1 Samuel 19: A Detailed Explanation
Introduction
The 19th chapter of 1 Samuel continues the story of David and King Saul, highlighting Saul’s increasing jealousy and paranoia as he seeks to kill David. Despite Saul’s efforts, divine intervention and the loyalty of others help David escape. The chapter is structured into several key events: Saul’s command to kill David, Jonathan’s intervention, Saul’s renewed attempt, Michal’s deception, and David’s refuge with Samuel.
1. Saul Commands Jonathan and His Servants to Kill David (1 Samuel 19:1)
“And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David.”
Saul's hatred toward David intensifies to the point where he openly commands his son Jonathan and his officials to kill David. This marks a shift in Saul’s approach—he is no longer trying to hide his intent but instead gives direct orders to assassinate David.
Background:
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Saul’s fear of David stems from David’s increasing popularity and success.
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David was anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16), meaning Saul might have realized that God had chosen David as his replacement.
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Saul had already attempted to kill David in 1 Samuel 18 by throwing a spear at him and by sending him into dangerous battles.
2. Jonathan Intercedes for David (1 Samuel 19:2-7)
“But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David…”
Jonathan, Saul’s son, had formed a deep friendship with David (1 Samuel 18:1-4). Instead of obeying Saul, he warns David and urges him to hide.
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Jonathan’s Loyalty: Despite being the heir to Saul’s throne, Jonathan chooses loyalty to David over his father.
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Jonathan’s Persuasion: Jonathan approaches Saul and speaks well of David, reminding him that David has been loyal and has helped Israel by defeating the Philistines.
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Saul’s Temporary Change of Heart: Jonathan’s reasoning convinces Saul, and he swears that David will not be killed.
This section highlights Jonathan’s role as a peacemaker, but as the story unfolds, Saul’s hatred soon resurfaces.
3. David Returns to Saul’s Service, but Saul Tries to Kill Him Again (1 Samuel 19:8-10)
“And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.”
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After the reconciliation, David resumes his duties and continues to fight Israel’s enemies.
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His victories stir up Saul’s jealousy once more.
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Saul’s Rage: While David is playing the harp to soothe Saul’s torment (as he did before in 1 Samuel 16:23), Saul suddenly attempts to kill him by throwing a spear at him.
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David’s Escape: David manages to dodge the spear and flees from Saul’s palace.
This passage shows that Saul’s jealousy is uncontrollable. Even after swearing not to harm David, he immediately acts upon his anger.
4. Michal Helps David Escape (1 Samuel 19:11-17)
“Saul also sent messengers unto David’s house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, ‘If thou save not thy life tonight, tomorrow thou shalt be slain.’”
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Saul’s Assassins: Saul sends men to kill David at his house in the morning.
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Michal’s Warning: Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s wife, warns him of the danger.
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Michal’s Deception: She helps David escape through a window, then places an idol (teraphim) in his bed to trick Saul’s men into thinking David is still there.
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Saul’s Anger: When Saul discovers the deception, he confronts Michal, but she lies, claiming David threatened her life.
This event is similar to how Rahab helped the Israelite spies in Joshua 2. It shows that even members of Saul’s own household are turning against him in favor of David.
5. David Flees to Samuel at Ramah (1 Samuel 19:18-21)
“So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him.”
David runs to Samuel, the prophet who anointed him. This signifies that David is seeking spiritual refuge.
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Saul Sends Messengers: Saul learns of David’s location and sends men to capture him.
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Divine Intervention: Each time Saul’s men arrive, they are overcome by the Spirit of God and begin prophesying instead of attacking David.
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Repeated Failure: Saul sends multiple groups, but they all start prophesying.
This part of the chapter highlights God’s protection over David. Saul’s attempts to capture him fail because God intervenes.
6. Saul Himself Prophesies (1 Samuel 19:22-24)
“Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, ‘Where are Samuel and David?’”
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Frustrated, Saul goes to Ramah himself.
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However, he too is overcome by the Spirit of God and starts prophesying.
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Saul Strips Himself Bare: In a bizarre event, Saul removes his clothes and lies down all day and night while prophesying.
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This leads to the saying: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (similar to 1 Samuel 10:11 when he was first anointed).
This event underscores how God’s power overrides Saul’s wicked plans. Instead of harming David, Saul is humiliated.
Themes and Lessons from 1 Samuel 19
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God’s Protection Over David
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Despite multiple assassination attempts, David escapes unharmed.
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God uses Jonathan, Michal, and even divine intervention to preserve David’s life.
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The Power of Friendship and Loyalty
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Jonathan risks his life to protect David.
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Michal, despite being Saul’s daughter, chooses to side with David.
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Saul’s Spiritual Decline
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His jealousy consumes him, leading to erratic and violent behavior.
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Even when God’s Spirit comes upon him, it is not a sign of his righteousness but of his loss of control.
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Divine Sovereignty
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God ensures that Saul cannot harm David, proving that His plan for David’s kingship cannot be stopped.
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Conclusion
1 Samuel 19 is a pivotal chapter showing Saul’s growing hostility toward David and God’s unwavering protection over His chosen servant. Saul’s attempts to kill David fail due to the intervention of Jonathan, Michal, and ultimately, God Himself. The chapter also highlights the spiritual contrast between David and Saul—while David is under God’s favor, Saul is increasingly consumed by his own insecurities and rage.
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