King James Version
1 Samuel 19
24 verses with commentary
Saul Tries to Kill David
And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.</strong><br><br>Saul's command to Jonathan 'that they should kill David' elevated private attempts to official policy. The Hebrew <em>muth</em> (death/murder) indicates lethal intent now shared with servants and heir. By including Jonathan, Saul tested his son's loyalty and implicated others in his si...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **That they should kill David.**—The literal translation of the original gives a much better sense: “that he intended to kill David,” or “about killing David.” The latter is the rendering of the LXX. and the Syriac. The murderous impulse of the unhappy Saul gradually increased in intensity. First, it showed itself only in the paroxysms of insanity, when the half distraught king would grasp and...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-4. send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel--**a curious proof of the general dissatisfaction that prevailed as to the appointment of Saul. Those Gileadites deemed him capable neither of advising nor succoring them; and even in his own town the appeal was made to the people--not to the prince.
1Sa 11:5-11. They Send to Saul, and Are Delivered.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:</strong><br><br>Jonathan's delight (<em>chaphets</em>) in David and his warning intervention placed covenant loyalty above filial obedience. The practical wis...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Jonathan told David.**—The danger Jonathan saw was a very present one. A very slight expression on the part of a powerful king of his earnest desire to get rid of an obnoxious subject, however eminent or great, is sufficient to stir up unscrupulous men to commit the murder which they might fancy would be acceptable to their master.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.</strong><br><br>Jonathan's plan demonstrates strategic wisdom: he would 'stand beside' (<em>'amad 'etsel</em>) his father, positioning himself to observe and influence while David remained safely hidden. The promise 'what I see, that I ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **In the field.**—No doubt some garden or quiet place, whither the king was in the habit of resorting with his friends and counsellors.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:</strong><br><br>Jonathan's defense of David employs careful rhetoric: David has 'not sinned against thee,' his works 'have been to thee-ward very good,' and the war...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Jonathan spake good of David.**—The heir to the throne—the one above all men likely to be injured by the growing popularity of David—with great power and intense earnestness, represented to his father the king the great virtues, the unrivalled gifts, and, above all, the splendid services of the young soldier whose life Saul was so anxious to cut short. “See,’ urged the eloquent pleader for h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces--**(see Jud 19:29). This particular form of war-summons was suited to the character and habits of an agricultural and pastoral people. Solemn in itself, the denunciation that accompanied it carried a terrible threat to those that neglected to obey it. Saul conjoins the name of Samuel with his own, to lend the greater influence to the measure, a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?</strong><br><br>Jonathan's reminder of David's victory over Goliath - 'thou sawest it, and didst rejoice' - recalled Saul's own past approval. The phrase 't...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Bezek--**This place of general muster was not far from Shechem, on the road to Beth-shan, and nearly opposite the ford for crossing to Jabesh-gilead. The great number on the muster-roll showed the effect of Saul's wisdom and promptitude.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.</strong><br><br>Saul's oath 'As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain' seemed to resolve the crisis. His hearkening to Jonathan's voice suggested repentance. Yet swearing by the LORD while harboring unchanged heart reflects Saul's pattern of religious language without spiritual realit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And Saul hearkened**.—The moving eloquence of Jonathan touched Saul’s heart, and for a brief space something of the old noble spirit influenced the king, and he swore he would not attempt his life.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past . in times: Heb. yesterday, third day
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.</strong><br><br>Restoration appears complete: David returns to Saul's presence 'as in times past.' Jonathan's threefold action - called, showed, brought - demonstrates thorough mediation. He first summoned David from hiding, then provided fu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **As in times past.**—The old life went on as before, and David seemingly was received on terms of intimacy and affection by the king, but a new cause was soon supplied which again lit up the slumbering fires of jealousy in the king’s heart. The next verse tells us of a successful campaign against the hereditary foes of Israel, in which, as usual, David was the hero.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →David's Escape
And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him. him: Heb. his face
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.</strong><br><br>The cycle continues: renewed Philistine conflict provided occasion for David's military success, which triggered Saul's jealousy. The Hebrew <em>makkah gedolah</em> ('great slaughter') emphasizes decisive victory. 'They fled from him' i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies--**Crossing the Jordan in the evening, Saul marched his army all night, and came at daybreak on the camp of the Ammonites, who were surprised in three different parts, and totally routed. This happened before the seven days' truce expired.
