1 Samuel 19
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Samuel 19
Guzik points out that this passage marked a crucial turning point in David's life writing "David never returned to the palace until he was the king of Israel – some 20 years later! From now until the day Saul dies David lives as a fugitive." No longer would he be a welcome member of the court and never again would he command Saul’s army. ILLUSTRATION - In spite of Saul's continual attacks, God consistently protects him. A believer was fleeing from his enemies during a persecution in North Africa. Pursued over a hill and through a valley with no place to hide, he fell exhausted into a cave, expecting to be caught and killed. Awaiting his death, he saw a spider weaving a web. Within minutes, the spider had woven a beautiful web across the mouth of the cave. The man's pursuers arrived, but on seeing the unbroken spider web the assumed it was impossible for him to have entered the cave. Later that Christian exclaimed, "Where God is, a spider's web is a wall. Where God is not, a wall is like a spider's web." Our security outside of God is insecure. The Lord is our protector and keeper just like he was David's. (Rod Mattoon) 1 Samuel 19:11 Then Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. But Michal, David's wife, told him, saying, "If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death." BGT 1 Samuel 19:11 καὶ ἐγενήθη ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ἐκείνῃ καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Σαουλ ἀγγέλους εἰς οἶκον Δαυιδ φυλάξαι αὐτὸν τοῦ θανατῶσαι αὐτὸν πρωί καὶ ἀπήγγειλεν τῷ Δαυιδ Μελχολ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ λέγουσα ἐὰν μὴ σὺ σώσῃς τὴν ψυχὴν σαυτοῦ τὴν νύκτα ταύτην αὔριον θανατωθήσῃ LXE 1 Samuel 19:11 And it came to pass in that night, that Saul sent messengers to the house of David to watch him, in order to slay him in the morning; and Melchol David's wife told him, saying, Unless thou save thy life this night, to-morrow thou shalt be slain. KJV 1 Samuel 19:11 Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain. NET 1 Samuel 19:11 Saul sent messengers to David's house to guard it and to kill him in the morning. Then David's wife Michal told him, "If you do not save yourself tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!" CSB 1 Samuel 19:11 Saul sent agents to David's house to watch for him and kill him in the morning. But his wife Michal warned David, "If you don't escape tonight, you will be dead tomorrow!" ESV 1 Samuel 19:11 Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch him, that he might kill him in the morning. But Michal, David's wife, told him, "If you do not escape with your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed." NIV 1 Samuel 19:11 Saul sent men to David's house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David's wife, warned him, "If you don't run for your life tonight, tomorrow you'll be killed." NLT 1 Samuel 19:11 Then Saul sent troops to watch David's house. They were told to kill David when he came out the next morning. But Michal, David's wife, warned him, "If you don't escape tonight, you will be dead by morning." NRS 1 Samuel 19:11 Saul sent messengers to David's house to keep watch over him, planning to kill him in the morning. David's wife Michal told him, "If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed." NJB 1 Samuel 19:11 Saul sent agents to watch David's house, intending to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David's wife, warned him, 'If you do not escape tonight, you will be a dead man tomorrow!' NAB 1 Samuel 19:11 The same night, Saul sent messengers to David's house to guard it, that he might kill him in the morning. David's wife Michal informed him, "Unless you save yourself tonight, tomorrow you will be killed." YLT 1 Samuel 19:11 And Saul sendeth messengers unto the house of David to watch him, and to put him to death in the morning; and Michal his wife declareth to David, saying, 'If thou art not delivering thy life to-night -- tomorrow thou art put to death.' sent messengers: Ps 59:1 *title Ps 59:3,4,6,15,16 to watch him: Jdg 16:2 1 Samuel 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Psalm 59:1-3 For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me. 2 Deliver me from those who do iniquity And save me from men of bloodshed. 3 For behold, they have set an ambush for my life; Fierce men launch an attack against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD, SAUL BREAKS HIS VOW MICHAL KEEPS HER VOW Then Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch him, in order to (term of purpose) put him to death in the morning - Saul is like Satan in 1Pe 5:8+ seeking continually to devour. Saul sends a "hit squad" to take David out! Whether Saul's breaking of his vow was under the influence of the evil spirit or simply a reflection of Saul's jealousy and rage rising up again we cannot say. Clearly the great victory brought praise to David and once again inflames Saul's jealousy. But Michal, David's wife, told him, saying, "If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death - Michal far from being a snare to David (cf 1Sa 18:21) was used by God to be a "savior" of David's life! Michal presumably made a vow like we do today which says "In the name of God, I, (MICHAL), take you, (DAVID), to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death. This is my solemn vow." Whether she took such a vow or not we cannot state with certainty but clearly her love for David superseded her loyalty to Saul, so just as her brother Jonathan had done, she forewarned her husband of the looming danger. Arthur
