◄ 1 Samuel 10:6 ►
Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person.
Study Bible
At that time
This phrase sets a specific moment in the divine timeline, indicating God's perfect timing in His plans. In the Hebrew context, timing is often associated with God's sovereignty and His orchestration of events. This moment is pivotal in Saul's life, marking the beginning of his transformation and calling. It reminds us that God's interventions are neither random nor accidental but are meticulously planned for His purposes.

the Spirit of the LORD
The Hebrew word for "Spirit" is "Ruach," which can mean breath, wind, or spirit. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of the LORD signifies God's active presence and power. This is not a mere emotional experience but a divine empowerment for a specific task. The Spirit's coming upon Saul signifies God's anointing and equipping for leadership, a theme consistent throughout Scripture where God's Spirit empowers individuals for His work.

will come powerfully upon you
The phrase "come powerfully" indicates a forceful and transformative encounter. The Hebrew verb used here suggests an overwhelming presence that changes the recipient. This is not a gentle nudge but a powerful surge of divine energy that equips Saul for his new role. It highlights the necessity of divine empowerment for fulfilling God's purposes, emphasizing that human strength alone is insufficient.

and you will prophesy with them
Prophesying in the Old Testament often involved speaking forth God's words under divine inspiration. The act of prophesying with the prophets signifies Saul's inclusion into the community of those who speak for God. This moment serves as a sign of Saul's new identity and role. It underscores the idea that true leadership in God's kingdom involves being His mouthpiece, guided by His Spirit.

and you will be transformed
The transformation here is both internal and external, indicating a complete change in Saul's character and capabilities. The Hebrew concept of transformation often involves a renewal of the mind and spirit, aligning with God's purposes. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's Spirit to change hearts and lives, a theme echoed throughout the Bible.

into a different person
This phrase signifies a fundamental change in identity and purpose. Saul's transformation into a different person is symbolic of the new creation that occurs when one is touched by God's Spirit. It reflects the biblical principle that encountering God leads to a new identity, aligning one's life with His will. This transformation is not just for Saul's benefit but for the fulfillment of God's plan for Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Samuel
The last judge of Israel and a prophet who anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. He plays a crucial role in guiding Saul and delivering God's messages to him.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. This verse marks a significant moment in his life where he is empowered by the Spirit of the LORD.

3. Spirit of the LORD
Refers to the Holy Spirit, who empowers individuals for specific tasks and transformations. In this context, the Spirit comes upon Saul to equip him for his role as king.

4. Prophesy
In the Hebrew context, this involves speaking under divine inspiration. Saul's prophesying signifies his temporary empowerment and alignment with God's purposes.

5. Transformation
The Hebrew root word for "transformed" (h?phak) implies a complete change or turning. Saul's transformation is both spiritual and functional, preparing him for leadership.
Teaching Points
Empowerment by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers individuals for God's purposes. Just as Saul was equipped for kingship, believers today are empowered for their unique callings.

Transformation through the Spirit
True transformation comes from the Spirit of God. This change is not merely external but involves a deep, internal renewal that aligns us with God's will.

Temporary vs. Permanent Change
Saul's transformation was temporary, highlighting the importance of continual reliance on the Spirit for lasting change. Believers are called to remain in the Spirit to sustain their transformation.

Prophetic Role of Believers
While not all are called to be prophets, all believers are called to speak God's truth and live out His purposes, reflecting the prophetic role Saul temporarily embraced.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in 1 Samuel 10:6 compare to the experiences of other biblical figures like Gideon or the apostles at Pentecost?

2. In what ways can believers today experience transformation through the Holy Spirit, and how does this relate to becoming a "new creation" as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17?

3. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our transformation by the Spirit is not temporary, as seen in Saul's life?

4. How can we discern and fulfill the specific roles or tasks God has empowered us for through His Spirit?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit. How did this experience change your perspective or actions, and how can you seek similar empowerment in your daily life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 6:34
The Spirit of the LORD comes upon Gideon, empowering him for leadership and battle, similar to Saul's empowerment.

Acts 2:4
The Holy Spirit fills the apostles, enabling them to speak in tongues and prophesy, paralleling the transformative power of the Spirit seen in Saul's experience.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Paul speaks of believers becoming new creations in Christ, echoing the transformation Saul undergoes when the Spirit comes upon him.
Sermons
King MakingR. Steel.1 Samuel 10:1-13
Saul Anointed by SamuelW. G. Blaikie, D. D.1 Samuel 10:1-13
The Appointment, of SaulP. Richardson, B. A.1 Samuel 10:1-13
The Discipline of a Promoted LifeJoseph S. Exell, M. A.1 Samuel 10:1-13
Saul Privately Anointed KingB. Dale 1 Samuel 9:26, 27; 10:1-8
People
Benjamin, Egyptians, Kish, Matri, Matrites, Rachel, Samuel, Saul
Places
Bethel, Egypt, Gibeah, Gibeath-elohim, Gilgal, Mizpah, Tabor, Zelzah, Zuph
Topics
Acting, Changed, Different, Hast, Mightily, Power, Prophesied, Prophesy, Prophet, Prospered, Spirit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 10:6

     3030   Holy Spirit, power
     3040   Holy Spirit, promise of
     3045   Holy Spirit, sovereignty
     3110   Holy Spirit, titles of
     3257   Holy Spirit, gift of
     3272   Holy Spirit, in OT
     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration
     5457   power, human
     7967   spiritual gifts, responsibility

1 Samuel 10:5-6

     5332   harp
     5420   music
     7778   school of prophets

1 Samuel 10:5-11

     3275   Holy Spirit, in the church

1 Samuel 10:6-7

     3278   Holy Spirit, indwelling

Library
The King after Man's Heart
'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Trial of Saul.
"And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering."--1 Samuel xiii. 9. We are all on our trial. Every one who lives is on his trial, whether he will serve God or not. And we read in Scripture of many instances of the trials upon which Almighty God puts us His creatures. In the beginning, Adam, when he was first created, was put upon his trial. He was placed in a beautiful garden, he had every thing given him for his pleasure and comfort; …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas
To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Samuel 10:6 NIV
1 Samuel 10:6 NLT
1 Samuel 10:6 ESV
1 Samuel 10:6 NASB
1 Samuel 10:6 KJV

1 Samuel 10:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Samuel 10:5
Top of Page
Top of Page