1 Samuel 19:18-24

Relax, Read and Reflect

Prayer- Lord, Open our hearts and open our minds and help us learn. Go-Fight-Win. Amen.

1 Samuel 19:18-24 (New International Version)

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?"

I almost decided to skip this part of the story. It is difficult to understand and doesn't add to the flow of the story of David. Evidently, Saul was prone to the spirit. Read 1 Samuel 10:10-12. This is a very similar story with some of the same words, just no David.

If Saul was bi-polar, and prone to manic behavior as well as dark depression, this would fit his profile. When visiting the prophets of God, it would be believable that he could become very charismatic. I'm not saying charismatic people are bi-polar. Saul went from very high to very low. When he was on a high it is possible that he would dance and jump around. But why did his hit men do the same?

Questions:

1. After David flees to be with Samuel, who ratted him out to Saul?

2. Why would David feel safe with the prophets?

3.What's up with Saul?