King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 19:20 Mean?

1 Samuel 19:20 in the King James Version says “And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing a... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 19:20 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

The Spirit's power upon Saul's messengers, causing them to prophesy instead of arrest, demonstrates divine sovereignty over human intentions. Three times Saul sent messengers (vv.20-21); three times God intervened. The phrase 'the Spirit of God was upon the messengers' shows God appropriating even enemies for His purposes. Human plans dissolve before divine power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic communities in Israel often experienced ecstatic worship. The Spirit's overpowering of Saul's messengers resembled but surpassed normal prophetic activity. Samuel standing 'as appointed over them' indicates his leadership of the prophetic guild.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you witnessed God turning hostile intentions into occasions for spiritual encounter?
  2. What does the messengers' prophesying teach about God's power over those sent against His servants?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח1 of 24

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

שָׁאוּל֙2 of 24

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מַלְאֲכֵ֤י3 of 24

messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

לָקַ֣חַת4 of 24

to take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת5 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּוִד֒6 of 24

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּ֗רְא7 of 24

and when they saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶֽת8 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַהֲקַ֤ת9 of 24

the company

H3862

an assembly

הַנְּבִיאִים֙10 of 24

of the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ11 of 24

and they also prophesied

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

וּשְׁמוּאֵ֕ל12 of 24

and Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

עֹמֵ֥ד13 of 24

standing

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

נִצָּ֖ב14 of 24

as appointed

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם15 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַתְּהִ֞י16 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַֽל17 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַלְאֲכֵ֤י18 of 24

messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

שָׁאוּל֙19 of 24

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

ר֣וּחַ20 of 24

over them the Spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אֱלֹהִ֔ים21 of 24

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ22 of 24

and they also prophesied

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

גַּם23 of 24
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֵֽמָּה׃24 of 24
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)


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 19:20 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 19:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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