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1 Samuel 10:9–16
So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day (1 Sam. 10:9).
As Saul turns away from Samuel to head for home, a curious thing happens to him. According to the author of 1 Samuel, God gives him “another heart.” Does God actually do something supernatural at this point? Matthew Henry says yes, arguing that “a new fire was kindled in his breast … and he thinks of nothing but fighting the Philistines, redressing the grievances of Israel, making laws, administering justice, and providing for the public safety…. He has no longer the heart of a husbandman … but the heart of a statesman, a general, a prince.”
However, it is possible that verse 9 is simply a summary of all that takes place that day, a statement that God transforms Saul just as He had said He would and that all the signs prophesied by Samuel come to pass in their minute details. Saul does indeed meet two men at Rachel’s tomb (v. 2) and three men at Bethel (v. 3), and finally he encounters a group of prophets at “the hill,” probably a reference to Gibeah, his hometown (v. 5). Then the Spirit comes upon him and he prophesies, probably making some sort of ecstatic utterance. This bestowal of the Spirit, it would seem, is for empowerment in service. Unfortunately, in view of his later behavior, it does not appear that what we have in today’s passage is a conversion experience. It may seem so at this point, but Saul is unable to “walk the walk” all his days. In time, he proves himself unfaithful to God’s covenant. The people of Saul’s town are shocked to see him engaging in this behavior. It is quite out of character for him. Someone, however, asks a curious question: ” ‘But who is their father?’ ” Henry believes this is a rhetorical question and the answer is God. The questioner, therefore, is recognizing God’s hand on Saul. Thus, a new proverb comes into vogue around Gibeah: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” It either indicates surprise or gives glory to God over the reformation of a life.
When Saul finishes prophesying, he goes to “the high place,” probably a reference to his family’s home. Curiously, when asked by an uncle where he has been, Saul answers only that he was looking for Kish’s donkeys and that Samuel finally told him they were found. He mentions nothing about the anointing. Henry believes this reticence indicates humility, but in light of what occurs later in chapter 10, it may be that Saul is hesitant to take on the mantle of kingship.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
The people of Saul’s hometown were amazed to see him “among the prophets.” Israelites in New Testament times were equally amazed to see another Saul “among the Christians.” God delights in using unexpected vessels in unexpected ways in order that He might be glorified. How has He worked in surprising ways in your life?
For Further Study
- Isa. 55:8–9
- 1 Cor. 1:18–29