1 Samuel 19
Guzik on Naioth - The word Naioth comes from the Hebrew word for residence. This spoke of Samuel’s home (which may have had “Naioth” title itself), or it may have been some landmark or specific place in Ramah. Whenever Naioth is mentioned it is associated with Ramah. THOUGHT- David the fugitive is running for his life which reminds me of the song "Run like Heaven." Let us run for Heaven like imitating David running for his life, for we too are continually being pursued by our enemies, the world, the flesh and the devil. MAPS TRACING DAVID'S FLIGHT FROM SAUL 1 SAMUEL 19-24 Click here for an excellent map with DAVID'S FLIGHT FROM SAUL with Numbered Movements of David - Copyright Faithlife / Logos Bible Software (https://www.logos.com). Below is a summary from the ESV Global Study Bible of 18 places David fled David’s growing reputation among the people as a warrior and leader incited Saul’s jealousy, and Saul began trying to kill David (1Sa 19:9-10). (1) David fled from Saul in Gibeah (1Sa 19:9-10) and then from his home (1Sa 19:11-17) (2) After Saul tried unsuccessfully to kill him in his home, he fled to Samuel at Naioth in Ramah (1Sa 19:18) (3), Saul sought David in Naioth of Ramah, but the Spirit saved him (1Sa 19:19-24), and he fled back to meet Jonathan in Gibeah where Jonathan sent an "arrow-gram" warning David of Saul’s determination to kill him(1Sa 20:1-42) (4). David then fled to Ahimelech the priest at Nob where he collected food and Goliath’s sword. (1Sa 21:1-9) (5), David briefly sought refuge in the Philistine city of Gath (1Sa 21:10-15) (6) David then escaped to set up headquarters at the cave of Adullam where his army swelled to 400 men. (1Sa 22:1-2) (7), In order to protect his parents from harm, David left them in the care of the king of Moab at Mizpah (1Sa 22:3-4) (8) and went to live in “the stronghold”, the cave of Adullam (1Sa 22:1, 4) (9). Prophet Gad warns Davie and he went to the forest of Hereth (1Sa 22:5) (10) and then left to rescue nearby Keilah from some Philistine raiding parties. (1Sa 23:1-5) (11) When David heard that Saul was coming to Keilah, he and his 600 men fled Keilah. (1Sa 23:9-13) David relocated to the wilderness of Ziph (1Sa 23:14) (12) After the men of Ziph betrayed David to Saul (1Sa 23:19-20), David and his men went to live in the wilderness of Maon (1Sa 23:24-25) and narrowly escaped capture there by Saul (1Sa 23:26-28) (13) . Fleeing the strongholds of Engedi (1Sa 23:29) David again evaded capture by Saul and refused an opportunity to take Saul’s life. (1Sa 24:1-22) (14) After Samuel's death (1Sa 25:1) David went to the wilderness of Paran (1Sa 25:1) (15). While he was there, David was again betrayed to Saul by the men of Ziph and refused another opportunity to take Saul’s life. (1Sa 26:1-25) (16) Finally, David and his men sought refuge with Achish, the king of Gath (1Sa 27:1-12) Below is another map from the Holman Bible Atlas (digital book; Hardcover) Click to enlarge - from the Holman Bible Atlas (digital book; Hardcover) copyright © 1998 B&H Publishing Group, used by permission, all rights reserved. This is one of the best resources for Bible maps. Please do not reproduce this map on any other webpage. Thank you. 1 Samuel 19:19 It was told Saul, saying, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." BGT 1 Samuel 19:19 καὶ ἀπηγγέλη τῷ Σαουλ λέγοντες ἰδοὺ Δαυιδ ἐν Ναυαθ ἐν Ραμα LXE 1 Samuel 19:19 And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is in Navath in Rama. KJV 1 Samuel 19:19 And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah. NET 1 Samuel 19:19 It was reported to Saul saying, "David is at Naioth in Ramah." CSB 1 Samuel 19:19 When it was reported to Saul that David was at Naioth in Ramah, ESV 1 Samuel 19:19 And it was told Saul, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." NIV 1 Samuel 19:19 Word came to Saul: "David is in Naioth at Ramah"; NLT 1 Samuel 19:19 When the report reached Saul that David was at Naioth in Ramah, NRS 1 Samuel 19:19 Saul was told, "David is at Naioth in Ramah." NJB 1 Samuel 19:19 Word was brought to Saul, 'David is in the huts at Ramah.' NAB 1 Samuel 19:19 When Saul was told that David was in the sheds near Ramah, YLT 1 Samuel 19:19 And it is declared to Saul, saying, 'Lo, David is in Naioth in Ramah.' 1Sa 22:9,10 23:19 26:1 Pr 29:12 1 Samuel 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL LEARNS OF DAVID'S LOCATION It was told Saul, saying, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." - See #2 on map above. Was he also told David was there with Samuel? The text does not say. In any event Saul thinks "I've got him now!" and he moves swiftly to capture his enemy! 