“After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy.”
Context:The verse is part of the narrative where Samuel, the prophet, anoints Saul as the first king of Israel. Saul was chosen by God to rule over the Israelites. In this verse, Samuel is giving Saul specific instructions about what will happen after he leaves Samuel’s presence.
The Hill of God and the Garrison of the Philistines:Samuel instructs Saul to go to the hill of God, which is likely referring to a location where a place of worship or a prophetic gathering took place. It is significant to note that the Philistines, who were enemies of Israel, had a garrison in that area. This shows that Saul’s journey was not without challenges, and he would have to confront the Philistines.
Meeting the Company of Prophets:When Saul arrives at the hill of God, he would encounter a group of prophets coming down from the high place. These prophets would be engaged in prophetic activities and musical worship. They would be playing various musical instruments, including the psaltery, tabret (a tambourine-like instrument), pipe, and harp. The purpose of their worship and prophesying was to convey divine messages and praise God.
Lessons and Application:
- God’s Guidance and Appointed Leadership:Saul’s journey to becoming king began with God’s guidance through the prophet Samuel. It is important to seek God’s direction in our lives and acknowledge His appointed leaders. God can guide us through various means, including prophetic messages, wise counsel, and Scripture.
- Spiritual Atmosphere:The hill of God was a place where the prophets gathered and worshipped. It was a spiritually charged environment. As believers, it is essential to seek out environments where we can worship, grow spiritually, and be surrounded by fellow believers. Such environments can strengthen our faith and enable us to encounter God in a powerful way.
- The Role of Worship and Prophesying:The company of prophets engaged in worship and prophesying. Worship is a vital aspect of our relationship with God, where we express our love, adoration, and reverence towards Him. Prophesying, in this context, refers to the proclamation of God’s messages and speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder of the importance of both worship and listening to God’s voice through prophetic means.
- Overcoming Challenges:Saul had to face the presence of the Philistine garrison while on his journey to the hill of God. Similarly, as we pursue God’s calling and purpose in our lives, we may encounter obstacles and challenges. However, with God’s guidance and empowerment, we can overcome these challenges and fulfill our God-given assignments.
Conclusion: 1 Samuel 10:5 teaches us about the beginning of Saul’s journey as king and the significance of seeking God’s guidance, worshiping Him, and facing challenges along the way. It reminds us of the importance of being in spiritually edifying environments, engaging in worship, and being open to God’s prophetic voice in our lives.
