1 Samuel 19 Saul's Jealousy of David

1 Saul Tries to Kill David
Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan was very fond of David

2 and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there.

3 I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.”

4 Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly.

5 He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?”

6 Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death.”

7 So Jonathan called David and told him the whole conversation. He brought him to Saul, and David was with Saul as before.

8 Once more war broke out, and David went out and fought the Philistines. He struck them with such force that they fled before him.

9 But an evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the harp,

10 Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.

11 Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.”

12 So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped.

13 Then Michal took an idol and laid it on the bed, covering it with a garment and putting some goats’ hair at the head.

14 When Saul sent the men to capture David, Michal said, “He is ill.”

15 Then Saul sent the men back to see David and told them, “Bring him up to me in his bed so that I may kill him.”

16 But when the men entered, there was the idol in the bed, and at the head was some goats’ hair.

17 Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this and send my enemy away so that he escaped?”
Michal told him, “He said to me, ‘Let me get away. Why should I kill you?’”

18 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.

19 Word came to Saul: “David is in Naioth at Ramah”;

20 so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men and they also prophesied.

21 Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied.

22 Finally, he himself left for Ramah and went to the great cistern at Secu. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?”
“Over in Naioth at Ramah,” they said.

23 So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth.

24 He stripped off his robes and also prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay that way all that day and night. This is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

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Analysis of 1 Samuel Chapter 19

1 Samuel Chapter 19 is a significant chapter in the biblical narrative, highlighting the complexities of loyalty, divine protection, and the unfolding drama between King Saul and David. This chapter captures a critical moment in David’s life where he is subjected to relentless persecution by Saul, but also experiences miraculous deliverance. Our analysis will focus on these key themes and the implications for understanding divine providence, human relationships, and covenant loyalty.

Verses 1-3: Saul’s Intention to Kill David

The chapter opens with Saul openly communicating his intention to kill David to his son Jonathan and all his servants. This declaration marks a dangerous escalation in Saul’s hostility toward David. Saul’s irrational jealousy and paranoia can be traced back to earlier chapters where David’s popularity and success on the battlefield became sources of consternation for Saul.

“Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted greatly in David.” (1 Samuel 19:1)

Jonathan’s reaction is crucial. Despite being Saul’s son, Jonathan’s loyalty to David is driven by a covenant friendship that outweighs his allegiance to his father. Jonathan’s actions illustrate the higher moral principle of defending the innocent and remaining true to friendship vows. He alerts David of Saul’s intentions and devises a plan to protect him.

Divine Providence and Human Agency

This moment sets the stage for exploring the interplay between human agency and divine providence. Jonathan’s intervention is a means by which God protects David. His loyalty and quick action are divinely orchestrated to fulfill God’s plan for David’s future kingship.

Verses 4-7: Jonathan Mediates

Jonathan takes immediate action by speaking well of David to Saul, reminding Saul of David’s loyalty and the benefits David has brought to the kingdom, including the defeat of Goliath.

“So Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, ‘Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you.'” (1 Samuel 19:4)

Jonathan’s appeal to reason and justice temporarily pacifies Saul, who swears an oath that David will not be killed. This oath provides a brief respite, and David resumes his service to Saul, indicating that a sense of normalcy is restored temporarily.

The Fragility of Human Promises

However, this moment also foreshadows the fragility of human promises when not aligned with God’s plan. Saul’s oath is soon broken, demonstrating how human will, especially when tainted with jealousy and fear, can be highly unreliable.

Verses 8-10: Saul Renews His Pursuit

The chapter progresses with another instance of Saul’s attempt on David’s life. As David plays the harp to soothe Saul, Saul once again tries to pin David to the wall with his spear, but David escapes.

“Now there was war again; and David went out and fought with the Philistines, and struck them with a great slaughter, so that they fled before him. Now there was an evil spirit from the LORD on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, and David was playing the harp with his hand. Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he struck the spear into the wall. Then David fled and escaped that night.” (1 Samuel 19:8-10)

This passage highlights Saul’s internal turmoil and the recurring influence of the “evil spirit from the LORD,” which exacerbates Saul’s paranoia. David’s escape is another testament to divine protection, illustrating that God’s hand is actively ensuring David’s safety.

The Resilience of Divine Purpose

Despite the immediate danger, David’s survival reiterates the resilience of divine purpose. God’s plans for David are unshakable, and no human effort, not even the king’s, can thwart what God has ordained.

Verses 11-17: Michal Helps David Escape

The narrative shifts to Saul’s daughter, Michal, who is David’s wife. Saul sends messengers to David’s house to kill him, but Michal intervenes, helping David escape by lowering him through a window and deceiving the messengers with an idol in the bed, pretending it is David.

“Michal let David down through a window: and he went, fled, and escaped. Michal took the teraphim, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats’ hair at its head, and covered it with clothes.” (1 Samuel 19:12-13)

Michal’s actions are critical in aiding David’s escape, signifying her loyalty to her husband despite her father’s intentions. Her resourcefulness and courage are pivotal in the narrative.

The Role of Women in Divine Plans

Michal’s role in protecting David adds to the biblical theme of women playing crucial roles in God’s plans. Her quick thinking and bravery contribute to the unfolding of divine history, emphasizing that divine intervention often works through human agents, regardless of gender.

Verses 18-24: David Seeks Refuge with Samuel

David flees to Samuel at Ramah, seeking refuge and counsel. They stay at Naioth, but Saul does not relent and continues to pursue David. Saul sends messengers to capture David, but each group ends up prophesying upon encountering a company of prophets led by Samuel.

“And he went there 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.” (1 Samuel 19:23)

Finally, Saul himself goes to Ramah, and he too is overcome by the Spirit of God and begins to prophesy. This divine intervention halts Saul’s pursuit momentarily.

Divine Intervention and the Power of the Spirit

This segment of the chapter underscores the overwhelming power of divine intervention. The Spirit of God acts decisively to protect David, demonstrating that divine will can and will interrupt human actions to fulfill God’s purposes. The prophetic ecstasy that seizes even Saul highlights the supremacy of God’s power over human intentions.

In conclusion, 1 Samuel Chapter 19 intricately weaves themes of divine providence, human loyalty, and the interplay between divine will and human actions. Each character’s response to the unfolding events contributes to the realization of God’s plan for David. The chapter offers profound insights into the nature of divine protection and the often surprising ways in which God ensures the fulfillment of His promises. Through Jonathan’s loyalty, Michal’s bravery, and the overpowering influence of the Spirit of God, the narrative underscores that God’s purposes will stand, regardless of human opposition.

Understanding the Key Messages in 1 Samuel 19: Insights and Explanation

Saul's jealousy and fear of David's success drive him to seek his demise. Saul plots to kill David multiple times, but David escapes and seeks refuge in various places. Despite Saul's pursuit, David continues to prosper and gain favor.

Notes

This chapter showcases Saul's growing envy and hostility towards David, as well as David's reliance on God's protection and guidance.