1 Samuel 19:20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied. BGT 1 Samuel 19:20 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Σαουλ ἀγγέλους λαβεῖν τὸν Δαυιδ καὶ εἶδαν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τῶν προφητῶν καὶ Σαμουηλ εἱστήκει καθεστηκὼς ἐπ᾽ αὐτῶν καὶ ἐγενήθη ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀγγέλους τοῦ Σαουλ πνεῦμα θεοῦ καὶ προφητεύουσιν LXE 1 Samuel 19:20 And Saul sent messengers to take David, and they saw the assembly of the prophets, and Samuel stood as appointed over them; and the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they prophesy. KJV 1 Samuel 19:20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. NET 1 Samuel 19:20 So Saul sent messengers to capture David. When they saw a company of prophets prophesying with Samuel standing there as their leader, the spirit of God came upon Saul's messengers, and they also prophesied. CSB 1 Samuel 19:20 he sent agents to seize David. However, when they saw the group of prophets prophesying with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came on Saul's agents, and they also started prophesying. ESV 1 Samuel 19:20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. NIV 1 Samuel 19:20 so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul's men and they also prophesied. NLT 1 Samuel 19:20 he sent troops to capture him. But when they arrived and saw Samuel leading a group of prophets who were prophesying, the Spirit of God came upon Saul's men, and they also began to prophesy. NRS 1 Samuel 19:20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David. When they saw the company of the prophets in a frenzy, with Samuel standing in charge of them, the spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also fell into a prophetic frenzy. NJB 1 Samuel 19:20 Saul accordingly sent agents to capture David; when they saw the community of prophets prophesying, and Samuel there as their leader, the spirit of God came over Saul's agents, and they too fell into frenzy. NAB 1 Samuel 19:20 he sent messengers to arrest David. But when they saw the band of prophets, presided over by Samuel, in a prophetic frenzy, they too fell into the prophetic state. YLT 1 Samuel 19:20 And Saul sendeth messengers to take David, and they see the assembly of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing, set over them, and the Spirit of God is on Saul's messengers, and they prophesy -- they also. sent messengers: 1Sa 19:11,14 Joh 7:32,45 when they: 1Sa 10:5,6,10 Nu 11:25,26 Joe 2:28 Joh 7:32,45,46-52 1Co 14:3,24,25 1 Samuel 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL PROTECTION: SPIRIT SWEEPS IN TO MAKE SAUL'S MEN PROPHESY Then - A strategically time "then." When? When Saul heard where David was, he moved quickly to capture him. Saul sent messengers ("agents," "troops") to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets (nabiy; Lxx = prophetes) prophesying (naba; Lxx = propheteuo in present tense = continually), with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied - This is a strange supernatural intervention by God! In this passage and the following, God uses a unique method to protect His future king David. He causes the adversaries to prophesy by His Spirit. The effect would clearly be to distract them from the task to take David. This passage teaches that not every time the Spirit comes upon someone were they converted. At least it is difficult to believe all of Saul's messengers became true believers in Yahweh. This coming of the Spirit upon them was a manifestation of the omnipotent power of God to control a situation that could have potentially led to the death of David, God's choice for king. This was a case of "non-profit" prophesying as far as Saul was concerned because it supernaturally took the messenger's minds off of their objective to bring David back to Saul. What were they prophesying? We cannot be certain, but the Holy Spirit was the One Who energized their speaking, so we have to assume holy speech came out of their mouths, possibly words of exaltation to Yahweh or possibly words of the Scriptures, forthtelling but surely not foretelling like the prophet Samuel had prophesied. THOUGHT - God's providential provision of protection for David (which David did not even ask for and may not have even been aware of!) makes me wonder how many times in our lives has God provided providential protection and we were not even aware of His good hand of protection? I hope part of Heaven will be to see the good hand of the LORD protecting us undoubtedly countless times in our lives, for He Alone would receive the glory. Just a thought to ponder regarding our "so great a salvation," (Heb 2:1+) and the truth of His "ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?" (Heb 1:14+). I can recall 3 times in my life before I was a believer in Jesus, that "strange circumstances" saved my life! And my guess is those were just the ones I was aware of! Guzik - When it says that they were all prophesying it isn’t that they were all predicting the future. The Hebrew word simply has the idea of speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They probably all gave spontaneous and inspired praise to God. This was an unusual work of the Holy Spirit – to come upon men who did not seek after God, who did not long to be filled with the Spirit. God did this to protect David, and this was His way of “disarming” those who came to capture David. Prophesying (5012)(naba from nabiy = prophet) means prophesy, to speak by inspiration, and twice translated raved! W E Vine - The first appearance is in 1 Sam. 10:6, where Saul is told by Samuel that when he meets a certain band of ecstatic prophets, he too will "prophesy with them, and … be turned into another man." This incident points up the fact that there is a certain amount of ambiguity in the biblical use of both the verb and the noun forms, just as there is in the English "to prophesy" and "prophet." Thus, there is a wide range of meanings reflected in the term in the Old Testament. Most frequently nābāʾ is used to describe the function of the true prophet as he speaks God's message to the people, under the influence of the divine spirit (1 Kings 22:8; Jer. 29:27; Ezek. 37:10). "To prophesy" was a task that the prophet could not avoid: "The Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" (Amos 3:8; cf. Jer. 20:7, where Jeremiah says that he was both attracted to and forced into being a prophet). While the formula "The word of the Lord came [to the prophet]" is used literally hundreds of times in the Old Testament, there is no real indication as to the manner in which it came, whether it came through the thought-processes, through a vision, or in some other way. Sometimes, especially in the earlier prophets, it seems that some kind of ecstatic experience may have been involved, as in 1 Sam. 10:6, 11; 1 Sam. 19:20. Music is sometimes spoken of as a means of prophesying, as in 1 Chron. 25:1-3. The false prophets, although not empowered by the divine spirit, are spoken of as prophesying also: "… I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied" (Jer. 23:21). The false prophet is roundly condemned because he speaks a non-authentic word: "… Prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord; … Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!" (Ezek. 13:2-3). The false prophet especially is subject to frenzied states of mind which give rise to his prophesying, although the content of such activity is not clearly spelled out (1 Kings 22:10). The point is that in the biblical context "to prophesy" can refer to anything from the frenzied ecstaticism of a false prophet to the cold sober proclamation of God's judgment by an Amos or an Isaiah. "To prophesy" is much more than the prediction of future events. Indeed, the first concern of the prophet is to speak God's word to the people of his own time, calling them to covenant faithfulness. The prophet's message is conditional, dependent upon the response of the people. Thus, by their response to this word, the people determine in large part what the future holds, as is well illustrated by the response of the Ninevites to Jonah's preaching. Of course, prediction does enter the picture at times, such as in Nahum's prediction of the fall of Nineveh (Nah. 2:13) and in the various messianic passages (Isa. 9:1-6; Isa. 11:1-9; Isa. 52:13-53:12). (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words) Gilbrant - The verb nābāʾ is a denominative derived from nābîʾ, "prophet." The verb occurs 115 times in the Hebrew Bible and has cognates in Biblical Aramaic, Middle Hebrew, Talmudic, Christian Palestinian Aramaic, Mandaean, Syriac and Tigre. The verb, which means "to prophesy," conveys more than merely speaking. Indeed, speaking often requires a second verb (e.g., ʾāmar, "to speak"). Music often accompanied prophesying. The example of Saul joining a prophetic band when the Spirit of Yahweh was upon him is a prime example of prophetic activity, as Samuel had predicted, "You will meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them; and they shall prophesy: Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and you will be changed into a different man" (1Sa 10:5f). Indeed, David appointed musicians as temple prophets (1 Chr. 25:1ff). Manic actions are sometimes associated with prophesying. The prophets of Baal were especially given to this type of behavior (1 Ki. 18:20-28; cf. also the description of a Phoenician prophet of Baal in the Egyptian text known as Wen-Amon). So, on occasion, were the prophets of Yahweh, judging from the passing remark of Jer. 29:26 in regard to Shemaiah, who usurped the position of high priest in the eyes of Jeremiah that he might have charge of "every man that is mad, and makes himself a prophet." Prophesying included a number of symbolic acts. Ezekiel's actions in the early chapters of his work are as bizarre and extroverted as any: he built a model of Jerusalem, cut his hair and symbolically portrayed the coming siege of Jerusalem (cf. ch. 4). False prophets displayed similar behavior (1 Ki. 22:10f). This unusual behavior was sanctioned by Yahweh when the prophets spoke for Him (cf. Amos 7:15). The prophets of the court of Ahaz, king of Israel, were prophesying falsely according to a ruse devised in the divine court of Yahweh (1 Ki. 22:18-25). (Complete Biblical Library) Naba - prophesied(31), prophesies(8), prophesy(55), prophesying(19), raved(2). Num. 11:25; Num. 11:26; Num. 11:27; 1 Sam. 10:5; 1 Sam. 10:6; 1 Sam. 10:10; 1 Sam. 10:11; 1 Sam. 10:13; 1 Sam. 18:10; 1 Sam. 19:20; 1 Sam. 19:21; 1 Sam. 19:23; 1 Sam. 19:24; 1 Ki. 18:29; 1 Ki. 22:8; 1 Ki. 22:10; 1 Ki. 22:12; 1 Ki. 22:18; 1 Chr. 25:1; 1 Chr. 25:2; 1 Chr. 25:3; 2 Chr. 18:7; 2 Chr. 18:9; 2 Chr. 18:11; 2 Chr. 18:17; 2 Chr. 20:37; Jer. 2:8; Jer. 5:31; Jer. 11:21; Jer. 14:14; Jer. 14:15; Jer. 14:16; Jer. 19:14; Jer. 20:1; Jer. 20:6; Jer. 23:13; Jer. 23:16; Jer. 23:21; Jer. 23:25; Jer. 23:26; Jer. 23:32; Jer. 25:13; Jer. 25:30; Jer. 26:9; Jer. 26:11; Jer. 26:12; Jer. 26:18; Jer. 26:20; Jer. 27:10; Jer. 