1 Samuel 11 6

1 Samuel 11:6 kjv

And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.

1 Samuel 11:6 nkjv

Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused.

1 Samuel 11:6 niv

When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger.

1 Samuel 11:6 esv

And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled.

1 Samuel 11:6 nlt

Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he became very angry.

1 Samuel 11 verses

1 Samuel 11 6 Meaning

This verse describes a pivotal moment where divine empowerment, in the form of the Spirit of God, dramatically intervenes upon Saul. Upon hearing the distressing news of the Ammonite threat against Jabesh-Gilead and Nahash's humiliating terms, Saul experiences a sudden, powerful surge of God's Spirit. This empowerment directly ignites a profound and righteous indignation within him, transforming him from a seemingly ordinary individual into a divinely energized leader ready for decisive action. His anger is not a selfish rage, but a holy zeal for justice and the protection of God's people.

1 Samuel 11 6 Context

This verse occurs immediately after the news arrives in Gibeah concerning the horrific demands of Nahash the Ammonite king, who proposed to put out the right eye of every man in Jabesh-Gilead. Saul, who had been ploughing in the field, was unaware of the gravity of the situation unfolding. Upon his return, he encountered the weeping people of Gibeah. This verse marks the turning point, as hearing "these words"—the distressing news from Jabesh-Gilead and the humiliation Israel was facing—triggers a sudden, divine empowerment and a righteous fury in Saul, moving him from pastoral duties to his kingly calling to lead Israel's deliverance. This event serves to divinely affirm his anointing as king (1 Sam 10) by providing him the Spirit necessary to unite the tribes and secure victory, establishing his authority through a visible act of deliverance.

1 Samuel 11 6 Word analysis

• וַתִּצְלַח (va-titztzlach): "And the Spirit rushed upon." This verb, tzalach, signifies a powerful, sudden, and often forceful descent or breakthrough. It implies an effective and triumphant empowerment, distinguishing it from a passive or gentle arrival. It describes the Spirit "rushing upon" an individual to equip them for a specific, often extraordinary, task, particularly for military or judicial leadership in the era of the Judges.
• רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים (Ruach Elohim): "Spirit of God." This refers to the active, animating presence and power of God Himself. It is not merely human emotion or determination but a divine enablement that equips an individual with supernatural ability, discernment, or authority to carry out God's will. In this context, it signals divine legitimization and empowerment for Saul's kingship.
• עַל-שָׁאוּל (al Sha'ul): "upon Saul." Indicates the direct object and recipient of this divine impartation. It highlights a personal, experiential connection where God's power directly influences Saul's capabilities and resolve.
• כְּשָׁמְעוֹ אֶת-הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה (ke-shom'o et ha-devārīm hā-ʾēlleh): "when he heard these words." This phrase establishes a direct cause-and-effect. Saul's Spirit empowerment was directly provoked by his reception of the dire news and the grave injustice, demonstrating that God's Spirit often empowers in response to specific crises or calls to action.
• וַתִּחַר (va-tichar): "and was kindled / burned hotly." From the root charah, meaning "to burn" or "to be hot." It conveys intense heat or passion, often used metaphorically for anger or indignation. This is a powerful, active burning, not a slow simmer.
• אַפּוֹ (appo): "his anger / his nose." Af (nose) is a common Hebrew idiom for anger because the nostrils flare and redden during intense emotion. This imagery vividly portrays a physical manifestation of Saul's fury.
• מְאֹד (me'od): "greatly / very." This intensifier emphasizes the magnitude and depth of Saul's anger, indicating it was an overwhelming and profound righteous indignation, not a fleeting irritation.
• Words-group Analysis: The phrase "the Spirit of God came upon Saul... and his anger was greatly kindled" is significant. It portrays not an irrational outburst but a divinely inspired, purposeful rage. The Spirit's empowering is directly linked to the emotional response, suggesting that this "anger" is a sacred zeal, enabling him to respond with kingly authority to an affront against God's people. This connection showcases that divine anointing could manifest not only in prophetic utterances or superhuman strength but also in righteous indignation that spurs to action.

1 Samuel 11 6 Bonus section

The type of "Spirit of God" described here aligns with the Old Testament concept of a temporary, enabling endowment for specific tasks, often military or judicial, rather than the New Testament indwelling Spirit for sanctification. This powerful, temporary anointing granted charismatic leadership capabilities, enabling Saul to unify a fragmented Israel and lead them to victory. The rapid transition from farming to righteous warrior king under divine impulse marks him as a vessel for God's purposes in this pivotal era. The passage contrasts with Saul's later behavior where the Spirit departs from him (1 Sam 16:14), highlighting that continued divine favor required continued obedience and humility, lessons Saul would tragically fail to uphold in his later reign. This incident is his great triumph and demonstrates God's immediate provision for His people in a moment of dire need, affirming His covenant faithfulness.

1 Samuel 11 6 Commentary

1 Samuel 11:6 depicts a transformative moment for Saul, showcasing his divine commissioning as Israel's first king. The "Spirit of God" (Ruach Elohim) here signifies more than mere inspiration; it is a dynamic, active force from God, similar to the charismatic empowerments seen in the Judges. This divine invasion upon Saul immediately following his hearing of Jabesh-Gilead's distress legitimizes his call and prepares him for the formidable task of national leadership. His anger is not personal vengefulness, but a "kindled" righteous indignation, a God-given zeal (similar to Phinehas's zeal or Jesus' cleansing of the temple) against the brutal Ammonite threat. This powerful combination of divine enablement and holy anger galvanizes Saul to action, mobilizing Israel and ultimately leading to the defeat of Nahash, thereby affirming God's choice and demonstrating Saul's initial obedience to his God-ordained role. It is a clear example of God empowering His chosen instruments for the deliverance of His people from oppression.