God's Blessing

1 Samuel 19 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David.
2 And Jonathan told David, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself.
3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you.”
4 And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you.
5 For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the Lord worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?”
6 And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.”
7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.
8 And there was war again. And David went out and fought with the Philistines and struck them with a great blow, so that they fled before him.
9 Then a harmful spirit from the Lord came upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing the lyre.
10 And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.
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.”
12 So Michal let David down through the window, and he fled away and escaped.
13 And Michal took an image and laid it on the bed and put a pillow of goats’ hair at its head and covered it with the clothes.
14 And when David came to the king, he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.
15 Then Saul sent the messengers to see David, saying, “Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may kill him.”
16 And when the messengers came in, behold, the image was in the bed, with the pillow of goats’ hair at its head.
17 And Saul said to Michal, “Why have you deceived me so and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped?” Michal answered Saul, “He said to me, ‘Let me go. Why should I kill you?’”
18 Now David fled and escaped, and he came to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and lived at Naioth.
19 And it was told Saul, “Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.”
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.
21 And 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.
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.”
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.
24 And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

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The True Meaning of 1 Samuel 19

The book of 1 Samuel was written by the prophet Samuel, who played a crucial role in the transition from the era of judges to the establishment of the monarchy in ancient Israel. David has risen to prominence after his victory over Goliath, and we witness the escalating tensions between him and King Saul in this chapter.

The chapter opens with Saul’s attempts to have David killed, despite the fact that David had faithfully served the king and proven his loyalty. This foreshadows the growing rift between the two men, as Saul’s jealousy and fear of David’s popularity threaten to tear the kingdom apart. We see Saul’s daughter Michal, who is married to David, intervene to save her husband’s life, demonstrating the complex web of relationships and loyalties that will be tested in the chapters to come.

The events in this chapter also echo the broader themes of God’s providence and the struggle between good and evil that run throughout the book of 1 Samuel. The psalmist declared, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”” (Psalm 27:1). Even in the face of Saul’s relentless pursuit, David finds refuge in the Lord, foreshadowing the eventual triumph of God’s anointed king.

1 Samuel 19:1-7

An important development in the relationship between David and Saul is seen in 1 Samuel 19:1-7. This passage begins with Saul speaking with his son Jonathan and all his attendants about his plan to kill David. Saul’s jealousy and fear of David’s rising popularity among the people has consumed him to the point where he is willing to go to great lengths to eliminate David as a threat to his throne, even though David had served him faithfully and had been successful in battle on behalf of Israel.

Jonathan, who is not driven by jealousy like his father, is deeply troubled by Saul’s intentions towards David. Jonathan had formed a close bond with David and had even made a covenant of friendship with him (1 Samuel 18:3). Jonathan speaks to his father on David’s behalf in 1 Samuel 19:4, reminding Saul of David’s loyalty and pure intentions. Jonathan’s intervention may have delayed the inevitable, but it also shows the noble character of Jonathan and his love for both his father and his friend.

Despite Jonathan’s efforts, Saul remains fixed on his plan to kill David. David’s wife, Michal, who is also Saul’s daughter, warns David of her father’s plot and helps him escape through a window. It is interesting to note that Michal’s actions here contrast with her previous betrayal of David when she handed him over to Saul (1 Samuel 18:20-28). Her loyalty to David in this instance shows a shift in her allegiance and a recognition of the injustice David faces at the hands of her father.

This passage highlights themes of jealousy, loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Saul’s descent into paranoia and obsession with eliminating David at all costs serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of envy and pride. Jonathan’s courageous stand for David reveals the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it goes against family loyalties. David’s escape with Michal’s help showcases the providence of God in protecting His chosen servant from harm. 1 Samuel 19:1-7 reminds us of the complexities of human relationships, the power of loyalty and friendship, and the sovereignty of God in guiding the destinies of His people. It also underscores the timeless truth that righteousness will ultimately prevail over evil, and those who trust in the Lord will find refuge in Him (Proverbs 18:10).

1 Samuel 19:8-10

David, a central figure in the Old Testament, experiences an intense and pivotal moment in his life in 1 Samuel 19:8-10. This section deals with the growing animosity between King Saul and David. Saul’s jealousy and fear of David, who he recognized had been anointed by God to be the next king, had reached a dangerous point. These verses narrate how Saul made attempts to kill David. A harmful spirit from the Lord came upon Saul in these specific verses, driving him to attempt to pin David to the wall with his spear not once, but twice. This is a turning point where Saul’s actions start to reveal his deep-seated insecurities and his defiance towards God’s plan. It also demonstrates the spiritual battle that was taking place, as Saul was being influenced by an evil spirit, contrasting with David, who was protected by God.

