“And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
1 Samuel 10:11 is part of the narrative describing Saul’s anointing as the first king of Israel: In the preceding verses, Samuel had anointed Saul privately and given him several signs to confirm that God had chosen him as king. In verse 10, Samuel tells Saul that the Spirit of the Lord will come upon him, and he will prophesy and be turned into another man.
Saul’s Prophesying:The verse begins by stating that when those who knew Saul saw him prophesying among the prophets, they were surprised. This event demonstrated a significant change in Saul’s behavior and abilities. Prophesying in this context refers to speaking God’s messages under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It shows that Saul was given a temporary empowerment by the Spirit of the Lord.
Astonishment of the People:The people who witnessed Saul prophesying were astonished. They questioned among themselves what had happened to Saul, expressing their surprise by asking, “What is this that is come unto the son of Kish?” Saul’s transformation and newfound ability to prophesy among the prophets was unexpected, causing the people to wonder about the change in him.
Saul’s Association with the Prophets:The people’s astonishment leads them to inquire, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” This question reveals that Saul’s association with the prophets was unusual and unexpected. It implies that Saul was not known for being a prophet or being part of the prophetic community. This inquiry highlights the extraordinary nature of Saul’s prophesying and its impact on the perception of those who knew him.
Overall, 1 Samuel 10:11 showcases the transformative experience of Saul, who was anointed as king and received the empowering presence of the Spirit of the Lord. The verse also highlights the surprise and astonishment of those who witnessed Saul prophesying among the prophets, as it was an unexpected development in his life.
