What is the context?
As Saul leaves Samuel, God changes his heart, and the announced signs take place that day. The account then describes the most public sign: the Spirit of God comes upon him, and he prophesies with the group at Gibeah. People who know him are surprised to see this.
Their question about Saul being among the prophets becomes a proverb. The episode presents something unexpected in a familiar person and credits God with the change. It does not quote the contents of his prophesying or describe the age, dress or appearance of the other prophets.
When Saul’s uncle asks about the journey, Saul reports that Samuel assured him the donkeys had been found. He does not disclose what Samuel said about kingship. The narrator marks that silence, leaving his full reasons unstated.
How is this passage commonly understood?
The significance of the changed heart is an important interpretive question. Wesley explains the change in terms of courage, wisdom and other qualities suited to Saul’s new office. Gill explicitly understands it as preparation for governing, rather than the new heart of conversion.
Henry also cautions against assuming that this surprising religious experience settles Saul’s lasting spiritual condition. His reading distinguishes becoming different in this situation from being made new in the fullest spiritual sense. The text itself states that God changes Saul and empowers his prophesying; conclusions about his final standing before God require a wider interpretation of his story.
On Saul’s silence to his uncle, Wesley sees modesty and a commitment to keeping the matter private. That is an explanation of the omission, rather than an inward motive directly reported by Saul. The scene does not require either immediate condemnation of deceit or a complete verdict on his humility.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.