◄ 1 Samuel 19 ►
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Summary Saul Tries to Kill David 1 Samuel 19 reminds us that no matter how desperate or dire our circumstances may be, God is always present, offering protection and guidance. Through the actions of Jonathan and Michal, we see that God works through people, reinforcing bonds of friendship and loyalty, and demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted by human intervention. In the most unexpected of ways - through a king's jealous rage and a prophetic trance - we see the manifestation of divine intervention, and the ultimate message of hope and perseverance shines through. Verses 1-3: Jonathan's Plea to Saul Jonathan, Saul's son and a loyal friend to David, pleas to his father not to harm David, reminding him of David's faithful service and how his actions have benefited Saul's kingdom. • Verses 4-7: Saul’s Oath Moved by Jonathan’s plea, Saul takes an oath not to put David to death. David returns to serve Saul in his court, resuming his role as the king's harpist. • Verses 8-10: Saul's Renewed Enmity During a battle against the Philistines, David's success stirs Saul's jealousy again, leading to another attempt on David's life. Saul hurls his spear at David while he is playing the harp, but David escapes. • Verses 11-17: Michal's Deception Fearing for her husband's life, Michal, Saul's daughter, helps David escape from their home by tricking her father's messengers. She lowers David through a window and deceives the messengers with an idol in David's bed, covered with goat's hair and a cloak. • Verses 18-24: David's Refuge in Ramah David flees to Ramah to seek counsel from Samuel, and they both move to Naioth. Saul sends multiple groups of messengers to capture David, but each time, they end up prophesying instead of carrying out Saul's orders. In desperation, Saul goes himself and also falls into a prophetic trance, stripped of his royal garments. This allows David to escape once more. 1 Samuel 19 is a remarkable chapter in the Biblical narrative where the escalating hostility of King Saul towards David is explicitly evident. Despite David's loyal service, Saul's jealousy and paranoia instigate repeated attempts to end David's life. Amidst these tumultuous circumstances, David experiences the unwavering friendship of Jonathan, the protective cunning of Michal, and ultimately, the divine protection of God himself. Teaching Points Saul's Jealousy and Hostility Saul's fear and jealousy of David lead him to plot David's death. Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David (1 Samuel 19:1). This highlights the destructive power of unchecked jealousy and fear. Jonathan's Loyalty Jonathan, Saul's son, warns David of his father's intentions, demonstrating true friendship and loyalty. Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul (1 Samuel 19:4). Michal's Deception Michal, David's wife, helps him escape by deceiving her father’s men. Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped (1 Samuel 19:12). Divine Intervention God intervenes directly to protect David. When Saul's messengers come to capture David, they are overcome by the Spirit of God and begin to prophesy. The Spirit of God came upon Saul’s messengers, and they also prophesied (1 Samuel 19:20). Saul's Powerlessness Against God's Will Despite Saul's repeated attempts, he is unable to thwart God's plan for David. He too stripped off his garments and prophesied before Samuel (1 Samuel 19:24). Practical Applications Trust in God's Protection Just as God protected David, we can trust that He will protect us in our times of trouble. Value True Friendships Like Jonathan, seek to be a loyal and supportive friend, especially when others face trials. Stand Firm in Righteousness Even when falsely accused or persecuted, maintain integrity and trust in God's justice. Recognize God's Sovereignty Acknowledge that God is in control, and His plans cannot be thwarted by human actions. People 1. Saul Saul is the first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. In 1 Samuel 19, Saul's jealousy and fear of David lead him to seek David's life. The Hebrew root for Saul's name, "שָׁאוּל" (Sha'ul), means "asked for" or "prayed for," reflecting his initial selection by the people of Israel. 