:2-7). The departure from Samuel signifies the beginning of Saul's journey to embrace his destiny and the fulfillment of these prophecies.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment for Leadership: The phrase "God gave him another heart" is central. This doesn't necessarily imply a moral transformation in the sense of spiritual regeneration (as understood in the New Testament, like Ezekiel 36:26), but rather a divine enablement or a change in disposition and capacity specifically for the kingly office. God equipped Saul with the necessary wisdom, courage, and discernment to lead Israel. This was a supernatural preparation for the immense responsibilities ahead, evidenced by the Spirit of the Lord coming mightily upon him.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The immediate coming to pass of "all those signs" served as undeniable proof that Samuel's words were from God and that Saul's anointing was legitimate. This rapid fulfillment would have bolstered Saul's confidence and confirmed his divine appointment to anyone who witnessed or heard of these events. It underscored God's active involvement in establishing the monarchy.
  • God's Initiative: The verse emphasizes that it was God who "gave him another heart." This highlights God's sovereignty in choosing and preparing leaders, even those who may later falter. It shows that Saul's initial qualification for kingship came directly from divine endowment, not from his own inherent abilities or desires.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase translated as "another heart" (ืœึตื‘ ืึฒื—ึตืจ, lev acher) literally means "another heart." In this context, "heart" (lev) often refers to the inner self, encompassing intellect, will, and emotions. Thus, "another heart" signifies a fundamental change in Saul's inner disposition or mental framework, aligning him with the demands of his new position. It was a heart suitable for kingship, empowered by God's Spirit, allowing him to function effectively in his new role.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today:

  • God Equips Whom He Calls: Just as God supernaturally equipped Saul for leadership, He provides the necessary gifts, wisdom, and strength for those He calls to specific tasks or ministries (Philippians 4:13). Our perceived inadequacies are often met by His divine enablement.
  • Confirmation Through Fulfillment: God often confirms His will through observable signs, circumstances, or the fulfillment of His Word. While not always as dramatic as Saul's experience, believers can look for God's clear leading and confirmation in their lives.
  • Responsibility with Empowerment: Saul was given a new heart and divine signs, yet his later disobedience led to his downfall. This reminds us that divine empowerment comes with the responsibility to obey and remain faithful to God's commands (1 Samuel 15:22). God's gifts are given for His purposes, requiring our faithful stewardship.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 38:7 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Judges 6:40 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.