1Sa 11:12-15. Saul Confirmed King.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.</strong><br><br>The evil spirit's return during David's music ministry parallels 16:23, showing Saul's unchanged condition. The detail that Saul 'sat in his house with his javelin in his hand' combines domesticity with menace. Even as David faithfully served...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **And the evil spirit . . . was upon Saul.**—Again the terrible malady was upon the king—not unlikely brought on by the wild storm of jealous fury which Saul allowed to sweep unchecked across his soul. Once more—
“Out of the black mid-tent’s silence, a space of three days,
Not a sound hath escaped to thy servants of prayer nor of
praise,
To betoken that Saul and the spirit have ended their str...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-15. the people said ..., Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us?--**The enthusiastic admiration of the people, under the impulse of grateful and generous feelings, would have dealt summary vengeance on the minority who opposed Saul, had not he, either from principle or policy, shown himself as great in clemency as in valor. The calm and sagacious counsel of Samuel directed the popular ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.</strong><br><br>Saul's second javelin attack, from which David 'slipped away' (<em>parar</em>, escaped), confirms his oath's worthlessness. The javelin striking the wall instead of David demonstrates di...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **The javelin.**—This is the great spear, which in so many of the scenes in the First Book of Samuel is represented as in the hand of Saul or by his side.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-15. the people said ..., Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us?--**The enthusiastic admiration of the people, under the impulse of grateful and generous feelings, would have dealt summary vengeance on the minority who opposed Saul, had not he, either from principle or policy, shown himself as great in clemency as in valor. The calm and sagacious counsel of Samuel directed the popular ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 19
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah.
--The three remaining chapters of this book contain a very sad history of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, in Benjamin. The righteous Lord permits sinners to execute just vengeance on one another, and if the scene here described is horrible, what will the discoveries of the day of judgment be! Let each of us consider how to escape from the ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Michal's warning 'If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain' reveals urgency and her choice of David over her father. The phrase 'save thy life' (<em>m...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-15. the people said ..., Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us?--**The enthusiastic admiration of the people, under the impulse of grateful and generous feelings, would have dealt summary vengeance on the minority who opposed Saul, had not he, either from principle or policy, shown himself as great in clemency as in valor. The calm and sagacious counsel of Samuel directed the popular ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.</strong><br><br>Michal's assistance in David's escape 'through a window' recalls Rahab's help for Israel's spies (Joshua 2:15). She became an instrument of divine preservation, fulfilling God's purposes despite her father's murderous intent. The window escape represents narrow deliverance through unexpected mean...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **So Michal let David down.**—The princess, his wife, knew well her father’s character, and conscious, now that the veil of his dark design was publicly lifted, that there was no hope for her husband any longer save in his instant flight, she “let David down through a window,” because the king’s guards were watching the door. With this desperate flight began those long weary wanderings, those...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-15. the people said ..., Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us?--**The enthusiastic admiration of the people, under the impulse of grateful and generous feelings, would have dealt summary vengeance on the minority who opposed Saul, had not he, either from principle or policy, shown himself as great in clemency as in valor. The calm and sagacious counsel of Samuel directed the popular ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth. image: Heb. teraphim
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth.</strong><br><br>Michal's use of a household idol (<em>teraphim</em>) raises uncomfortable questions - why did David's wife possess such an image? The deception bought time for David's escape. The pillow of goats' hair created visual illusion. While Scripture neith...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **An image.**—An image in the Hebrew is *teraphim—*a plural form, but used as a singular. We have no instance of the singular. The Latin equivalent, “penates,” singularly enough, is also only found in the plural form. In this case, probably, it was a life-size figure or bust. The word has been discussed above (1Samuel 15:23). It is singular how, in spite of the stern command to avoid idolatry...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.</strong><br><br>Michal's lie - 'He is sick' (<em>choleh</em>) - bought precious time for David's escape. The simple declaration deflected immediate action, as entering a sick person's chamber risked both contagion and ceremonial defilement. Michal chose deception over obedience to her father, prioritizing David's life over ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 12
1Sa 12:1-5. Samuel Testifies his Integrity.
**1-4. Samuel said unto all Israel--**This public address was made after the solemn re-instalment of Saul, and before the convention at Gilgal separated. Samuel, having challenged a review of his public life, received a unanimous testimony to the unsullied honor of his personal character, as well as the justice and integrity of his public ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.</strong><br><br>Saul's command 'Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him' reveals murderous obsession overriding all propriety. The phrase 'in the bed' indicates willingness to kill a sick man - violation of ancient codes that protected the vulnerable. Saul would murder hi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 12
1Sa 12:1-5. Samuel Testifies his Integrity.
**1-4. Samuel said unto all Israel--**This public address was made after the solemn re-instalment of Saul, and before the convention at Gilgal separated. Samuel, having challenged a review of his public life, received a unanimous testimony to the unsullied honor of his personal character, as well as the justice and integrity of his public ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.</strong><br><br>The discovery of the deception - an image (<em>teraphim</em>) with goats' hair pillow - revealed Michal's ruse and David's escape. The household idol's presence raises theological questions about religious practice in David's home, but the narrative foc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 12
1Sa 12:1-5. Samuel Testifies his Integrity.
**1-4. Samuel said unto all Israel--**This public address was made after the solemn re-instalment of Saul, and before the convention at Gilgal separated. Samuel, having challenged a review of his public life, received a unanimous testimony to the unsullied honor of his personal character, as well as the justice and integrity of his public ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee?</strong><br><br>Saul's accusation of Michal - 'Why hast thou deceived me...sent away mine enemy?' - treats David as enemy and implies Michal's treachery. Her response - 'He said unto me, Let me go; why should I ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 12
1Sa 12:1-5. Samuel Testifies his Integrity.
