1 Samuel 10:13
And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְכַל֙
And when he had made an end
H3615
וַיְכַל֙
And when he had made an end
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
1 of 4
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
מֵֽהִתְנַבּ֔וֹת
of prophesying
H5012
מֵֽהִתְנַבּ֔וֹת
of prophesying
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
2 of 4
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
Historical Context
High places (bamot) were elevated worship sites common throughout Canaan and adopted by Israel for Yahweh worship before temple centralization. Their legitimacy depended on exclusive Yahweh worship; later prophets condemned them when used for syncretistic practices.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you integrate powerful spiritual experiences into everyday faithful discipleship?
- What is the danger of seeking dramatic experiences while neglecting regular worship and obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.
This brief transitional verse carries subtle significance. The prophesying 'made an end' (kalah) - it was a discrete experience, not a permanent state. Saul's charismatic encounter with the Spirit concluded, and normal life resumed. This pattern characterizes Old Testament Spirit empowerment: powerful but episodic, enabling specific tasks rather than producing permanent transformation. The 'high place' (bamah) was likely Gibeah's worship site where the prophetic company had descended from. Saul's proceeding there suggests he joined in proper worship following his prophetic experience, an appropriate response. High places were legitimate worship sites before the temple's construction, though they later became associated with syncretism. That Saul moved from ecstatic experience to ordered worship models the proper sequence: spiritual encounters should lead to regular discipleship, not replace it.