2. Jonathan Jonathan is Saul's son and a close friend of David. Despite his father's intentions, Jonathan warns David of Saul's plans to kill him, demonstrating loyalty and righteousness. His name in Hebrew, "יְהוֹנָתָן" (Yehonatan), means "Yahweh has given." 3. David David is the future king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. In this chapter, he is fleeing from Saul's attempts on his life. The Hebrew root for David's name, "דָּוִד" (David), means "beloved." 4. Michal Michal is Saul's daughter and David's wife. She helps David escape from Saul by letting him down through a window and deceiving her father's messengers. Her name in Hebrew, "מִיכַל" (Michal), is of uncertain meaning but is often associated with "who is like God." 5. Samuel Samuel is the prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings. In this chapter, David seeks refuge with Samuel in Naioth. The Hebrew root for Samuel's name, "שְׁמוּאֵל" (Shmuel), means "heard by God." 6. Messengers of Saul These are the individuals sent by Saul to capture David. They experience the Spirit of God coming upon them, causing them to prophesy instead of capturing David. The Hebrew term for "messenger" is "מַלְאָךְ" (mal'akh), which can also mean "angel" or "envoy." 7. Spirit of God While not a person, the Spirit of God plays a significant role in this chapter by coming upon Saul's messengers and Saul himself, causing them to prophesy. The Hebrew term for "spirit" is "רוּחַ" (ruach), which can mean "breath," "wind," or "spirit." Places 1. Ramah In 1 Samuel 19:18, David flees to Ramah to seek refuge with Samuel. Ramah is significant as it is the hometown of Samuel, the prophet who anointed David. The Hebrew root for Ramah (רָמָה) means "height" or "high place," indicating its elevated location. 2. Naioth Mentioned in 1 Samuel 19:18-19, Naioth is where David stays with Samuel in Ramah. The term "Naioth" (נָוִית) is believed to refer to a dwelling or settlement, possibly a prophetic community or school where Samuel resided. 3. Gibeah In 1 Samuel 19:9, Saul is in Gibeah when an evil spirit from the LORD comes upon him. Gibeah, meaning "hill" in Hebrew (גִּבְעָה), is Saul's hometown and the location of his royal residence. It serves as a central place of Saul's reign and activities. Events 1. Saul's Plot Against David Saul speaks to his son Jonathan and all his servants about his plan to kill David. This marks the beginning of Saul's overt attempts to take David's life, driven by jealousy and fear of losing his kingdom (1 Samuel 19:1). 2. Jonathan Warns David Jonathan, who has a deep friendship with David, warns him of Saul's intentions. He advises David to be on guard and hide, showing Jonathan's loyalty and the covenant between them (1 Samuel 19:2). 3. Jonathan Intercedes for David Jonathan speaks well of David to Saul, reminding him of David's loyalty and the great victory over the Philistines. Jonathan's intercession temporarily softens Saul's heart, and Saul swears an oath that David will not be put to death (1 Samuel 19:4-6). 4. David's Return to Saul's Service After Jonathan's successful intercession, David returns to Saul's service and continues to play the harp for him, indicating a temporary restoration of their relationship (1 Samuel 19:7). 5. Saul's Renewed Attempt to Kill David Once again, an evil spirit from the LORD comes upon Saul as David plays the harp. Saul attempts to pin David to the wall with his spear, but David escapes, highlighting the ongoing spiritual and physical conflict (1 Samuel 19:9-10). 6. David Flees to His Home David escapes to his house, and Saul sends messengers to watch and kill him in the morning. This event underscores the persistent threat to David's life (1 Samuel 19:11). 7. Michal's Deception Michal, David's wife and Saul's daughter, helps David escape by letting him down through a window. She deceives the messengers by placing an idol in the bed, showing her loyalty to David over her father (1 Samuel 19:12-13). 8. Saul's Messengers Deceived When Saul's messengers come to take David, Michal tells them he is sick. Saul orders them to bring David in his bed, but they discover the deception, illustrating the tension between Saul's authority and David's protection (1 Samuel 19:14-17). 9. David Flees to Samuel David flees to Samuel at Ramah and tells him all that Saul has done. They stay at Naioth, indicating David's need for spiritual refuge and guidance (1 Samuel 19:18). 