What does it mean that God gave Saul another heart in this passage?

When it says God gave Saul “another heart,” it is not talking about being born again or turning to God in a saving way. It means God changed Saul inwardly so he would be fit to lead Israel. Before, his mind was on his father’s animals and farm work. Now his thoughts are lifted to ruling, protecting Israel from enemies, and caring for the people. God filled him with courage and wisdom for government. Whom God calls to a task, he also equips, and for Saul that meant a new kind of heart for leadership.

What happened when the Spirit of God came upon Saul among the prophets?

When Saul reached the hill near his home, a group of prophets met him, just as Samuel had said. Then the Spirit of God came on Saul in a strong, sudden way. He joined the prophets and prophesied with them, likely speaking or singing praise to God with real zeal and order, as if he had been trained with them. This did not stay on him all the time, but for that moment God honored him in front of others and showed that his calling had heaven’s backing.

Why did people say, Is Saul also among the prophets?

People who had known Saul as a simple farmer were shocked to see him prophesying with a band of prophets. He had not been part of their group or training, and may even have seemed uninterested before. Seeing him in that role, they asked, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” It was so surprising that it turned into a common saying in Israel. People used it when someone from an unlikely background suddenly showed up in godly work or higher service than expected.

What does the question, But who is their father, mean in this story?

When someone replied, “But who is their father?” he was pushing back against the surprise. The idea is that the prophets do not have prophecy because of their families or background. Their real “father,” or teacher, is God himself. God can give the gift of prophecy, or any spiritual gift, to whomever he wants, even to a man like Saul who had not grown up among prophets. So there was no reason to be shocked that Saul prophesied. The same God who taught them could also teach and use him.

Why did Saul go to the high place after he finished prophesying?

After Saul finished prophesying, he went up to the high place, which in this setting was used for worship of the true God. This likely shows him turning to God in thanks and prayer. God had just given him another heart, confirmed the signs Samuel predicted, and honored him in front of others. Going to the high place fits with a man who now thinks as a leader, bringing the whole matter before God, thanking him for mercy, and seeking help to carry the weight of what lies ahead.

Why did Saul hide the matter of the kingdom from his uncle?

When Saul’s uncle asked where he had been and what Samuel said, Saul only mentioned that Samuel told him the lost donkeys were found. He said nothing about being told of the kingdom. This shows humility and prudence. He did not run home boasting that he would be king or try to build support for himself. He waited for God’s timing and for Samuel to bring the matter out in public. By keeping quiet, he avoided stirring up jealousy or doubt, and he showed he could keep a serious trust.

What does the proverb Is Saul also among the prophets teach us?

The proverb grew out of people’s surprise that a man like Saul was found prophesying with a group of prophets. It came to be used when someone unexpected was raised up to spiritual or public honor. On one hand, it reminds us not to despair of those who seem unlikely to serve God. God can change people and use them where we would not expect. On the other hand, it warns us not to judge by outward excitement alone, because even a man like Saul could have a brief spiritual moment and yet not remain faithful.

What does this passage show about how God prepares people for leadership?

This passage shows that when God calls someone to lead, he also prepares that person inwardly and publicly. Inwardly, God gave Saul another heart, turning him from farm concerns to thoughts of rule, courage, and care for Israel. Publicly, God sent his Spirit on Saul so he prophesied, giving him honor among the people and marking him out as someone God had touched. Yet Saul still needed humility and patience, shown in how he kept quiet about the kingdom and waited for God’s timing.

1Sam.10.9

1 Samuel 10:9

KJV

¶ And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.

Samuel’s Signs Fulfilled

¶ And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.

And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

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?

And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?

And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.

¶ And Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.

And Saul’s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.

And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.