The significance of this event lies not only in the immediate danger that David was facing from Saul but also in the broader context of divine intervention and protection. Despite Saul’s efforts to destroy David, God’s hand was upon David, ensuring his safety and ultimately fulfilling the promise of making him the king of Israel. This reaffirms the theme of God’s sovereignty and protection over His chosen ones, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

This episode also sets the stage for David’s eventual rise to the throne and illustrates the contrast between his character and Saul’s. David’s response to Saul’s attempts on his life was not one of revenge or retaliation but of continued reverence and respect for the king as God’s anointed. It shows David’s unwavering faith and reliance on God’s plan and timing, which is a lesson in humility and trust for all believers. David faced numerous trials and tribulations throughout his life as he navigated through the challenges of kingship, making this event a precursor to those experiences when compared to other parts of the Bible. It also serves as a reminder of the struggles that can arise when one is called to fulfill God’s purpose, but it highlights the importance of remaining faithful and obedient in the midst of adversity. This passage ultimately points to the overarching narrative of God’s faithfulness, protection, and sovereignty in the lives of His chosen ones.

1 Samuel 19:11-17

David, who was being pursued by King Saul, witnesses an intense and dramatic event in his life in 1 Samuel 19:11-17. Let’s break down this section:

  1. “Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning.” – Saul, consumed with jealousy and fear of David’s rising popularity, sought to kill him. He was determined to eliminate any potential threat to his kingship. This display of jealousy and violence is a stark contrast to the qualities of humility and trust in God that should characterize a leader, as we see in David’s life. This event highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and how it can lead to violence and betrayal.

  2. “But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, ‘If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.’” – Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s wife, plays a crucial role in this passage by saving David’s life. Despite her father’s intentions, Michal chooses to protect David, showing her loyalty to her husband and bravery in defying her father’s orders. This act of courage and loyalty is admirable and demonstrates the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of great risk.

  3. “Then Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped.” – Here, we see a clear parallel to the escape of the spies from Jericho through Rahab’s window (Joshua 2:15). The window became a symbol of escape and salvation in both instances. David’s escape through the window symbolizes God’s provision and protection over him, fulfilling the promise of deliverance to those who trust in Him. This event also foreshadows David’s future as a king who would be delivered from his enemies time and time again by the hand of God.

  4. “Then Michal took an idol and laid it on the bed, covering it with a garment and putting some goats’ hair at the head.” – Michal’s deception here may indicate a lack of true faith in God’s protection and a reliance on material objects for security. Michal compromised her own integrity and obedience to God’s commandments by placing an idol in David’s bed to deceive Saul’s men. This action serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing our trust in anything other than God and the consequences of deception and deceit. A mix of faithfulness, loyalty, fear, deception, and divine intervention is seen in this passage. David’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in protecting His chosen ones, even in the face of grave danger. Michal’s actions reflect the complexities of familial loyalty and spiritual compromise. We are challenged to examine our own responses to adversity and to trust in God’s provision rather than resorting to deceit or idolatry as we reflect on this passage. The overarching theme of God’s sovereignty and protection runs through this passage, showcasing His unwavering care for His people despite their flaws and shortcomings.

1 Samuel 19:18-24

David fled from Saul who sought to kill him and sought refuge with the prophet Samuel in Ramah, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:18-24. Let’s break down this section verse by verse for a deeper understanding.

Verse 18 states, “When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there.” Here, we witness the continued pursuit of David by King Saul due to his jealousy and insecurity over David’s rise in popularity. David, in seeking refuge with Samuel, not only finds physical protection but also receives spiritual guidance and support. Samuel, as a prophet, played a pivotal role in anointing David as the future king of Israel. This act of seeking counsel from a righteous and wise man like Samuel teaches us the importance of seeking guidance from spiritually mature individuals in times of trouble.

Moving on to verse 19, it says, “Word came to Saul: ‘David is in Naioth at Ramah.’” Despite Saul’s relentless efforts to capture David, God intervenes to protect David by revealing his whereabouts to Saul. This highlights the divine protection that surrounds those who are faithful and walk in obedience to God’s will. It also serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful our enemies may seem, God’s providence and protection are always at work on behalf of His chosen ones. God’s intervention in preventing Saul and his messengers from capturing David is witnessed in verses 20-24. It describes how Saul sent men to capture David, but each group sent fell into a prophetic trance as they approached Samuel and David, ultimately ending with Saul himself experiencing this supernatural phenomenon. This event showcases God’s sovereignty over the affairs of men and His ability to thwart the plans of the wicked. It also serves as a powerful demonstration of God’s protection over His anointed one, David, who would later become one of the greatest kings in Israel’s history.

This passage in 1 Samuel 19 reminds us of the enduring themes of faith, obedience, divine protection, and the sovereignty of God. It teaches us to trust in God’s providence even in the midst of adversity and to seek refuge in Him alone. The story of David’s escape from Saul’s clutches and his protection by God through the intervention of Samuel underscores the importance of walking in alignment with God’s will and seeking guidance from wise and spiritually mature individuals. God’s faithfulness to His chosen ones and His power to deliver them from harm ultimately points towards the overarching narrative.

After 1 Samuel 19

The chapter concluded with Saul’s continued pursuit of David, determined to end his life. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, David remained steadfast in his faith, trusting in the Lord’s protection. The Lord’s hand guides David through these tumultuous times, shaping him into the great king he was destined to become as we move forward. For the Lord’s ways are not our ways, and His plan for David’s life was far greater than anyone could have imagined.