1 Samuel 10:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 10:11
11 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?
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 10 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, love, creation. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 10:11
11 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?
Analysis
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?
The neighbors' astonishment reveals their perception of Saul before his transformation. The question 'What is this that is come unto' (mah-zeh hayah le) expresses bewildered amazement. 'The son of Kish' identifies Saul by his father's name, emphasizing his ordinary family background with no prophetic lineage. The question 'Is Saul also among the prophets?' (hagam Sha'ul banevi'im) became a proverb in Israel (verse 12; 19:24). This phrase could express genuine wonder at God's transforming power or skeptical dismissal - the grammar allows either reading. Such ambiguity mirrors responses to God's work throughout history: some see transformation as evidence of grace, others as incongruent with a person's known character. The question unwittingly prophesies Saul's conflicted identity: he would stand among the prophets yet persecute David whom the prophets protected.
Historical Context
Proverbs arising from notable events were common in ancient Israel, preserving communal memory of significant moments. This saying's later application when Saul prophesied while pursuing David (19:24) gave it an ironic twist: the king among the prophets was actually persecuting God's anointed.
Reflection
- How do people who knew you before Christ respond to the changes they see in your life?
- What does this passage teach about God's ability to transform the most unlikely people?
Word Studies
- Prophet: נָבִיא (Navi) H5030 - Prophet, spokesman
Cross-References
- Prophecy: 1 Samuel 19:24
- Parallel theme: John 7:15