**1-4. Samuel said unto all Israel--**This public address was made after the solemn re-instalment of Saul, and before the convention at Gilgal separated. Samuel, having challenged a review of his public life, received a unanimous testimony to the unsullied honor of his personal character, as well as the justice and integrity of his public ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →David Flees to Samuel
So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.</strong><br><br>David's flight to Samuel at Ramah returns him to his spiritual father for counsel and protection. 'Told him all that Saul had done' indicates need for godly counsel in crisis. Their retreat to Naioth ('dwellings' - possibly a proph...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **And came to Samuel.**—The influence and authority which Samuel still preserved in the nation even in the stormy close of Saul’s career, must have been very great for the frightened David to have sought a refuge in his quiet home of prayer and learning. The exile, fleeing before his sovereign, felt that in the residence of the old seer he would be safe from all pursuit, as in a sanctuary. Da...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. the Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness--**that, by their own acknowledgment, he had given them no cause to weary of the divine government by judges, and that, therefore, the blame of desiring a change of government rested with themselves. This was only insinuated, and they did not fully perceive his drift.
1Sa 12:6-16. He Reproves the People for Ingratitude.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.</strong><br><br>Intelligence reached Saul: David had fled to Samuel's prophetic community. The report 'Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah' provided exact location. Informants tracked David's movements, demonstrating how thoroughly Saul's network surveilled the fugitive. Yet this intelligence would prove useless - divine po...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Naioth.**—Naioth, or Nevaioth, as it is also written, was not a town, but, as the name denotes, *a cluster of dwellings or abodes. *It is derived from the verb *navali, *to rest or abide. Samuel had his own house in Ramah, and these dwellings, where his prophetic schools were established, were in the immediate neighbourhood, “Naioth in Ramah.” It was to this school he took David on this occ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>The Spirit's power upon Saul's messengers, causing them to prophesy instead of arrest, demonstrates divine sovereignty over human intentions. Three times Sa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **The company of the prophets.**—(On the general question of this company of prophets see *Excursus *H, at the end of this Book.) The Hebrew word rendered “company” occurs only in this place, but the ancient versions agree in rendering it “company,” or “assembly.” The Chaldee paraphrases here “they saw the company of the scribes praising, and Samuel standing over them teaching.”
**And they al...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you--**The burden of this faithful and uncompromising address was to show them, that though they had obtained the change of government they had so importunely desired, their conduct was highly displeasing to their heavenly King; nevertheless, if they remained faithful to Him and to the principles of the theocracy, they might be delivered fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>The threefold sending of messengers - each group overpowered by the Spirit - demonstrates both Saul's stubborn persistence and God's inexhaustible power. The Hebrew structure emphasizes repetition: sent, prophesied; sent...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **And they prophesied likewise.**—Bishop Wordsworth calls attention here to the fact of “this portion of Scripture, from 1Samuel 19:18 to end of the chapter, which relates the illapse of the Spirit on Saul’s messengers, and even on Saul himself, the persecutor of David, being appointed by the Church to be read on Whitsun Tuesday (Old Lect.), in order to show the existence and working of the H...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you--**The burden of this faithful and uncompromising address was to show them, that though they had obtained the change of government they had so importunely desired, their conduct was highly displeasing to their heavenly King; nevertheless, if they remained faithful to Him and to the principles of the theocracy, they might be delivered fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>When three sets of messengers failed, Saul went himself. His question at Sechu - 'Where are Samuel and David?' - linked the prophet and the fugitive as joint objects of his pursuit. The 'great well' (<em>...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you--**The burden of this faithful and uncompromising address was to show them, that though they had obtained the change of government they had so importunely desired, their conduct was highly displeasing to their heavenly King; nevertheless, if they remained faithful to Him and to the principles of the theocracy, they might be delivered fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Saul's own experience of the Spirit's power - prophesying continuously from Sechu to Naioth - reveals God's sovereign ability to neutralize any threat. The phrase 'the Spirit of God was upon him also' places Saul alongside his me...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you--**The burden of this faithful and uncompromising address was to show them, that though they had obtained the change of government they had so importunely desired, their conduct was highly displeasing to their heavenly King; nevertheless, if they remained faithful to Him and to the principles of the theocracy, they might be delivered fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets? lay: Heb. fell
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?</strong><br><br>Saul's stripping off clothes and prophesying before Samuel, lying 'naked all that day and all that night,' represents complete exposure and humiliation. The repeated proverb 'Is Saul also ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner.**—This was certainly not the first time that Saul had experienced a similar influence of the Spirit of God. We are told (1Samuel 10:10) that directly after his anointing by Samuel, he met a company of prophets, who were prophesying at Gibeah, and that “the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you--**The burden of this faithful and uncompromising address was to show them, that though they had obtained the change of government they had so importunely desired, their conduct was highly displeasing to their heavenly King; nevertheless, if they remained faithful to Him and to the principles of the theocracy, they might be delivered fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-24**
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this d...
Read full commentary →