27:14; Jer. 27:15; Jer. 27:16; Jer. 28:6; Jer. 28:8; Jer. 28:9; Jer. 29:9; Jer. 29:21; Jer. 29:26; Jer. 29:27; Jer. 29:31; Jer. 32:3; Jer. 37:19; Ezek. 4:7; Ezek. 6:2; Ezek. 11:4; Ezek. 11:13; Ezek. 12:27; Ezek. 13:2; Ezek. 13:16; Ezek. 13:17; Ezek. 20:46; Ezek. 21:2; Ezek. 21:9; Ezek. 21:14; Ezek. 21:28; Ezek. 25:2; Ezek. 28:21; Ezek. 29:2; Ezek. 30:2; Ezek. 34:2; Ezek. 35:2; Ezek. 36:1; Ezek. 36:3; Ezek. 36:6; Ezek. 37:4; Ezek. 37:7; Ezek. 37:9; Ezek. 37:10; Ezek. 37:12; Ezek. 38:2; Ezek. 38:14; Ezek. 38:17; Ezek. 39:1; Joel 2:28; Amos 2:12; Amos 3:8; Amos 7:12; Amos 7:13; Amos 7:15; Amos 7:16; Zech. 13:3; Zech. 13:4 JOHN KITTO - The School of the Prophets—I Samuel 19:18–22 David had not now to evade merely the sudden paroxysms of Saul’s wrath, but his fixed and avowed purpose of effecting his destruction, in the face of the oath which had been made to Jonathan. Any step he might now take was of the utmost importance to David, and might be pregnant with ulterior consequences. He, therefore, wisely resolved to repair to Samuel at Ramah, to obtain the advantage of his counsels and experience. Whether there had been any intercourse between them during the years which had passed since the anointing of David, we do not learn. On account of the suspicious character of Saul, and the probability that too close an intercourse would have led him to suppose that some collusion existed between them, and that Samuel was preparing to bring the son of Jesse forward, as the worthier man destined to fill the throne, it is probable that there had been little, if any, communication between him and David. It was not needed. They knew enough of each other without it. David knew that Samuel had relinquished all part in public affairs, and was solely occupied in his religious duties as prophet, and in the superintendence and instruction of the college of religious young men, which he had established at the rural hamlet of Naioth, in the vicinity of Ramah. There they were instructed in sacred learning and religious exercises, and were led to cultivate, especially by psalmody and music, the devotional feelings which might fit them, when occasion called, to become the messengers of God and teachers of the people. Samuel, on his part, could not have been ignorant of the public history of David; and we may conceive the interest with which he beheld the providence of God gradually leading this young man forward in his appointed path and to his destined station. The purposes of God were ripening every hour; and he was content to wait, knowing well what the end must be. David not only sought counsel of Samuel, but probably thought that with him he might find safety and protection. The school at Naioth formed a sanctuary which even Saul, he might think, would not be likely to invade. Besides that, the presence of Samuel alone must surely be a sufficient protection from outrage. It is true this step might confirm the suspicions of Saul as to his being the man Samuel had announced as the heir of his throne. Yet the movement would not be in itself conclusive, seeing that it was no doubt still the practice for every one who was in great perplexity, to repair to the venerable prophet for counsel and advice. At Ramah David reported to Samuel all the particulars of Saul’s conduct towards him; and on hearing this, the prophet took him to his college at Naioth, as if to put him into sanctuary there. At this place the son of Jesse remained some time before Saul learned where he was. These were no doubt happy days with him. Here he was in an atmosphere congenial to his best feelings, his highest tastes, and holiest aspirations; and here his accomplishments, in sacred minstrelsy and song, had ample scope and exercise, enabling him to join heart and soul in their harmonious “prophesyings,” and doubtless endearing him greatly to the good men who had their quiet dwelling there. There were probably moments when, feeling sick of the turmoil of public life, and tired of the persecutions and suspicions which followed him, he had been content to abandon his high career for the peaceful and holy life he was now allowed to share. It may even be possible that such was his intention, and that he hoped this voluntary retirement would abate the suspicions of Saul, and mollify his hatred. But it was not so to be. When Saul learned to what place David had retired, he sent a body of men to apprehend him. These men, however, no sooner came to the sacred place, and beheld the prophets engaged in their sacred exercises, led by the venerable Samuel, than their hearts were smitten. They felt that they dared not attempt any violence, and they stood contentedly, swelling by their voices the loud chorus of praise to God. This occurred to two other sets of emissaries—three in all; and at last Saul determined to go himself, and execute on the spot the fell purposes of his will. So forth he went. On his approach to Ramah, he came to the great well of Sechu, and finding there a number of people who had come from the town for water, he inquired of them where Samuel and David then were. On hearing that they were at Naioth, he turned his steps in that direction; but he had proceeded only a little way, when the Spirit which had moved his messengers, fell upon him also,—with this difference, that they had not thus been moved till they reached the presence of