Definition: 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?
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 10:11. It’s a really significant moment in Samuel’s life and has major implications for how things would unfold later. Here's what it means in simple terms:
The Basic Story:
Samuel was a prophet.
Samuel was known for speaking out, offering guidance, and sometimes even challenging the established religious leaders of Israel. He was a powerful figure in the early days of the kingdom.
He’s prophesying about Saul.
Samuel was speaking to a group of prophets – people who were already familiar with him as a prophet. He was saying something important: he was predicting that Saul, one of the kings, would be brought before them and revealed as a prophet.
What's Happening in the Verse:
“And it came to pass…”
This is just an introductory phrase – it’s setting up a story about to unfold.
“…when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold…”
This means
everyone
who had known Samuel – including his family and friends – were watching this event unfold. “Beforetime” refers to the past.
“…he prophesied among the prophets.”
Samuel was speaking and sharing this prediction with the other prophets.
“Then the people said one to another, What [is] this [that] is come unto the son of Kish?”
This is the core of the message. The people are asking: “What
is
happening? What's the reason for this?” They’re trying to understand why Samuel is speaking about Saul.
The Meaning – It’s About a Shift in Authority:
The key takeaway here is that
Samuel was challenging the authority of the established religious leaders.
Saul was a king.
Saul was a powerful and influential king, appointed by God.
Samuel's prophecy pointed to Saul being brought before the prophets.
This meant Samuel was suggesting that Saul would be presented as a prophet – meaning he would receive divine guidance and revelation. It was a subtle but significant challenge to the existing power structure.
Why is this important?
This passage is considered one of the
very
first instances where Samuel’s prophetic abilities were recognized and used to influence events. It's a foundational moment in understanding how Samuel’s role evolved and eventually led to his downfall.
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In short, the verse describes a moment when Samuel’s prophecy about Saul became a point of discussion and questioning, setting the stage for a significant shift in power within Israel.
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