10. Saul's Messengers Prophesy Saul sends messengers to capture David, but they encounter a group of prophets and begin to prophesy. This divine intervention prevents them from capturing David (1 Samuel 19:20). 11. Saul's Own Prophesying Saul himself goes to Ramah, and the Spirit of God comes upon him, causing him to prophesy. He strips off his clothes and lies down all day and night, symbolizing his loss of royal dignity and control (1 Samuel 19:23-24). Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 59 A psalm attributed to David during this time, expressing trust in God's deliverance. Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Reflects Jonathan's honest counsel to David. Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us? Emphasizes God's protection over His people. Matthew 5:10-12 Jesus' teaching on persecution and the blessing that comes with it. Prayer Points Pray for strength and courage to face trials with faith, as David did. Ask God to help you be a loyal and supportive friend like Jonathan. Seek God's protection and guidance in times of danger or uncertainty. Thank God for His sovereignty and the assurance that His plans for us are good. As we reflect on 1 Samuel 19, may we be encouraged by God's unwavering faithfulness and find strength in His promises, knowing that He is our refuge and deliverer. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jonathan's intervention for David reflect his loyalty and friendship? 2. What does Saul's constant change of heart towards David reveal about his character? 3. How do the actions of Michal illustrate cunning and quick-thinking for the sake of protecting her loved ones? 4. What can we learn from David's reaction to Saul's threats and actions against him? 5. What does God's protection over David tell us about His character? 6. How can Saul's unfulfilled attempts on David's life be seen as divine intervention? 7. In what ways have you experienced unexpected protection in your own life? 8. How can we show loyalty to our friends during times of adversity, similar to Jonathan's loyalty to David? 9. In what ways does fear and jealousy impact a person's judgment, as seen in Saul's actions? 10. How does God's protection of David in Ramah inspire faith and trust in God's providence? 11. How does David's continued respect for Saul, despite his attempts to kill him, challenge us in our relationships today? 12. What does Michal's decision to deceive her father suggest about the sometimes complex nature of loyalty and love? 13. How might you handle a situation where a close friend, like David, is being unjustly persecuted? 14. How might you respond if you found yourself in a situation similar to Saul’s, where fear and jealousy are affecting your judgment? 15. How have you seen God's protection manifested in unexpected ways, as seen with Saul's prophetic trance? 16. In what ways can you rely on God when your circumstances become overwhelming? 17. What lessons can we learn from David's unwavering faith in God despite his difficult circumstances? 18. How can we apply the themes of divine protection, loyalty, and friendship from 1 Samuel 19 to our everyday lives? 19. How can we recognize and resist the destructive effects of jealousy and fear in our own lives? 20. How might you show cunning and quick-thinking in protecting those you love, as Michal did for David? Topics 1. Saul's Plot to Kill David In 1 Samuel 19:1, Saul speaks to his son Jonathan and all his servants about his intention to kill David. The Hebrew root word for "kill" here is "מוּת" (muth), which means to put to death or destroy. This highlights Saul's growing hostility and jealousy towards David. 2. Jonathan's Warning to David Verses 2-3 describe how Jonathan, Saul's son, warns David of his father's plans and advises him to hide. Jonathan's loyalty to David is evident, and he acts as a mediator, attempting to protect David from Saul's wrath. 3. Jonathan Intercedes for David In verses 4-5, Jonathan speaks well of David to Saul, reminding him of David's loyalty and the victory over Goliath. The Hebrew word "טוֹב" (tov), meaning good or pleasing, is used to describe David's deeds, emphasizing his righteousness and the unjust nature of Saul's anger. 