1 Samuel 10:5,6 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

After that thou shalt come to the hill of God— This hill was so called, either because they were used to sacrifice there, or because there was a school of the prophets, who were called men of God. As there is no verb in the sentence, where the garrison of the Philistines, we might as well insert was as is; where was a garrison of the Philistines: which seems most agreeable to the circumstances here related. Concerning the prophets and prophesying here spoken of, we refer to the notes on Numbers 11:25 where this matter is discussed at large. The author of the Observations produces the following passage from an account of the eastern customs: "When the children have gone through the Koran, their relations borrow a fine horse and furniture, and carry them about the town in procession, with the book in their hands, the rest of their companions following, and all sorts of music of the country going before." Dr. Shaw, in p. 195 mentions the same custom, adding the acclamations of their school-fellows, but taking no notice of the music. We have no reason, however, to doubt the fact on account of the doctor's silence, especially as it relates to another part of Barbary, and is given us by those who resided some years in the country. The doctor makes no use of this circumstance relating to the education of youth in Barbary; but the account of the procession above given, seems to be a lively comment on that ancient Jewish custom mentioned in these verses. That the word prophets often signifies sons, or scholars of the prophets, and prophesying, singing, has been often remarked; but no author, that I know of, has given any account of the nature of this procession, or its design. We are sometimes told, that high places were used for sacrifices; and, in one case, music, it is certain, played before them when they went up to worship. See Isaiah 30:29. But did they not also return from sacrificing with it? We are told, that music was used by the prophets to calm and compose them, and to invite the divine influences, which is indeed very true; but is it to the purpose? Did they go forth in this manner from their college, into the noise and interruptions of the world, to call down the prophetic impulse? But if we consider them as a company of the sons of the prophets, going in procession with songs of praise, and music playing before them, and recollect that it is usual at this day for young scholars to go in procession with acclamations and music, the whole mystery seems to be unraveled. To which may be added, that Saul was to meet them, and find himself turned into another man, into a man, perhaps, who is instantaneously made as knowing in the law of God as the youth to whom the above honours were doing, or any of his convoy; which acquaintance with the law of God, was very necessary for one who was to judge among his brethren as their king. For this reason, the Jewish kings were to write out a copy of the law of God, and read it continually, that they might be perfect masters of it, Deuteronomy 17:18-20.; which accomplishment some youth had gained whom Saul met with, and who was honoured with the solemnity which the sacred historian speaks of, if the customs of South Barbary may be supposed to be explanatory of those of Judea. See Observations, p. 286.