1 Samuel 10 5

1 Samuel 10:5 kjv

After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

1 Samuel 10:5 nkjv

After that you shall come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is. And it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying.

1 Samuel 10:5 niv

"After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, timbrels, pipes and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying.

1 Samuel 10:5 esv

After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim, where there is a garrison of the Philistines. And there, as soon as you come to the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them, prophesying.

1 Samuel 10:5 nlt

"When you arrive at Gibeah of God, where the garrison of the Philistines is located, you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the place of worship. They will be playing a harp, a tambourine, a flute, and a lyre, and they will be prophesying.

1 Samuel 10 verses

1 Samuel 10 5 Meaning

1 Samuel 10:5 describes one of three specific signs given by the prophet Samuel to Saul, confirming God's anointing of him as Israel's first king. This verse details that Saul will encounter a procession of prophets descending from a high place, accompanied by various musical instruments—a harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre—and engaged in prophesying. This public, observable manifestation of divine activity is intended to assure Saul of God's presence and the imminent coming of the Spirit upon him, equipping him for his new role. The setting, Gibeah of God, despite being occupied by a Philistine garrison, emphasizes that God's Spirit operates even in places of enemy dominion.

1 Samuel 10 5 Context

1 Samuel 10:5 occurs immediately following Samuel's private anointing of Saul as prince over Israel. It is part of a series of three prophetic signs that Samuel gives Saul to confirm God's choice and to assure Saul of God's active involvement. These signs—encountering men by Rachel's tomb, then three men going to Bethel, and finally the prophetic group at Gibeah—are designed to build Saul's faith and demonstrate the tangible reality of the Holy Spirit. This verse marks the culminating sign, where Saul himself will experience the rushing of the Spirit. The overall historical context is the transition of Israel from a loosely governed tribal confederation under judges to a monarchy, primarily driven by the people's demand for a king to defend them against external threats, most notably the oppressive Philistines, whose military garrisons (as mentioned in the verse) underscore Israel's desperate situation.

1 Samuel 10 5 Word analysis

• After that (אַחַר כֵּן - akhar ken): Marks a chronological progression in the events Samuel prophesies to Saul, leading to a definitive experience.

• you will come (תָבוֹא - tavo): A direct, declarative prophecy indicating Saul's predetermined path.

• to Gibeah of God (גִּבְעַת הָאֱלֹהִים - Gib'at Ha'Elohim):

  • Gibeah (גִּבְעָה - giv'ah): Means "hill," fitting its topographical description. This specific Gibeah is located in the territory of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe (cf. Josh 18:28).
  • of God (הָאֱלֹהִים - ha'Elohim): Likely implies a significant, prominent place, perhaps one dedicated to religious worship or an observation point. It highlights divine providence in that God's anointing sign occurs in Saul's hometown region, a place also noted for past national shame (Jdg 19-21) and current enemy occupation. This name sets a striking contrast with the mention of the Philistine garrison.

• where there is (שָׁם - sham): Indicates the precise location of the upcoming phenomenon.

• a Philistine garrison (נְצִיב פְּלִשְׁתִּים - netziv Pelishtim):

  • garrison (נְצִיב - netziv): A military outpost or occupying force, signifying foreign control. This clearly establishes the severe Philistine oppression that was a primary motivator for Israel's desire for a king (1 Sam 8:20). It signifies a physical representation of Israel's subjugation.
  • Philistine (פְּלִשְׁתִּים - Pelishtim): The major foreign adversary of Israel during this period, constantly battling for control of the land.

• and it will happen (וְהָיָה כְּבוֹאֲךָ - v'hayah k'vo'acha): "And it will be, when you come," emphasizing the certainty of the prophetic fulfillment upon arrival.

• you will meet (פְגַשְׁתָּ - pegashta): Indicating an encounter.

• a group of prophets (חֶבֶל נְבִאִים - hevel nevi'im):

  • group (חֶבֶל - hevel): Literally "rope" or "cord," suggesting a company, band, or guild of prophets, likely an organized community (cf. 1 Sam 19:18-20; 2 Kgs 2:3, 5). These groups often lived together and were under the tutelage of a senior prophet, like Samuel.
  • prophets (נְבִאִים - nevi'im): Individuals called by God to convey His message. This highlights the continuation of prophetic activity in Israel, crucial even with the establishment of kingship.