4. Saul's Temporary Change of Heart Verse 6 shows Saul heeding Jonathan's plea and swearing an oath that David will not be put to death. The Hebrew word "שָׁבַע" (shava), meaning to swear or make an oath, indicates a solemn promise, though it is short-lived. 5. David's Continued Success In verse 8, David continues to lead Israel in battle and achieves great success. The Hebrew root "נָכָה" (nakah), meaning to strike or smite, is used to describe David's victories, underscoring his role as a divinely favored warrior. 6. Saul's Renewed Attempt on David's Life Verses 9-10 describe how an evil spirit from the LORD comes upon Saul, and he attempts to pin David to the wall with a spear. The Hebrew word "רוּחַ" (ruach), meaning spirit, is used here, indicating a troubling influence that exacerbates Saul's instability. 7. Michal's Deception to Save David In verses 11-17, Michal, David's wife and Saul's daughter, helps David escape by lowering him through a window and deceiving Saul's messengers. The Hebrew word "מָלַט" (malat), meaning to escape or deliver, highlights Michal's role in David's preservation. 8. David's Flight to Samuel Verses 18-19 describe David fleeing to Samuel at Ramah and recounting all that Saul has done. The Hebrew root "בָּרַח" (barach), meaning to flee or escape, is used, indicating David's urgent need for refuge and guidance. 9. Saul's Messengers Prophesy In verses 20-21, Saul sends messengers to capture David, but they end up prophesying under the influence of the Spirit of God. The Hebrew word "נָבָא" (naba), meaning to prophesy, suggests a divine intervention that thwarts Saul's plans. 10. Saul Prophesies at Naioth Verses 22-24 describe Saul himself going to Naioth and being overcome by the Spirit of God, leading him to prophesy. The scene concludes with Saul lying naked all day and night, a sign of his humiliation and the futility of his efforts against David. The Hebrew word "פָּשַׁט" (pashat), meaning to strip or make bare, emphasizes Saul's vulnerability and the power of God's Spirit. Themes 1. Divine Protection In 1 Samuel 19, we see the theme of divine protection as God intervenes to protect David from Saul's attempts to kill him. This is evident when Michal, David's wife, helps him escape by lowering him through a window (1 Samuel 19:12). The Hebrew root for "escape" (מָלַט, malat) emphasizes deliverance and rescue, highlighting God's providential care over David. 2. Human Deception and Strategy The chapter illustrates the use of human deception and strategy for survival. Michal deceives the messengers of Saul by placing an idol in David's bed to make it appear as though he is ill (1 Samuel 19:13-16). This act of deception underscores the theme of using wisdom and cunning to navigate dangerous situations. 3. Spiritual Intervention The theme of spiritual intervention is prominent when the Spirit of God comes upon Saul's messengers and even Saul himself, causing them to prophesy instead of capturing David (1 Samuel 19:20-24). The Hebrew word for "prophesy" (נָבָא, naba) indicates a divine influence that overrides human intentions, demonstrating God's control over spiritual and earthly realms. 4. Conflict Between Human Authority and Divine Will The chapter highlights the conflict between human authority and divine will. Saul, as king, represents human authority, but his attempts to kill David are thwarted by God's will. This theme is evident in Saul's persistent but unsuccessful efforts to eliminate David, who is under God's protection and destined for kingship. 5. Loyalty and Betrayal Loyalty and betrayal are key themes, as seen in the relationships between Saul, Jonathan, and David. Jonathan's loyalty to David, despite his father Saul's intentions, contrasts with Saul's betrayal of his own son’s trust (1 Samuel 19:1-7). The Hebrew root for "loyalty" (חֶסֶד, chesed) conveys steadfast love and faithfulness, which Jonathan exemplifies. 6. The Role of Family in God's Plan Family dynamics play a significant role in God's unfolding plan. Michal's actions to save David and Jonathan's advocacy for him demonstrate how family members can be instruments of God's purposes. This theme is reflected in the Hebrew understanding of family as a unit through which God often works to achieve His divine objectives. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions