1 samuel 10:5 - “After that you will come to the hill of God, where the garrison of the Philistines is; and it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with a lute, a tambourine, a pipe, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying.
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What does "1 samuel 10:5" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 10:5, is a key part of Samuel's instructions to Saul after anointing him as the first king of Israel. It's a sign given to confirm Saul's anointing and to demonstrate the power and presence of God upon him. Let's break it down:
"After that you will come to the hill of God, where the garrison of the Philistines is...": This pinpoints a specific location. "The hill of God" (Gibeah of God or Gibeath-elohim) was a place of significance, likely a shrine or sacred site. The fact that a Philistine garrison was present indicates that the Philistines, at this time, were dominant and controlling parts of Israel. This presence of a Philistine garrison is a stark reminder of the state of Israel at the time and the role God called Saul into.
"...and it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place...": As Saul approaches the city near the hill of God, he will encounter a group of prophets. "High places" were often locations of worship, though in the context of Samuel it is possible these would have been sanctioned worship locations.
"...with a lute, a tambourine, a pipe, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying.": These prophets are engaged in a form of ecstatic worship. The musical instruments would have created a lively, emotional atmosphere. The key here is that they are "prophesying." This means they are speaking under divine inspiration, declaring messages from God. Their prophesying is a direct sign of God's power and activity.
In essence, the verse signifies the following:
Confirmation of God's Choice: Meeting the prophesying prophets is a sign to Saul that Samuel's anointing is legitimate and divinely ordained. It's a tangible demonstration of God's approval.
The Spirit of God: The encounter shows the power and presence of the Spirit of God in Israel, even during a difficult period of Philistine oppression. The prophets are acting as conduits of divine communication.
Transformation of Saul: The broader context (verses 6-7) indicates that after this encounter, Saul himself will be changed. The Spirit of the Lord will come upon him, he will prophesy alongside the prophets, and he will be "turned into another man." This signifies a spiritual empowering and preparation for his role as king.
Why is this encounter important?
It provides divine validation for Saul's leadership.
It demonstrates God's active involvement in choosing and equipping Israel's king.
It signifies a transition in Saul's life and his preparation to lead the nation.
It's a contrast to the political and military circumstances - God uses spiritual power, not just might, to bring about change.
The meeting with the prophesying prophets is not just a random event; it's a divinely orchestrated sign meant to reassure Saul and to demonstrate the spiritual power that will accompany his kingship. It underscores the importance of the prophetic voice in Israel's leadership and the role of the Spirit of God in empowering those whom God has called.
1 samuel 10:5 - “After that you will come to the hill of God, where the garrison of the Philistines is; and it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with a lute, a tambourine, a pipe, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying.
What does "1 samuel 10:5" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 10:5, is a key part of Samuel's instructions to Saul after anointing him as the first king of Israel. It's a sign given to confirm Saul's anointing and to demonstrate the power and presence of God upon him. Let's break it down:
"After that you will come to the hill of God, where the garrison of the Philistines is...": This pinpoints a specific location. "The hill of God" (Gibeah of God or Gibeath-elohim) was a place of significance, likely a shrine or sacred site. The fact that a Philistine garrison was present indicates that the Philistines, at this time, were dominant and controlling parts of Israel. This presence of a Philistine garrison is a stark reminder of the state of Israel at the time and the role God called Saul into.
"...and it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place...": As Saul approaches the city near the hill of God, he will encounter a group of prophets. "High places" were often locations of worship, though in the context of Samuel it is possible these would have been sanctioned worship locations.
"...with a lute, a tambourine, a pipe, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying.": These prophets are engaged in a form of ecstatic worship. The musical instruments would have created a lively, emotional atmosphere. The key here is that they are "prophesying." This means they are speaking under divine inspiration, declaring messages from God. Their prophesying is a direct sign of God's power and activity.
In essence, the verse signifies the following:
Confirmation of God's Choice: Meeting the prophesying prophets is a sign to Saul that Samuel's anointing is legitimate and divinely ordained. It's a tangible demonstration of God's approval.
The Spirit of God: The encounter shows the power and presence of the Spirit of God in Israel, even during a difficult period of Philistine oppression. The prophets are acting as conduits of divine communication.
Transformation of Saul: The broader context (verses 6-7) indicates that after this encounter, Saul himself will be changed. The Spirit of the Lord will come upon him, he will prophesy alongside the prophets, and he will be "turned into another man." This signifies a spiritual empowering and preparation for his role as king.
Why is this encounter important?
It provides divine validation for Saul's leadership.
It demonstrates God's active involvement in choosing and equipping Israel's king.
It signifies a transition in Saul's life and his preparation to lead the nation.
It's a contrast to the political and military circumstances - God uses spiritual power, not just might, to bring about change.
The meeting with the prophesying prophets is not just a random event; it's a divinely orchestrated sign meant to reassure Saul and to demonstrate the spiritual power that will accompany his kingship. It underscores the importance of the prophetic voice in Israel's leadership and the role of the Spirit of God in empowering those whom God has called.