1 Samuel 11:6

Authorized King James Version

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And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.

Original Language Analysis

וַתִּצְלַ֤ח came H6743
וַתִּצְלַ֤ח came
Strong's: H6743
Word #: 1 of 12
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
רֽוּחַ And the Spirit H7307
רֽוּחַ And the Spirit
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 2 of 12
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אֱלֹהִים֙ of God H430
אֱלֹהִים֙ of God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 3 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 4 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שָׁא֔וּל upon Saul H7586
שָׁא֔וּל upon Saul
Strong's: H7586
Word #: 5 of 12
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
בְּשָׁמְע֖וֹ when he heard H8085
בְּשָׁמְע֖וֹ when he heard
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 6 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים those tidings H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים those tidings
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 8 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הָאֵ֑לֶּה H428
הָאֵ֑לֶּה
Strong's: H428
Word #: 9 of 12
these or those
וַיִּ֥חַר was kindled H2734
וַיִּ֥חַר was kindled
Strong's: H2734
Word #: 10 of 12
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַפּ֖וֹ and his anger H639
אַפּ֖וֹ and his anger
Strong's: H639
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
מְאֹֽד׃ greatly H3966
מְאֹֽד׃ greatly
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Analysis & Commentary

And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.

The Spirit of God (ruach Elohim) coming upon Saul echoes the empowerment of the judges (Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29). The phrase 'came upon' (tsalach) implies rushing or falling upon with overwhelming force. Notably, his anger 'was kindled greatly' - righteous indignation that mirrors God's own jealousy for His people's honor. This Spirit-empowered anger transforms the hesitant Saul of chapter 10 into a decisive military leader. The conjunction of divine Spirit and holy anger demonstrates that godly leadership requires both supernatural enablement and passionate commitment to justice.

Historical Context

The charismatic empowerment of leaders by God's Spirit was the primary form of divine guidance during the judges period. This 'rushing' of the Spirit provided temporary enablement for specific tasks, distinct from the permanent indwelling that New Testament believers experience.

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