Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking part here is being "turned into another man" – it's not just about receiving God's Spirit, but a profound, immediate transformation of personality and character, marking a complete break from Saul's former self. This radical change underscores that God's power doesn't just equip us; it redefines who we are at our core.
Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Samuel has just anointed Saul as king, a moment of great significance for Israel. This prophecy from Samuel explains how Saul will be uniquely empowered by God's Spirit, not just to rule, but to act and behave differently, marked by prophetic signs that will convince others of his calling. Immediately after this, Saul will experience these very things, showing God's confirmation of his new role.
Have you ever felt a sudden, overwhelming surge of energy or purpose? God's Spirit doesn't just gently nudge; sometimes, He crashes in with transformative power.
The phrase 'rush upon you' (or 'come upon you' in some translations) describes a powerful, unmistakable divine intervention. This wasn't a quiet moment for Saul; it was a dynamic encounter. The Spirit's coming wasn't just to give him a new skill, but to fundamentally change his state of being, preparing him for the immense responsibility of kingship. This divine enablement is key – it’s God initiating the change, equipping the chosen.
This moment shows us:
What does it mean to 'prophesy,' and how does it connect to becoming 'another man'? This isn't just about foretelling the future; it's about embodying a new reality.
The prophesying here signifies more than just speaking God's words; it represents a public declaration and demonstration of God's power and presence through Saul. It's a sign that the Spirit has truly taken hold. This act of prophecy is directly linked to Saul being 'turned into another man.' This change wasn't superficial; it was a deep-seated transformation of character, capability, and identity. He was no longer just Saul the shepherd boy, but Saul, chosen and empowered by God to lead.
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Understand the original words
ruach YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the active agent of God’s power, presence, and revelation in the world, often described as 'rushing' upon individuals in the Old Testament to empower them for specific tasks or prophetic speech.
naba · Hebrew Verb
To speak under divine inspiration; in the Old Testament, it involved declaring God's message or, as seen here, manifesting signs of God's presence and spirit-empowered ecstasy.
Saul's anointing and the outpouring of the Spirit were not just personal events, but divine acts legitimizing Israel's first king and empowering him for the immense task ahead. This supernatural intervention was crucial in a time when Israel was transitioning from judges to monarchy.
c. 1070 BC
Israel Demands a King
The Israelites, influenced by surrounding nations, clamor for a king to lead them, despite God's earlier provision through judges. This marks a significant shift in their governance and national identity.
c. 1070 BC
Samuel Anoints Saul
Prophet Samuel, guided by God, secretly anoints Saul, son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, as the first king of Israel. This act sets the stage for Saul's future leadership.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Receives Signs
Samuel gives Saul three signs to confirm his calling: the finding of lost donkeys, meeting two men who reveal his destiny, and encountering a prophetic band.
c. 1070 BC— this verse
The Spirit Rushes Upon Saul
As foretold, the Spirit of the Lord powerfully comes upon Saul, enabling him to prophesy. This divine empowerment transforms him, preparing him for kingship.
c. 1070 BC
Saul's Return Home
Saul returns to his village, but the transformative encounter with God's Spirit is not immediately understood or revealed by everyone around him.
c. 1069 BC
Saul's First Military Victory
Saul rallies Israel and achieves a decisive victory over the Ammonites at Jabesh Gilead, proving his leadership and solidifying his position as king.
This passage also describes the Spirit of the Lord powerfully empowering Samson, leading him to perform incredible feats, mirroring the transformative nature of God's Spirit rushing upon someone.
Ezekiel 36:26This prophecy speaks of God giving a new spirit and a new heart, which directly relates to the 'turned into another man' aspect of 1 Samuel 10:6, showing a divine transformation from within.
1 Samuel 16:13-14Here, the Spirit of the Lord comes mightily upon David after he is anointed, confirming that this divine empowerment and change of character is a pattern for God's chosen leaders.
John 3:8Jesus uses the analogy of the wind to describe the Spirit's sovereign and mysterious work, which echoes the sudden and powerful 'rushing' of the Spirit described in this verse.
The most striking part here is being "turned into another man" – it's not just about receiving God's Spirit, but a profound, immediate transformation of personality and character, marking a complete break from Saul's former self. This radical change underscores that God's power doesn't just equip us; it redefines who we are at our core.
Samuel has just anointed Saul as king, a moment of great significance for Israel. This prophecy from Samuel explains how Saul will be uniquely empowered by God's Spirit, not just to rule, but to act and behave differently, marked by prophetic signs that will convince others of his calling. Immediately after this, Saul will experience these very things, showing God's confirmation of his new role.
Samuel has just anointed Saul as king, a moment of great significance for Israel. This prophecy from Samuel explains how Saul will be uniquely empowered by God's Spirit, not just to rule, but to act and behave differently, marked by prophetic signs that will convince others of his calling. Immediately after this, Saul will experience these very things, showing God's confirmation of his new role.
"Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man." — The most striking part here is being "turned into another man" – it's not just about receiving God's Spirit, but a profound, immediate transformation of personality and character, marking a complete…
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Last reviewed October 2026