THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
At the outset, consider 1 Samuel 10:9. Prophecy can be viewed as both a lasting quality and a temporary occurrence. However, there exists a significant distinction between the prophetic declarations of figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah, and the fleeting prophecy displayed in Saul. This difference resembles that between human articulation and the miraculous speech granted to the donkey that Balaam rode upon (Num. 22:28). The animal was temporarily bestowed with the ability to speak so that God could reveal His will, not because it is natural for animals to communicate with humans.
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Although this example appears vastly different, it is less surprising that a flawed individual could receive prophecy momentarily, considering it was granted by the One who enabled the donkey to speak when He chose to do so. The dissimilarity between an animal and a person is greater than that between a sinful individual and the chosen ones of God, yet both are still human. If a person makes a statement related to wisdom, they should not automatically be regarded as wise. Similarly, one who unexpectedly delivers a prophecy should not be considered a prophet; as the Lord mentions in the Gospel, some receive the word with joy yet lack deep roots, being unstable (Matthew 13:20-21). Consequently, as illustrated by the subsequent phrase, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Sam. 10:12), we should not be astonished if divine actions occur through individuals whose worth or character does not warrant it, particularly when God chooses to unveil such manifestations for a specific purpose. Next, observe 1 Samuel 16:14, where various topics will be explored.