1 Samuel 10:11
And when all who knew him previously saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, “What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Notice how the onlookers' question isn't just "Is Saul a prophet?" but "Is Saul also among the prophets?" This subtle shift reveals their shock that someone they knew as ordinary, even perhaps unremarkable, could be operating in such an extraordinary, Spirit-filled way, highlighting how God's calling can catch everyone by surprise. It’s not about whether prophecy is good, but that this specific person is involved, flipping their expectations entirely.
Saul, unexpectedly chosen by God to be Israel's first king, is undergoing his initial public unveiling. After Samuel anoints him, God gives him signs to confirm his calling. This particular sign involves Saul being overcome by the Spirit and prophesying amongst a group of prophets, a behavior so out of character that it shocks everyone who knows him.
Sometimes God's work in someone's life is so dramatic, it leaves onlookers completely baffled. Saul's transformation wasn't just a mood swing; it was a divine encounter.
The Holy Spirit can dramatically alter a person's behavior and abilities in ways that are startling to those who know them. Before this moment, Saul was known as a humble, perhaps even ordinary, young man from a respectable family.
But when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, he began to prophesy. This wasn't just speaking in tongues; it was likely inspired utterance, perhaps singing, playing music, or speaking words of prophetic insight, aligning with the other prophets present.
This sudden, public demonstration of divine empowerment caught everyone off guard. It demonstrated that God's calling isn't limited by our previous understanding of someone. It shows that God can take anyone and equip them for His purposes in surprising ways.
The people's stunned question reveals a deep human tendency: we box people into categories based on who we think they are. God, however, sees who they can be.
Saul was chosen by God to be Israel's first king. This event, where he prophesied, was a pivotal sign confirming his divine appointment.
His previous identity was that of a young man from the most insignificant tribe of Israel, from the smallest clan and the least of families. Yet, God chose him. The people's reaction, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?', underscores the sheer unexpectedness of this calling.
It challenges our limited perspectives. God isn't constrained by our social status, our past deeds, or our perceived abilities. He calls and anoints whomever He wills to fulfill His purposes. Saul's story here is a powerful reminder that God's choices often go against human expectations.
Understand the original words
naba' · Hebrew Verb
To declare or speak under divine inspiration; it involves communicating a message from God to people, often concerning present or future events, or calling for repentance.
nabi' · Hebrew Noun
Individuals chosen and empowered by God to communicate His will, warn the people, or reveal hidden truths; they serve as mediators between God and humanity.
Saul's initial prophetic experience, which should have signaled God's favor and empowerment, was met with confusion and ridicule by his own community. This highlights the tension between God's choice and human perception, and sets the stage for Saul's struggles with doubt and leadership.
c. 1070 BC
Eli's Death and Philistine Dominance
The period of the Judges ends with the death of Eli and the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines, signaling a low point for Israelite leadership and spiritual standing.
c. 1040 BC
Samuel's Ministry as Judge
Samuel, the last of the major judges, faithfully leads Israel, establishing a prophetic school and itinerating to maintain justice, but the people clamor for a king.
c. 1040 BC
Anointing of Saul
God directs Samuel to anoint Saul of Benjamin as Israel's first king, marking a significant political shift from tribal confederation to monarchy.
c. 1040 BC— this verse
Saul's First Encounter with Prophecy
After his anointing, Saul encounters a band of prophets descending from a high place, accompanied by music, and the Spirit of God comes upon him, causing him to prophesy.
This passage shows Saul's prophetic spirit reappearing, but this time in a different context, illustrating how God's Spirit can move in unexpected ways and how Saul's relationship with it was complex.
1 Samuel 11:6This verse describes the Spirit of God coming powerfully upon Saul when he heard about the distress of Jabesh-gilead, showing another instance where the Spirit dramatically impacted him, similar to the prophetic utterances.
1 Samuel 16:14Here, an evil spirit from the Lord troubles Saul, highlighting the contrast and the severe spiritual distress that came upon him when God's presence or Spirit was withdrawn or replaced.
John 3:8Jesus uses the metaphor of the wind to describe the work of the Spirit, which is unseen but powerful, and its effects are visible, just as Saul's prophesying was a visible manifestation of a spiritual reality others questioned.
Notice how the onlookers' question isn't just "Is Saul a prophet?" but "Is Saul also among the prophets?" This subtle shift reveals their shock that someone they knew as ordinary, even perhaps unremarkable, could be operating in such an extraordinary, Spirit-filled way, highlighting how God's calling can catch everyone by surprise. It’s not about whether prophecy is good, but that this specific person is involved, flipping their expectations entirely.
Saul, unexpectedly chosen by God to be Israel's first king, is undergoing his initial public unveiling. After Samuel anoints him, God gives him signs to confirm his calling. This particular sign involves Saul being overcome by the Spirit and prophesying amongst a group of prophets, a behavior so out of character that it shocks everyone who knows him.
Saul, unexpectedly chosen by God to be Israel's first king, is undergoing his initial public unveiling. After Samuel anoints him, God gives him signs to confirm his calling. This particular sign involves Saul being overcome by the Spirit and prophesying amongst a group of prophets, a behavior so out of character that it shocks everyone who knows him.
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c. 1040 BC
Saul's Return Home and Humiliation
Saul's prophetic episode is widely witnessed, leading to widespread astonishment and mockery within his community, questioning his fitness for leadership.
c. 1030 BC
Saul's Military Victories
Saul eventually rallies Israel and achieves significant military victories, notably against the Ammonites, solidifying his kingship and beginning to deliver Israel from oppression.
"And when all who knew him previously saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, “What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”" — Notice how the onlookers' question isn't just "Is Saul a prophet?" but "Is Saul also among the prophets?" This subtle shift reveals their shock that someone they knew as ordinary, even perhaps unre…
