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 10:5KJV
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1 Samuel 10:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 10:5 mean?

1 Samuel 10:5 describes how Saul, after leaving Samuel, will arrive at a place called the "hill of God," where there is a Philistine garrison, and there he will meet a group of prophets coming down from a worship site, playing musical instruments and prophesying. This verse sets up a sign for Saul, marking a moment when he will encounter people deeply involved in worship and prophecy as part of his journey to becoming king.

Samuel is speaking to Saul, giving him specific instructions and signs to confirm God's choice of Saul as king. The mention of the Philistine garrison highlights the presence of Israel's enemies even in sacred places, and the group of prophets with musical instruments shows that prophecy in ancient Israel was often accompanied by music and communal worship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 10:5

  • "hill" (גִּבְעַת, giv'at): This word means a hill or high place, often used for worship in ancient Israel. The "hill of God" suggests a location considered especially sacred.
  • "garrison" (נְצִב, netziv): This word refers to a military outpost or station. Its presence at a holy site underlines the tension between Israel and the Philistines at the time.
  • "company" (חֶבֶל, chevel): This word can mean a group or band, here describing the prophets as a collective, not just individuals.
  • "prophesy" (נָבָא, nava): This word means to speak or act under divine inspiration. In this context, it suggests that the prophets were visibly expressing messages or praise from God, likely in song or speech.

Why 1 Samuel 10:5 matters

  • The verse shows that even sacred places in Israel were under threat or occupation by enemies, highlighting the difficult situation Saul would inherit as king.
  • The gathering of prophets with musical instruments paints a picture of prophecy as a lively, communal, and musical event, not just solitary speech.
  • This sign is part of a series of confirmations for Saul, helping him and the reader see that his calling as king is guided and affirmed by God through clear, supernatural events.