King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 19:22 Mean?
“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.”
1 Samuel 19:22 · KJV
Context
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.
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.
24
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
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen 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.
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' (bor gadol) served as a landmark and gathering point where information could be obtained. Saul's personal intervention after three failed attempts shows both determination and desperation. He would soon discover that royal authority provided no immunity from the Spirit's power.
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' (bor gadol) served as a landmark and gathering point where information could be obtained. Saul's personal intervention after three failed attempts shows both determination and desperation. He would soon discover that royal authority provided no immunity from the Spirit's power.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Wells served as community gathering points in ancient Near Eastern settlements. The specific mention of location suggests this was a well-known landmark. Saul's inquiry indicates he came without clear directions, relying on local information.
Reflection Questions
- When have you persisted in futile efforts despite clear signs of divine opposition?
- What does Saul's decision to go personally reveal about his spiritual condition?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsגַּם2 of 19
H1571properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
ה֜וּא3 of 19
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
עַד6 of 19
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 19
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וַיִּשְׁאַ֣ל11 of 19
“and he asked”
H7592to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
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 19:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.