1 Samuel 10:11

Is Saul also among the prophets? This seemed incredible to the people. Apparently Saul’s life prior to this time had hardly been a model of piety. It was little less than a miracle that he should have become a prophet, though, it is true, not in the sense of being called to the prophetic office. But here he was extolling the majesty and power of God and giving inspired utterance to sacred truths. In his heart he treasured a secret that must have been difficult to keep, and the recent evidences of divine grace and providence vouchsafed to him stirred him to the depths of his soul. His pent-up emotions burst forth with evidence that the words of Samuel had indeed come true — Saul had been “turned into another man” (v. 6). His experience bore witness also to the fact that God is able to transform the most unpromising of men into instruments that will be useful to Him. Furthermore, in the case of Saul, this remarkable change would attract the attention and confidence of the people and prepare them to follow him as their leader.

God often works in ways contrary to human planning. It was incredible, so the Jews thought, for the disciples to speak in foreign tongues on the day of Pentecost. To us it seems unwise that Christ, knowing the character of Judas, should have made him treasurer of the disciples (John 12:6). To Naaman it seemed absurd that the waters of the muddy Jordan should possess more healing power than the clear-flowing streams of Damascus (2 Kings 5:12). The cross of Christ was despised by the Greeks as a most contemptible means for the salvation of the world (1 Cor. 1:18—24). To the modern mind it may seem unjust that the Lord instructed Abimelech to restore Sarah to her husband and request his prayers, when he had taken her in the integrity of his heart (Gen. 20:5).

To John the Baptist it seemed inappropriate that he should baptize the Son of God (Matt. 3:13-15). To Simon’s mind it was inconsistent with Jesus’ position that He should allow Mary to anoint His feet, if He knew the kind of woman she was (Luke 7:37-40). Yet all these seeming inconsistencies are resolved when the work and power of the Holy Spirit are taken into consideration.

The prophetic schools under Samuel’s administration were organized that the youth might be educated in the truths of God. Much study was given to history, to memorizing the Scriptures, to prayer, and to hymnody. In the place of poetical utterances about Baal, the storm god, Israel was taught the marvelous works of the Lord, and His praise was expressed in song. As the contemplation of the benefits of God brought joy and peace to their troubled hearts, their faces would light up, reflecting the inner illumination of the Holy Spirit.