1 Samuel 19
BSB1 Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, 2 so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there. 3 I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, so I can ask about you. And if I find out anything, I will tell you." 4 Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. 5 He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?" 6 Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death." 7 So Jonathan summoned David and told him all these things. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul to serve him as he had before. 8 When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him. 9 But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, 10 Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But the spear struck the wall and David eluded him, ran away, and escaped that night. 11 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!" 12 So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. 13 Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. 14 When Saul sent the messengers to seize David, Michal said, “He is ill." 15 But Saul sent the messengers back to see David and told them, “Bring him up to me in his bed so I can kill him." 16 And when the messengers entered, there was the idol in the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair on its head. 17 And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’" 18 So David ran away and escaped. And 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 When Saul was told that David was at Naioth in Ramah, 20 he sent messengers to capture him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. 21 When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy. 22 Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. 23 So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?"
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 19
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Samuel 19
- Themes from 1 Samuel 19
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 19
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
1 Samuel 19 begins with Saul's attempt to kill David with a spear while he was playing the lyre for the king. David escaped and went to Samuel, who took him to Naioth. Saul sent messengers to capture David, but they were overcome by the Spirit of God and prophesied. Eventually, Saul himself came to Naioth and also prophesied, allowing David to escape. David then went to Jonathan, who helped him escape from Saul's pursuit. Meanwhile, Michal, David's wife, helped him escape from Saul's men by letting him down through a window. David went to Samuel in Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Samuel and David went to Naioth and stayed there, and when Saul heard that they were there, he sent men to capture David. However, God intervened, and David was able to escape. This chapter showcases God's protection and provision for David, despite the many attempts on his life by King Saul.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which describes the transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings in Israel. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's redemption of His people and the ultimate coming of Christ. In the context of the book, this chapter follows David's anointing as king and his rise to prominence in Israel, and it precedes his eventual reign as king. The chapter is also connected to the broader themes of the Bible, including God's sovereignty, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to trust in God's providence and protection, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty. It reminds us that God is sovereign and powerful, and that He is able to work supernaturally in our lives to bring about His good purposes. As we face challenges and trials, we can look to David's example and trust in God's care and provision for us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about how God protected David from King Saul, who was trying to kill him. David trusted in God and was safe, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. We can learn from David's example and trust in God's care and protection for us, just like David did in 1 Samuel 19:1-2.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord's people are often in peril, but the Lord is always near to deliver them. He is their rock, their refuge, and their salvation.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Spirit of God is the source of all true prophecy and the fountain of all spiritual gifts. It is He who equips and enables us for service and ministry.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Saul's Attempt to Kill David (19:1-7) — Saul tries to kill David with a spear, but David escapes and goes to Samuel in Ramah.
- The Spirit of God Overcomes Saul's Men (19:8-10) — Saul sends men to capture David, but they are overcome by the Spirit of God and prophesy.
- David's Escape with Jonathan's Help (19:11-17) — David goes to Jonathan, who helps him escape from Saul's pursuit.
- Michal Helps David Escape (19:18-19) — Michal, David's wife, helps him escape from Saul's men by letting him down through a window.
- David Goes to Samuel in Ramah (19:20-24) — David goes to Samuel in Ramah and tells him all that Saul has done to him. Samuel and David stay in Naioth, and when Saul hears that they are there, he sends men to capture David, but God intervenes and David escapes.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and in control of all things, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty. He is able to work supernaturally in the lives of His people to bring about His good purposes.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit
- The chapter highlights the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming even the most powerful of enemies, demonstrating God's control over all things and His ability to work supernaturally in the lives of His people.
- The Importance of Trusting in God
- This chapter encourages us to trust in God's providence and protection, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty. It reminds us that God is sovereign and powerful, and that He is able to work supernaturally in our lives to bring about His good purposes.
- The Relentless Nature of Human Sin
- The chapter also highlights the relentless nature of human sin, as seen in Saul's attempts to kill David, demonstrating the need for God's protection and redemption.
Lessons from 1 Samuel 19
- God's Providence — This chapter teaches us that God is sovereign and in control of all things, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming even the most powerful of enemies, demonstrating God's control over all things and His ability to work supernaturally in the lives of His people.
- Trusting in God — This chapter encourages us to trust in God's providence and protection, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty. It reminds us that God is sovereign and powerful, and that He is able to work supernaturally in our lives to bring about His good purposes.
- The Importance of Community — The chapter also highlights the importance of community and the support of other believers, as seen in the relationships between David, Jonathan, and Samuel.
- The Relentless Nature of Human Sin — The chapter demonstrates the relentless nature of human sin, as seen in Saul's attempts to kill David, and teaches us about the need for God's protection and redemption.
Themes from 1 Samuel 19
- God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and in control of all things, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty. He is able to work supernaturally in the lives of His people to bring about His good purposes.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming even the most powerful of enemies, demonstrating God's control over all things and His ability to work supernaturally in the lives of His people.
- Trusting in God — This chapter encourages us to trust in God's providence and protection, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty. It reminds us that God is sovereign and powerful, and that He is able to work supernaturally in our lives to bring about His good purposes.
- The Importance of Community — The chapter also highlights the importance of community and the support of other believers, as seen in the relationships between David, Jonathan, and Samuel.
- The Relentless Nature of Human Sin — The chapter demonstrates the relentless nature of human sin, as seen in Saul's attempts to kill David, and teaches us about the need for God's protection and redemption.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from David's example about trusting in God's providence and protection?
