Saul’s sudden prophetic behavior underscores how God’s Spirit chooses and empowers individuals in surprising ways that defy social expectations.
And a man there said, “Now, who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (v.12). These words take place shortly after Saul, who would become the first king of Israel around 1050-1010 BC, encountered a group of prophets and began prophesying alongside them. His unexpected behavior so astonished those who witnessed it that they questioned the origin of these prophetic gifts. In the ancient Near East, prophesying was typically reserved for men recognized and trained for that role. Saul’s sudden ability to prophesy led others to ask, in essence, “Who is the father or source of these prophets?” Peer groups of prophets often descended from schools or lineages, making Saul’s spontaneous inclusion seem extraordinary. This location is presumably near the region of Gibeah, Saul’s hometown, in the tribal territory of Benjamin, which lies a few miles north of Jerusalem. The question, “Now, who is their father?” underscores how greatly Saul’s transformation came as a surprise.
Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (v.12). This phrase indicates that an unexpected turn of events was woven into the cultural memory. In Israel’s history, a proverbial saying emerged whenever something shocking or unprecedented happened. Here, it implies that Saul’s transformation from a humble farmer’s son (1 Samuel 9:21) into someone who prophesies highlights the transformative power of God’s Spirit. It foreshadows the biblical theme that God can anoint anyone He chooses, sometimes surprising the onlookers or even the individuals themselves (John 15:16). Saul’s sudden prophetic ability also points to the ways God might work among His people in unanticipated ways, looking forward ultimately to the outpouring of the Spirit promised in the New Testament (Acts 2:17).
The question, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (v.12) not only reveals that the people were taken aback, but it also sets the foundation for Saul’s kingship by showing the divine commissioning behind his leadership. For an Israelite witnessing this prophetic sign, it demonstrated that Saul’s appointment was not just political but also spiritual. It is a humbling reminder that God’s calling can rest on those society least expects. Though Saul begins his reign as God’s chosen leader, his later struggles continue the biblical theme of dependence on the Lord’s guidance. As the first king (reigning from around 1050 to 1010 BC), his anointing and commissioning set the stage for Israel’s monarchy, leading ultimately to the rise of David and, further down the lineage, to Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:1).
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1 Samuel 10:12 meaning
And a man there said, “Now, who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (v.12). These words take place shortly after Saul, who would become the first king of Israel around 1050-1010 BC, encountered a group of prophets and began prophesying alongside them. His unexpected behavior so astonished those who witnessed it that they questioned the origin of these prophetic gifts. In the ancient Near East, prophesying was typically reserved for men recognized and trained for that role. Saul’s sudden ability to prophesy led others to ask, in essence, “Who is the father or source of these prophets?” Peer groups of prophets often descended from schools or lineages, making Saul’s spontaneous inclusion seem extraordinary. This location is presumably near the region of Gibeah, Saul’s hometown, in the tribal territory of Benjamin, which lies a few miles north of Jerusalem. The question, “Now, who is their father?” underscores how greatly Saul’s transformation came as a surprise.
Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (v.12). This phrase indicates that an unexpected turn of events was woven into the cultural memory. In Israel’s history, a proverbial saying emerged whenever something shocking or unprecedented happened. Here, it implies that Saul’s transformation from a humble farmer’s son (1 Samuel 9:21) into someone who prophesies highlights the transformative power of God’s Spirit. It foreshadows the biblical theme that God can anoint anyone He chooses, sometimes surprising the onlookers or even the individuals themselves (John 15:16). Saul’s sudden prophetic ability also points to the ways God might work among His people in unanticipated ways, looking forward ultimately to the outpouring of the Spirit promised in the New Testament (Acts 2:17).
The question, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (v.12) not only reveals that the people were taken aback, but it also sets the foundation for Saul’s kingship by showing the divine commissioning behind his leadership. For an Israelite witnessing this prophetic sign, it demonstrated that Saul’s appointment was not just political but also spiritual. It is a humbling reminder that God’s calling can rest on those society least expects. Though Saul begins his reign as God’s chosen leader, his later struggles continue the biblical theme of dependence on the Lord’s guidance. As the first king (reigning from around 1050 to 1010 BC), his anointing and commissioning set the stage for Israel’s monarchy, leading ultimately to the rise of David and, further down the lineage, to Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:1).