Samuel and his pupils; whereas Saul felt the spirit come upon him while he was on the road, giving him, for the time, the heart of another man. This is very remarkable; the messengers, as Saul himself on a former occasion, may be supposed to have been influenced by a sympathy with what they saw and heard, when they came into the presence of the prophets; but now the heart of Saul is moved in the absence of all such associations, as if purposely to show, that the change wrought in him was the immediate work of Him who holds the hearts of all men in his hand. It showed, also, that this power was not confined to place or persons, and that the prophesyings at Naioth were owing to no influence of example—to no intoxicating vapors, or to the temperature of the air, as was suspected of some of the heathen oracles of old. Thus the king went on, singing in high excitement the praises of God; and when he came to Naioth, and entered the presence of Samuel—between whom and him an angry scene might have been expected but, for this Divine intervention—he cast off his weapons, and the outer robes which belonged to his rank, and stood among the sons of the prophets as one of themselves, taking his part in their holy chants.446 Thus disarrayed of all that marked the king or the warrior, Saul, when the “prophesyings” were ended, lay down exhausted or entranced all the remainder of that day, and all the ensuing night. It is said that “he lay down naked,” which we have interpreted to mean, that he divested himself of his outer raiment, which from its looseness could be easily slipped off, and remained in his closer inner vesture and girdle. This is not the only instance in which the term “naked” is thus applied in Scripture. We have another in the order to the prophet Isaiah to put off his sackcloth and “go naked and barefoot” for three years. This was to denote, that the Egyptians and Arabians were to be carried away captives in the like guise by the Assyrians. It was not, however, the custom to strip captives altogether naked; but only to deprive them of good clothes and flowing vestures, and to give them others more sordid and shorter, that they might be the more fit for service. Apart from this, no one who reflects on the matter will imagine that the prophet literally remained three whole years without any covering, in a climate the winter cold of which is much more severe than we are apt to think. The same employment of the term “naked,” may be recognized among other ancient nations. Thus Aurelius Victor relates, that those who were sent to summon L. C. Cincinnatus to assume the dictatorship, found him “naked,” plowing on the other side of the Tiber. This can hardly mean that he was entirely naked; and that it does merely signify that he wrought with no clothing but his inner garment, is intimated by Livy, who, in relating the same occurrence, says that, on being thus summoned, Cincinnatus called to his wife Rucca for gown or toga, that he might appear fit to accompany them. Indeed, we need not go far to look for illustrations of this limited signification of the word “naked;” for it is common enough with ourselves, especially among women, to say that one is “naked” who has not adequate clothing. It will appear, then, that Saul’s being naked consisted in his being without the outer robes which he usually wore in public; and this is the same sense in which David was “naked” when he played on his harp before the ark of God. Martin Manser - school of prophets - A company of prophets working and prophesying together under the instruction and leadership of a more experienced prophet. There were also similar companies of false prophets. A school of prophets used by God to influence others 1Sa 19:19-24 See also 1Sa 10:5-6,10-13; 2Ki 9:1-3; Ezr 5:2 Schools of prophets associated with particular places Bethel 2Ki 2:3 Jericho 2Ki 2:15 Leaders of schools of prophets Samuel and a school of prophets 1Sa 19:20 Elisha and a school of prophets 2Ki 2:15 See also 2Ki 4:1,38; 6:1-4 A school of prophets in danger 1Ki 18:4 See also 1Ki 18:13 Schools of false prophets 1Ki 18:19,40; 22:6 pp 2Ch 18:5; 1Ki 22:10 pp 2Ch 18:9; 1Ki 22:12-14 pp 2Ch 18:11-13; 1Ki 22:19-23 pp 2Ch 18:18-22; Ne 6:14 QUESTION - What was the school of prophets? ANSWER - The Old Testament mentions a school of prophets in 1 Samuel 19:18–24 and in 2 Kings 2 and 4:38–44 (some translations say “company of prophets” or “sons of the prophets”). Also, the prophet Amos possibly mentions a prophetic school in stating his credentials (or lack thereof) to Amaziah the priest: “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet” (Amos 7:14). First Samuel 19 relates an account in which King Saul sends messengers to arrest David. When these men encountered a company of prophets under Samuel’s leadership, the king’s men also prophesied. This happened three times. Saul himself then went, and he, too, prophesied, leading people to ask, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 19:24), which became a saying in those days. The “group of prophets” in 1 Samuel 19 was clearly comprised of students of the prophet Samuel. These students were likely Levites who served in roles related to the tabernacle and ceremonial worship. The content of their “prophesies” is not specified. Their messages could have been general teachings from God’s laws in the Books of Moses, or