1 samuel 10:12 - One of the same place answered, “Who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
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What does "1 samuel 10:12" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 10:12 needs to be understood in the context of the previous verses. Let's break it down:
Context: Saul has been secretly anointed as king by Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1). Samuel then gives Saul a series of signs that will confirm his anointing, including meeting a band of prophets and being filled with the Spirit of God, causing him to prophesy among them (1 Samuel 10:5-6).
"One of the same place answered, 'Who is their father?'": After these signs come to pass, and Saul is indeed prophesying with the prophets, someone who knows Saul recognizes him and is astonished. They ask the rhetorical question, "Who is their father?" This isn't literally asking about the prophets' biological father. Instead, it's an expression of surprise and disbelief. It implies, "From what school of prophets did he come? He doesn't seem like someone who belongs with this group." It questions Saul's sudden ability to act like a prophet.
"Therefore it became a proverb, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'": Because of the astonishment and incongruity of Saul prophesying, the question "Is Saul also among the prophets?" becomes a proverb. A proverb is a short, popular saying that expresses a common truth or perception. In this case, the proverb is used to express surprise and disbelief when someone unexpected does something uncharacteristic or beyond their perceived abilities. It carries a tone of, "Well, if he can do that, then anything is possible!"
In essence, the verse highlights the following:
Saul's Transformation (Temporary): The anointing of the Spirit temporarily transforms Saul, enabling him to prophesy. This is meant to confirm his selection as king.
Surprise and Disbelief: The people who know Saul are shocked by his prophetic behavior, finding it completely out of character.
Establishment of a Proverb: The unusual event leads to the creation of a proverb used to express astonishment when someone unexpected performs a surprising feat.
Irony: The irony is that while Saul experiences this moment of spiritual empowerment, his later actions as king will show a departure from God's will, highlighting the temporary nature of this initial "prophetic" experience.
Therefore, the verse isn't just a historical anecdote; it's a comment on unexpected transformations, the power of the Spirit, and the enduring human tendency to express surprise through memorable sayings. It also foreshadows the contrast between Saul's initial potential and his later shortcomings.
1 samuel 10:12 - One of the same place answered, “Who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
What does "1 samuel 10:12" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 10:12 needs to be understood in the context of the previous verses. Let's break it down:
Context: Saul has been secretly anointed as king by Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1). Samuel then gives Saul a series of signs that will confirm his anointing, including meeting a band of prophets and being filled with the Spirit of God, causing him to prophesy among them (1 Samuel 10:5-6).
"One of the same place answered, 'Who is their father?'": After these signs come to pass, and Saul is indeed prophesying with the prophets, someone who knows Saul recognizes him and is astonished. They ask the rhetorical question, "Who is their father?" This isn't literally asking about the prophets' biological father. Instead, it's an expression of surprise and disbelief. It implies, "From what school of prophets did he come? He doesn't seem like someone who belongs with this group." It questions Saul's sudden ability to act like a prophet.
"Therefore it became a proverb, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'": Because of the astonishment and incongruity of Saul prophesying, the question "Is Saul also among the prophets?" becomes a proverb. A proverb is a short, popular saying that expresses a common truth or perception. In this case, the proverb is used to express surprise and disbelief when someone unexpected does something uncharacteristic or beyond their perceived abilities. It carries a tone of, "Well, if he can do that, then anything is possible!"
In essence, the verse highlights the following:
Saul's Transformation (Temporary): The anointing of the Spirit temporarily transforms Saul, enabling him to prophesy. This is meant to confirm his selection as king.
Surprise and Disbelief: The people who know Saul are shocked by his prophetic behavior, finding it completely out of character.
Establishment of a Proverb: The unusual event leads to the creation of a proverb used to express astonishment when someone unexpected performs a surprising feat.
Irony: The irony is that while Saul experiences this moment of spiritual empowerment, his later actions as king will show a departure from God's will, highlighting the temporary nature of this initial "prophetic" experience.
Therefore, the verse isn't just a historical anecdote; it's a comment on unexpected transformations, the power of the Spirit, and the enduring human tendency to express surprise through memorable sayings. It also foreshadows the contrast between Saul's initial potential and his later shortcomings.