After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines — Saul's path now leads to 'the hill of God' (gibat ha-elohim), a place of religious significance. The presence of 'a garrison of the Philistines' (netziv pelishtim) indicates Philistine occupation and military presence. The location appears to be near Gibeah of Benjamin. 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 — the third sign is the most dramatic: a company (hevel) of prophets descending from the high place (bamah) in procession. They are accompanied by musical instruments: a psaltery (nevel, a stringed instrument), a tabret (tof, a drum or tambourine), a pipe (halil, a flute or reed instrument), and a harp (kinnor, the lyre). The music suggests ecstatic or prophetic celebration, and the instruments are associated with religious fervor and prophetic experience. The prophetic 'company' (hevel can also mean a band or troop) represents the prophetic community of Israel.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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