1Sa 19: "The true character of Saul is revealed in the
murderous intent that developed against his servant David, which was only
frustrated by the action of Jonathan. The king's envy burst forth without
disguise, as he instructed his son and other servants. Thus is revealed the
trials of David, and in type, as shown by Psalm 59, those also of Messiah.
Saul's murderous intentions were frustrated by Jonathan (vv 1-3). David's
evident success continued to incite Saul's jealousy, even though Jonathan
effected a temporary reconciliation (vv 4-7). This was not undertaken without
personal risk. Saul was not a man with whom to be reasoned, and might well have
turned on his son as he had on David. Then comes the turning point in the palace
of the king. David's success again incites Saul's jealousy (vv 8-11). David's
success, doubtless applauded by the people, caused the insane jealousy of Saul
to flood back. The very sight of the bright-faced young hero drowned all this
antipathy. David escapes from his enemies (vv 12-17). Then is mentioned the
association of David with Samuel (v 18). He had need of comfort, assurance and
advice. Samuel was well qualified to strengthen his faith. Then came a strange
incident as Saul was found among the prophets (vv 19-24). The messengers from
the king to David saw the formal company of prophets engaged upon their service,
presided over by Samuel. Stirred by the sight and sound, affected by the
remarkable experience of these men of remarkable intent, they forgot the purpose
of their visit, and entered into the service with the others. When, at last,
Saul journeyed to Ramah, he was affected by the emotion of the moment, so that
it became proverbial that Saul was one of the company. It was, however, only a
facade; a veneer, for outwardly Saul was seen in company with the prophets, but
inwardly he was unconverted" (GEM).
SAUL TOLD HIS SON JONATHAN AND ALL THE ATTENDANTS TO KILL
DAVID: When the name of the "Beloved" (1Sa 18:30) becomes precious, his
enemies seek his life (cp Act 4:12,18; 5:40).
1Sa 19:6
AS SURELY AS THE LORD LIVES: Note the ease with which
wicked men use pious expressions.
1Sa 19:9
AN EVIL SPIRIT FROM THE LORD CAME UPON SAUL: As a
result of another of David's successes.
1Sa 19:10
THAT NIGHT DAVID MADE GOOD HIS ESCAPE: "The angel of
the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them" (Psa 34:7).
Jesus commands his followers to flee when men seek their hurt (Mat 10:23).
1Sa 19:12
LET DAVID DOWN THROUGH A WINDOW: Cp Jos 2:15 (spies at
Jericho); 2Co 11:32,33 (Paul at Damascus).
HE FLED AND ESCAPED: "Deliver me from my enemies, O
God; protect me from those who rise up against me... They return at evening,
snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city... " (Psa 59:1,6,14). While his
enemies -- the men from Saul -- prowled about like dogs!
1Sa 19:15
Saul asks that David be carried to him in his sickbed... so
that Saul may kill him personally!
1Sa 19:16
"But when the men [sent by Saul] entered [looking to arrest
David while he lay in his sickbed]"... they found he was escaped from their
grasp... "there was the idol in the bed, and at the head was some goats' hair"
(1Sa 19:16).
Here is an easy echo of the familiar NT incident: "They came
to the place where he lay" -- this time the New Testament "David", or "Beloved",
or "Anointed" -- but THEY FOUND NO BODY!" (Mat 28:6; John 20:2,6-8)
1Sa 19:17
Michal, who used deceit to save David, now lies to save
herself.
1Sa 19:18
"And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond
what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so
that you can stand up under it" (1Co 10:13).
HE AND SAMUEL WENT TO NAIOTH AND STAYED THERE: During
this time together, David and Samuel conferred about temple arrangements (ie 1Ch
9:22; cp Mal 3:16).
NAIOTH: "Apparently a section of Ramah, not a separate
village. Because the word means something like 'dwelling places,' it may have
referred to the common living place or monastery of the band of prophets to whom
Samuel gave inspiration and leadership. Cf a similar settlement or school under
the direction of Elisha (2Ki 6:1-7). Reference to Naioth is confined to 1Sa
19:18-20:1" (WyE).
1Sa 19:20
Like the officers sent by the Pharisees to apprehend Christ,
who returned empty-handed, saying, "No one ever spoke the way this man does"
(Joh 7:32,45,46).
1Sa 19:24
HE STRIPPED OFF HIS ROBES... AND LAY THAT WAY ALL THAT DAY
AND NIGHT: By contrast... "Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his
clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed" (Rev
16:15).
IS SAUL ALSO AMONG THE PROPHETS?: That is, this was so
much out of character! What strange methods God often uses!
This is no contradiction of 1Sa 15:35 -- "Samuel came no more
to see Saul" -- since here Saul is the one who came to see Samuel (WS
240).