King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 19:18 Mean?
“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.”
1 Samuel 19:18 · KJV
Context
16
And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster.
17
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?
18
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.
19
And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySo 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.
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 prophetic community) placed David in a spiritual stronghold. When physical safety fails, spiritual refuge remains. Samuel's protection extended to sharing the danger.
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 prophetic community) placed David in a spiritual stronghold. When physical safety fails, spiritual refuge remains. Samuel's protection extended to sharing the danger.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Samuel's prophetic school at Ramah provided both spiritual guidance and physical safety among the prophetic community. Naioth may have been a settlement of prophets in Ramah's vicinity. Samuel's reputation and divine connection offered some protection from royal persecution.
Reflection Questions
- Who provides spiritual counsel and refuge when you face crisis?
- What does David's return to Samuel teach about the importance of spiritual mentorship in difficulty?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 20 wordsוַיִּמָּלֵ֗ט3 of 20
“and escaped”
H4422properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
וַיַּ֨גֶּד8 of 20
“and told”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
ל֔וֹ9 of 20
H0אֵ֛ת10 of 20
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל11 of 20
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 20
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
ל֖וֹ14 of 20
H0הוּא֙17 of 20
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֖וּ19 of 20
“and dwelt”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 19:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 19:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge