1Sa 10:9-13, 19:20-24 | Clarke

‏ 1 Samuel 10:9-13

Verse 10. Behold, a company of prophets] See on 1Sa 10:5, &c.

Verse 12. But who is their father?] The Septuagint, in its principal editions, adds ουκεις; is it not Kish? This makes the sense more complete.

Verse 13. He came to the high place.] I suppose this to mean the place where Saul's father lived; as it is evident the next verse shows him to be at home.

‏ 1 Samuel 19:20-24

Verse 20. The company of the prophets prophesying] Employed in religious exercises.

Samuel-appointed over them] Being head or president of the school at this place.

The Spirit of God was upon the messengers] They partook of the same influence, and joined in the same exercise; and thus were prevented from seizing David.

Verse 23. He went on, and prophesied] The Divine Spirit seemed to have seized him at the well of Sechu; and he went on from that prophesying-praying, singing praises, &c.; till he came to Naioth.

Verse 24. He stripped off his clothes] Threw off his royal robes or military dress, retaining only his tunic; and continued so all that day and all that night, uniting with the sons of the prophets in prayers, singing praises, and other religious exercises, which were unusual to kings and warriors; and this gave rise to the saying, Is Saul also among the prophets? By bringing both him and his men thus under a Divine influence, God prevented them from injuring the person of David. See Clarke on 1Sa 10:6, &c.; and see my sermon on The Christian Prophet and his Work.