1 Samuel 10 Commentary Brief: How God Changes the HeartLord's Library

Lord’s Library contributor Lonetta Key offers a 1 Samuel 10 commentary brief on how God changes the heart. Check out Lonetta’s blog: Living Before God’s Face. Lord’s Library’s Ministry Leaders Series is a collection of contributed articles written by ministry leaders on key Christian topics.

I have been reading 1 Samuel. It is a great story, full of so many interesting plots as well as details. After Saul was chosen by God through Samuel to be Israel’s first king, chapter 10, verse 9 says: “And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.”

Just like that, God transformed this man’s heart. He immediately prepared Saul for a role he had never dreamed of. Prior to this, the only outstanding thing noticed by friends and neighbors was that he stood a head taller than anyone else.

There is a fascinating side note recorded in chapter 10, verse 27, after it became public knowledge that Saul was now king: “But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.”

Isaiah 38:1-8 Meaning & Commentary: Do Not Ever Doubt It

…

1 Samuel 10 Commentary

Curious how so often when a person is doing something outstanding for the Lord, there seem to be people who are jealous and want to stir up discord.

But back to our narrative. This does not have an uplifting ending. Saul very quickly started taking matters into his own hands instead of relying on the guidance of God as He spoke through Samuel. And in a few chapters, another King, David, had already been chosen to eventually take Saul’s place. In 1 Samuel 18:10 we read: “And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand.”

Just as quickly as Saul’s heart had been changed for excellence, it was now changed for disgrace. He was brought to an end he never dreamed of.

What lessons can be learned from this? One—when God calls us for His purpose, He provides the necessary qualifications and more. He does not choose us because we are already equipped for the task.

Two—how quickly the devil can bring about a change of heart, and Saul serves as a dramatic example.

Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.

Author
Recent Posts

Lonetta Key

Founder at Living Before God's Face

Lonetta's father was a Pastor so she grew up in church and become a Christian at a very early age. She has been active in Christ's ministry all her life in a variety of venues like keynote speaking for churches, woman's ministry, Sunday School teacher, and more. Lonetta also toured the US giving Gospel concerts for two years, and posts regularly to her Christian website. She has two wonderful sons and two lovely grandsons.