they could have included additional revelation. In 2 Kings 2 Elijah is traveling with Elisha, and a group of prophets from Bethel tells Elisha that Elijah would be taken from him that day (verse 3). Another group of prophets at Jericho repeats the prophecy (verse 5), and a third group of prophets near the Jordan River also delivers the same message (2Ki 2:7). This third group of 50 men may have been a subset of the group of prophets at Jericho. After Elijah was taken up into heaven, Elisha reluctantly sends 50 of these prophets to search for Elijah for three days (2Ki 2:15–18). In 2 Kings 4:38–41 Elisha is in Gilgal during a time of famine. Elisha miraculously changes an inedible stew into a comestible dish for the group of prophets there. Chapter 4 ends with Elisha’s turning 20 loaves of bread into more than enough food for 100 people. Nothing else is mentioned about this school of prophets, though it is clear they lived together in some kind of community and were known as sons of the prophets who worshiped the Lord. These groups of men were likely leaders among those 7,000 Israelites who had not bowed down to Baal, as God had told Elijah (1 Kings 19:18). There were at least three schools or communities of these prophets and possibly more, consisting of men who were devoted to God and served Him. They followed the teachings of Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha during the time of the prophets and were known as their “students.” GotQuestions.org 1 Samuel 19:21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. BGT 1 Samuel 19:21 καὶ ἀπηγγέλη τῷ Σαουλ καὶ ἀπέστειλεν ἀγγέλους ἑτέρους καὶ ἐπροφήτευσαν καὶ αὐτοί καὶ προσέθετο Σαουλ ἀποστεῖλαι ἀγγέλους τρίτους καὶ ἐπροφήτευσαν καὶ αὐτοί LXE 1 Samuel 19:21 And it was told Saul, and he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied: and Saul sent again a third set of messengers, and they also prophesied. KJV 1 Samuel 19:21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also. NET 1 Samuel 19:21 When it was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they prophesied too. So Saul sent messengers a third time, but they also prophesied. CSB 1 Samuel 19:21 When they reported to Saul, he sent other agents, and they also began prophesying. So Saul tried again and sent a third group of agents, and even they began prophesying. ESV 1 Samuel 19:21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. NIV 1 Samuel 19:21 Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied. NLT 1 Samuel 19:21 When Saul heard what had happened, he sent other troops, but they, too, prophesied! The same thing happened a third time. NRS 1 Samuel 19:21 When Saul was told, he sent other messengers, and they also fell into a frenzy. Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also fell into a frenzy. NJB 1 Samuel 19:21 When Saul was told of this, he sent other agents, and they too fell into frenzy; Saul then sent a third group of agents, and they fell into frenzy too. NAB 1 Samuel 19:21 Informed of this, Saul sent other messengers, who also fell into the prophetic state. For the third time Saul sent messengers, but they too fell into the prophetic state. YLT 1 Samuel 19:21 And they declare it to Saul, and he sendeth other messengers, and they prophesy -- they also; and Saul addeth and sendeth messengers a third time, and they prophesy -- they also. sent messengers: 2Ki 1:9-13 Pr 27:22 Jer 13:23 prophesied : Joe 2:28 1 Samuel 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SURELY THE THIRD TIME WOULD BE THE CHARM! When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied (naba; Lxx = propheteuo). So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied (naba; Lxx = propheteuo)- So Saul sends 3 squads of hit men to take David out, but God sends all three away prophesying! You might say the warriors became worshipers as the result of the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit. God was protecting His anointed with spiritual weapons, which reminds us that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses." (2Co 10:4+) 1 Samuel 19:22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu; and he asked and said, "Where are Samuel and David?" And someone said, "Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah." BGT 1 Samuel 19:22 καὶ ἐθυμώθη ὀργῇ Σαουλ καὶ ἐπορεύθη καὶ αὐτὸς εἰς Αρμαθαιμ καὶ ἔρχεται ἕως τοῦ φρέατος τοῦ ἅλω τοῦ ἐν τῷ Σεφι καὶ ἠρώτησεν καὶ εἶπεν ποῦ Σαμουηλ καὶ Δαυιδ καὶ εἶπαν ἰδοὺ ἐν Ναυαθ ἐν Ραμα LXE 1 Samuel 19:22 And Saul was very angry, and went himself also to Armathaim, and he comes as far as the well of the threshing floor that is in Sephi; and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And they said, Behold, in Navath in Rama. KJV 1 Samuel 19:22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah. NET 1 Samuel 19:22 Finally Saul himself went to Ramah. When he arrived at the large cistern that is in Secu, he asked, "Where are Samuel and David?" They said, "At Naioth in Ramah." CSB 1 Samuel 19:22 Then Saul himself went to Ramah. He came to the large cistern at Secu, looked around, and asked, "Where are Samuel and David?" "At Naioth in Ramah," someone said. ESV 1 Samuel 19:22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came to the great well that is in Secu. And he asked, "Where are Samuel and David?" And one said, "Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah." NIV 