This verse encapsulates the surprise and wonder of God’s transformation in a person’s life.
When the text says, “It came about, when all who knew him previously saw that he prophesied now with the prophets, that the people said to one another, ‘What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?’” (1 Samuel 10:11), the onlookers are reacting with surprise at Saul’s sudden capacity to prophesy alongside seasoned prophets. This moment suggests a divine intervention that empowers Saul beyond his earlier standing as a mere farmer’s son. Geographically, this scene takes place near the hub of Israel’s tribal territories, where prophets would gather, likely close to Saul’s home in Gibeah, which is situated a few miles north of Jerusalem in the hill country of Benjamin. Observers who knew Saul before—possibly neighbors and acquaintances—witness an extraordinary spiritual change, underscoring that God’s hand is at work in ways they had not anticipated.
The reference “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 10:11) highlights the community’s disbelief that this man—known as “the son of Kish”—could join the ranks of individuals who speak God’s message. Saul historically lived during the 11th century BC and was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be Israel’s first king. He began his reign around 1050 BC and served until about 1010 BC. This dramatic change hints at God’s selection and equipping of Saul for leadership. The immediate transformation foreshadows how the Lord can raise up unlikely people to fulfill His purposes, a concept echoed in the New Testament when Jesus calls unassuming disciples (Matthew 4:19) and empowers them beyond cultural expectations.
Furthermore, Saul’s experience parallels other biblical accounts where God’s Spirit descends powerfully on an individual, such as when the Spirit filled the apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). The public’s astonishment at Saul’s prophesying displays the Lord’s authority in overturning human assumptions regarding who can serve as a spokesperson for God. It also underscores that genuine spiritual empowerment often baffles bystanders because it is not bound by our limited perceptions. This moment in Saul’s life anticipates how God continues to work through people who might initially seem unfit for extraordinary tasks.
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1 Samuel 10:11 meaning
When the text says, “It came about, when all who knew him previously saw that he prophesied now with the prophets, that the people said to one another, ‘What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?’” (1 Samuel 10:11), the onlookers are reacting with surprise at Saul’s sudden capacity to prophesy alongside seasoned prophets. This moment suggests a divine intervention that empowers Saul beyond his earlier standing as a mere farmer’s son. Geographically, this scene takes place near the hub of Israel’s tribal territories, where prophets would gather, likely close to Saul’s home in Gibeah, which is situated a few miles north of Jerusalem in the hill country of Benjamin. Observers who knew Saul before—possibly neighbors and acquaintances—witness an extraordinary spiritual change, underscoring that God’s hand is at work in ways they had not anticipated.
The reference “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 10:11) highlights the community’s disbelief that this man—known as “the son of Kish”—could join the ranks of individuals who speak God’s message. Saul historically lived during the 11th century BC and was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be Israel’s first king. He began his reign around 1050 BC and served until about 1010 BC. This dramatic change hints at God’s selection and equipping of Saul for leadership. The immediate transformation foreshadows how the Lord can raise up unlikely people to fulfill His purposes, a concept echoed in the New Testament when Jesus calls unassuming disciples (Matthew 4:19) and empowers them beyond cultural expectations.
Furthermore, Saul’s experience parallels other biblical accounts where God’s Spirit descends powerfully on an individual, such as when the Spirit filled the apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). The public’s astonishment at Saul’s prophesying displays the Lord’s authority in overturning human assumptions regarding who can serve as a spokesperson for God. It also underscores that genuine spiritual empowerment often baffles bystanders because it is not bound by our limited perceptions. This moment in Saul’s life anticipates how God continues to work through people who might initially seem unfit for extraordinary tasks.