- How does the chapter highlight the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming even the most powerful of enemies?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of trusting in God, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty?
- How does the chapter demonstrate the relentless nature of human sin, and what does this teach us about the need for God's protection and redemption?
- What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives, trusting in God's care and provision for us?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Saul's Attempt to Kill David (19:1-7)
| 19:1 | Saul tells his servants and Jonathan to kill David, but Jonathan warns David and helps him escape. |
| 19:2 | Jonathan tells David that Saul is seeking to kill him, and David flees to Samuel in Ramah. |
2. The Spirit of God Overcomes Saul's Men (19:8-10)
| 19:8 | Saul sends men to capture David, but they are overcome by the Spirit of God and prophesy. |
| 19:9 | Saul sends more men, but they also prophesy and are unable to capture David. |
3. David's Escape with Jonathan's Help (19:11-17)
| 19:11 | David goes to Jonathan, who helps him escape from Saul's pursuit. |
| 19:12 | Jonathan and David make a covenant, promising to be loyal to each other and to God. |
4. Michal Helps David Escape (19:18-19)
| 19:18 | Michal, David's wife, helps him escape from Saul's men by letting him down through a window. |
| 19:19 | David flees to Samuel in Ramah and tells him all that Saul has done to him. |
5. David Goes to Samuel in Ramah (19:20-24)
| 19:20 | David goes to Samuel in Ramah and tells him all that Saul has done to him. Samuel and David stay in Naioth, and when Saul hears that they are there, he sends men to capture David. |
| 19:21 | The men are overcome by the Spirit of God and prophesy, and David escapes. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 1 Samuel 19?
The main theme of 1 Samuel 19 is God's providence and protection, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty. (1 Samuel 19:1-2)
How does the chapter highlight the power of the Holy Spirit?
The chapter highlights the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming even the most powerful of enemies, demonstrating God's control over all things and His ability to work supernaturally in the lives of His people. (1 Samuel 19:20-24)
What can we learn from David's example about trusting in God?
We can learn from David's example that trusting in God's providence and protection is essential, even in the midst of persecution or difficulty. (1 Samuel 19:1-7)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 19:1 → Psalm 59:1 | This verse is referenced in Psalm 59:1, which describes David's experience of being persecuted by Saul and his trust in God's protection. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 19:20 → Acts 19:6 | This verse is referenced in Acts 19:6, which describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples at Ephesus and their prophesying. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 19:23 → 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 | This verse is referenced in 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, which describes the gift of prophecy and its importance in the church. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 19:1 → Matthew 10:28 | This verse is referenced in Matthew 10:28, which describes the persecution that Jesus' disciples would face and their trust in God's protection. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 19:11 → Proverbs 18:24 | This verse is referenced in Proverbs 18:24, which describes the importance of having a friend who will stick closer than a brother. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 19:18 → Psalm 55:22 | This verse is referenced in Psalm 55:22, which describes the experience of being persecuted and the importance of casting one's cares on God. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 19:20 → John 16:33 | This verse is referenced in John 16:33, which describes Jesus' promise to His disciples that they would face persecution but would overcome it through His power. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 19:23 → 2 Timothy 4:17-18 | This verse is referenced in 2 Timothy 4:17-18, which describes the experience of being rescued from the lion's mouth and the importance of trusting in God's power and protection. |
Sermons on 1 Samuel 19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) How to Not Fight Back by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David playing the harp for King Saul. He highlights the stark contrast between David's submission to God and Saul's violent natur |
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It's Time for the Weak to Rise by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker acknowledges the presence of forces that seek to silence the voice of Christ and diminish the influence of Christianity in society. They emphasize that |
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Elisha and the Sons of the Prophets by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks explores the relationship between Elisha and the sons of the prophets, emphasizing their spiritual immaturity and the need for true understanding of God's ways. He |
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The Lord's Protection of David (1 Sam. 19) by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle emphasizes the Lord's protection over David during a tumultuous period in his life, where he faced multiple assassination attempts from King Saul. Despite the threats a |
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The Ministerial Office by John Wesley | John Wesley discusses the distinction between the ministerial offices of preaching and priesthood, emphasizing that while all are called to preach the gospel, not all are called to |
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Exposition on Psalm 59 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the conversion of the Jews and Gentiles, highlighting the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. He discusses the sins of the Jews, their bli |
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And Saul Hearkened Unto the Voice of Jonathan. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the noble act of Jonathan in advocating for David despite the potential fallout with his father, Saul. Jonathan's willingness to stand up for his friend illus |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 19
In this chapter, we see the remarkable providence of God in preserving David's life, despite the many attempts of Saul to kill him. We are taught to trust in God's care and protection, even when all human hope seems lost. The chapter also highlights the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming even the most powerful of enemies, demonstrating God's control over all things and His ability to work supernaturally in the lives of His people. As Matthew Henry comments, 'The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.' (Psalm 34:18) This chapter encourages us to look to God as our rock and our salvation, and to trust in His power and protection, even in the midst of great danger and uncertainty. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Protection
Throughout the chapter, we see God's protection and provision for David, despite the many attempts on his life by King Saul. This highlights God's sovereignty and care for His people, even in the midst of persecution.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
The chapter showcases the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming even the most powerful of enemies, demonstrating God's control over all things and His ability to work supernaturally in the lives of His people.
The Relentless Nature of Human Sin
The chapter also highlights the relentless nature of human sin, as seen in Saul's attempts to kill David, demonstrating the need for God's protection and redemption.