1 Samuel 19:22 Finally, he himself left for Ramah and went to the great cistern at Secu. And he asked, "Where are Samuel and David?" "Over in Naioth at Ramah," they said. NLT 1 Samuel 19:22 Finally, Saul himself went to Ramah and arrived at the great well in Secu. "Where are Samuel and David?" he demanded."They are at Naioth in Ramah," someone told him. NRS 1 Samuel 19:22 Then he himself went to Ramah. He came to the great well that is in Secu; he asked, "Where are Samuel and David?" And someone said, "They are at Naioth in Ramah." NJB 1 Samuel 19:22 He then went to Ramah himself and, arriving at the large storage-well at Seku, asked, 'Where are Samuel and David?' And someone said, 'Why, they are in the huts at Ramah!' NAB 1 Samuel 19:22 Saul then went to Ramah himself. Arriving at the cistern of the threshing floor on the bare hilltop, he inquired, "Where are Samuel and David?", and was told, "At the sheds near Ramah." YLT 1 Samuel 19:22 And he goeth -- he also -- to Ramath, and cometh in unto the great well which is in Sechu, and asketh, and saith, 'Where are Samuel and David?' and one saith, 'Lo, in Naioth in Ramah.' 1 Samuel 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL GOES TO NAIOTH Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu (exact site ?); and he asked and said, "Where are Samuel and David?" And someone said, "Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah - Saul has apparently not seen Samuel for years, but this is not a friendly visit to catch up or let by gones be by gones! Saul has a sinister motive in his heart and that is to kill David. Guzik - Three times, the Holy Spirit said to Saul, “Leave David alone. My Spirit is stronger than you are. You will never win this battle against Me and against David.” But Saul didn’t listen. Instead, to an even greater degree, Saul took matters into his own hands: 1 Samuel 19:23 He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. BGT 1 Samuel 19:23 καὶ ἐπορεύθη ἐκεῖθεν εἰς Ναυαθ ἐν Ραμα καὶ ἐγενήθη καὶ ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ πνεῦμα θεοῦ καὶ ἐπορεύετο προφητεύων ἕως τοῦ ἐλθεῖν αὐτὸν εἰς Ναυαθ ἐν Ραμα LXE 1 Samuel 19:23 And he went thence to Navath in Rama: and there came the Spirit of God upon him also, and he went on prophesying till he came to Navath in Rama. KJV 1 Samuel 19:23 And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. NET 1 Samuel 19:23 So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. The Spirit of God came upon him as well, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. CSB 1 Samuel 19:23 So he went to Naioth in Ramah. The Spirit of God also came on him, and as he walked along, he prophesied until he entered Naioth in Ramah. ESV 1 Samuel 19:23 And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. NIV 1 Samuel 19:23 So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. NLT 1 Samuel 19:23 But on the way to Naioth in Ramah the Spirit of God came even upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy all the way to Naioth! NRS 1 Samuel 19:23 He went there, toward Naioth in Ramah; and the spirit of God came upon him. As he was going, he fell into a prophetic frenzy, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. NJB 1 Samuel 19:23 Making his way from there to the huts at Ramah, the spirit of God came over him too, and he went along in a frenzy until he arrived at the huts at Ramah. NAB 1 Samuel 19:23 As he set out from the hilltop toward the sheds, the spirit of God came upon him also, and he continued on in a prophetic condition until he reached the spot. At the sheds near Ramah YLT 1 Samuel 19:23 And he goeth thither -- unto Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God is upon him -- him also; and he goeth, going on, and he prophesieth till his coming in to Naioth in Ramah, the Spirit: 1Sa 19:20 10:10 Nu 23:5 24:2 Mt 7:22 Joh 11:51 1Co 13:2 until he came: Pr 16:9 21:1 1 Samuel 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Samuel 10:9-11+ Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day. When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them. 11 It came about, when all who knew him previously saw that he prophesied now with the prophets, that the people said to one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Samuel 11:6+ Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became very angry. 1 Samuel 16:13-14+ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 14 Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him. SPIRIT OF GOD AGAIN ON SAUL He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying (naba; Lxx = propheteuo in present tense = continually) continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah - The Spirit overpowered the will of Saul and took control! This is the last time the Spirit would come on Saul (first = 1Sa 10:10-11, 11:6). Saul was on his way to Naioth to execute David and who knows what he would have done with Samuel if he considered him an accomplice in aiding David's escape (we will see him murder priests later at the city of Nob for aiding David - 1Sa 22:19). Who sent the evil spirit on Saul? God. Who sends the Holy Spirit on Saul? God, but this time to save His anointed kill from Saul's murderous intentions! Saul was prophesying, so clearly was controlled by the Holy Spirit as had been his emissaries. Warren