• coming down (בָּאִים מֵהַבָּמָה - ba'im mehabamah):

  • from the high place (מֵהַבָּמָה - mehabamah): A "high place" (bamah) was a elevated site, often used for worship. While later associated with idolatry (e.g., 1 Kgs 11:7; 14:23), in this pre-Temple era, they were sometimes legitimate centers of worship or prophetic activity (1 Sam 9:12-14, 25). Their descent suggests a public, post-worship demonstration.

• with a harp (בְּנֵבֶל - b'nevel), a tambourine (וְתֹף - v'tof), a flute (וְחָלִיל - v'halil), and a lyre (וְכִנּוֹר - v'kinnor): These are ancient musical instruments.

  • Harp (nevel) and Lyre (kinnor): Stringed instruments.
  • Tambourine (tof): A percussion instrument, often used for joyous occasions and dance.
  • Flute (halil): A wind instrument.
  • The presence of these instruments signifies the use of music as an aid or catalyst for prophetic inspiration or a component of ecstatic worship (cf. 2 Kgs 3:15).

• before them (לִפְנֵיהֶם - lifneyhem): Indicates that the instruments were leading the procession or prominently displayed.

• and they will be prophesying (וְהֵמָּה מִתְנַבְּאִים - v'hemma mitnabbe'im):

  • prophesying (mitnabbe'im): The Hitpa'el stem here indicates a reflexive or iterative action, often associated with an ecstatic, impassioned, or spontaneous utterance inspired by the Spirit. This public display would serve as a powerful visual and auditory sign for Saul.

• Words-group: "Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine garrison": This juxtaposition highlights divine sovereignty and promise of deliverance against a backdrop of foreign oppression. Even in a place under enemy control, God's prophetic signs manifest, signaling His power to reclaim the land and deliver His people through the appointed king.

• Words-group: "a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a harp, a tambourine, a flute, and a lyre before them, and they will be prophesying": This paints a vibrant, active scene of public, ecstatic worship and spiritual outpouring facilitated by music. It sets the stage for Saul's own Spirit-induced transformation, confirming God's call in a demonstrable and undeniable way.

1 Samuel 10 5 Bonus section

• The term "prophesying" here likely describes an outward manifestation of the Spirit's power—perhaps fervent speech, song, or even trance-like behavior—rather than necessarily the prediction of future events. It's about being seized by and speaking under the influence of the Spirit of God.
• The emphasis on music is significant. In ancient Israel, music was not merely entertainment but an integral part of cultic worship and an aid for prophetic insight (cf. Elisha in 2 Kgs 3:15). It could help clear the mind, focus attention, and perhaps even induce a state receptive to divine influence.
• Saul's experience of joining this group in prophesying (1 Sam 10:6, 10) indicates a genuine, if temporary, divine empowerment. This initial Spirit anointing sets him apart for his kingly task, particularly for warfare and deliverance. It highlights the divine enabling necessary for leadership in ancient Israel.
• The fact that this sign occurs at Gibeah, which later becomes synonymous with Israel's moral corruption (Jdg 19) and where Saul eventually builds his capital, introduces a layer of tragic irony foreshadowing Saul's eventual decline despite this auspicious spiritual beginning.

1 Samuel 10 5 Commentary

1 Samuel 10:5 is pivotal, detailing the climactic third sign given by Samuel to Saul. This encounter with a musical prophetic procession serves multiple purposes: it visually and audibly confirms God's word to Saul, signifies the transfer of divine authority through the Spirit, and foreshadows Saul's own prophetic empowerment. The description of a "group of prophets" suggests an organized prophetic guild, perhaps indicative of Samuel's broader efforts to revitalize spiritual life in Israel. Their use of musical instruments emphasizes music's role in creating an atmosphere conducive to the Spirit's manifestation, common in both ancient Israelite and ancient Near Eastern worship, yet here explicitly linked to the Spirit of Yahweh. The dramatic irony of this divine sign unfolding in "Gibeah of God" while simultaneously under "Philistine garrison" occupation underscores God's ability to act sovereignly and powerfully even amidst national humiliation and enemy presence. This entire event is designed not only to impress Saul but to demonstrate God's chosen king's spiritual endowment to him personally, prior to any public proclamation, ensuring he recognizes the divine source of his impending authority and transformation.