“And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?”
1 Samuel 10:12 is part of the narrative where Saul, the first king of Israel, is anointed and confirmed by God through the prophet Samuel. Let’s explore the context and key themes of this verse.
Historical Context:In the preceding verses, Samuel had been instructed by God to anoint Saul as king over Israel. After anointing him privately, Samuel revealed God’s choice publicly, and Saul was acclaimed by the people of Israel. However, there were some who questioned Saul’s suitability for kingship, which leads to the events of verse 12.
Saul’s Prophetic Experience:In this verse, a group of people, presumably from Saul’s hometown, expressed skepticism about Saul’s ability to prophesy. They asked, “But who is their father?” This question implies doubt regarding Saul’s prophetic authority, as they were not aware of Saul being associated with prophets or having a prophetic lineage. The response of the people became a proverbial saying, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Significance of the Proverb:The proverb “Is Saul also among the prophets?” was a way of expressing surprise or disbelief. Saul, who was known primarily as a military leader and not as a prophet, seemed an unlikely candidate for prophetic experiences. The saying likely originated from this incident and became a common expression among the people of Israel to signify an unexpected turn of events or a surprising outcome.
God’s Purpose and Confirmation:This verse highlights God’s sovereign choice and ability to work through unexpected individuals. By granting Saul a prophetic experience, God affirmed his selection of Saul as king and demonstrated His power to use Saul for His purposes, even beyond his military prowess.
Application:The story of Saul and the proverb derived from this verse reminds us not to underestimate God’s ability to use and work through ordinary individuals for His plans. God often chooses people who may not fit the traditional expectations or societal norms to accomplish His purposes. It serves as a reminder that our outward appearance or qualifications may not define our capacity to be used by God. He looks at the heart and calls and equips individuals according to His divine will.
Overall, 1 Samuel 10:12 teaches us about God’s surprising choices and His ability to work through unlikely individuals. It encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and be open to His leading in our lives, even when His plans may seem unexpected or unconventional.
