1 Samuel 19:21

KJV

And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when it was told {H5046} Saul {H7586}, he sent {H7971} other {H312} messengers {H4397}, and they prophesied {H5012} likewise. And Saul {H7586} sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} again {H3254} the third {H7992} time, and they prophesied {H5012} also.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Sha'ul was told, he sent other messengers; but they too began prophesying. Sha'ul sent messengers a third time, and they also prophesied.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 19:21 details King Saul's escalating yet futile attempts to apprehend David, whom God had chosen to replace him. Despite Saul's determined pursuit, divine intervention repeatedly thwarts his plans as the Spirit of God compels his messengers to prophesy, demonstrating God's sovereign protection over David and the impossibility of human schemes overcoming divine will. This verse highlights the escalating spiritual conflict between Saul and God, setting the stage for Saul's own dramatic encounter with the Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Saul's jealousy and David's flight. Immediately preceding this, [1 Samuel 19:18-20](/1_samuel/19-18 "1 Samuel 19:18-20 - David Flees to Samuel; Messengers Prophesy") describes David's escape to Samuel at Naioth in Ramah, a known center for prophetic activity. Saul, consumed by a murderous rage, dispatches his first group of messengers to seize David. However, upon encountering the company of prophets under Samuel's leadership, the Spirit of God descends upon them, causing them to prophesy instead of fulfilling Saul's command. Verse 21 intensifies this divine intervention, showing Saul's stubborn refusal to accept this supernatural hindrance. He sends a second and then a third company of messengers, each met with the same overwhelming spiritual experience, rendering them incapable of executing the king's malicious orders. This repeated divine frustration of Saul's will builds suspense and foreshadows the climax where Saul himself will be overcome by the Spirit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "prophesying" in ancient Israel, particularly within a "company of prophets" (often referred to as a prophetic guild or school), involved being divinely inspired, often accompanied by ecstatic behavior, chanting, or speaking under the direct influence of the Spirit. This was not necessarily about foretelling the future but about being seized by a spiritual power that directed one's actions or words. Naioth in Ramah appears to have been a recognized center for such prophetic activity, likely a place where prophets gathered for training, worship, and communal living under the guidance of a senior prophet like Samuel. For Saul's messengers, men surely loyal to the king and intent on their mission, to be compelled to prophesy against their will was a profound and humiliating demonstration of divine authority overriding human power, especially the authority of the king. It underscored the belief that God's Spirit could compel obedience even from the unwilling, showcasing a power far superior to any earthly monarch.

* **Key Themes:** The events of [1 Samuel 19:21](/1_samuel/19-21 "1 Samuel 19:21 - Saul's Messengers Prophesy") powerfully illustrate several core themes within the book of Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection** over God's anointed, David. Despite Saul's formidable power as king, he is rendered utterly powerless against God's direct intervention to safeguard His chosen servant. Secondly, it showcases the **Overwhelming Power of the Holy Spirit**. The Spirit of God is depicted as an irresistible force, capable of compelling even Saul's agents to act contrary to their king's express orders, thereby demonstrating divine authority over human will and political power. Thirdly, the repeated failures underscore the **Futility of Opposing God's Will**. Saul's escalating and desperate attempts to thwart God's plan for David are met with an impenetrable spiritual barrier, emphasizing that no human scheme can ultimately prevail against the divine purpose. Finally, this incident starkly reveals **Saul's Spiritual Decline**. In sharp contrast to his own earlier experience of being anointed and prophesying (compare with [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul Prophesies After Anointing")), Saul is now on the opposing side of divine intervention, indicating his increasing spiritual estrangement from God and his descent into paranoia and rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophesied (Hebrew, _nāvā'_):** This verb, used repeatedly in this passage, signifies being seized or inspired by the Spirit of God. In this context, it describes an involuntary, ecstatic state where individuals are overcome by divine influence, leading to actions or utterances that are not of their own accord. It does not primarily denote foretelling the future but rather being under the direct, compelling power of the Spirit, often resulting in altered behavior or speech. The repetition of this word emphasizes the consistent and powerful nature of God's intervention.
* **messengers (Hebrew, _mal'ākhim'_):** These were Saul's agents, dispatched with a specific, hostile mission to capture David. The fact that these royal envoys, loyal to the king and representing his authority, are compelled to prophesy against their master's will, underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over human authority and intention. Their transformation from instruments of Saul's malice to involuntary participants in divine worship is a powerful statement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when it was told Saul":** This phrase indicates that Saul received a report about the first group of messengers failing to capture David because they were overcome by the Spirit (as described in [1 Samuel 19:20](/1_samuel/19-20 "1 Samuel 19:20 - First Messengers Prophesy")). Instead of recognizing this as a divine warning or a sign of God's protection over David, Saul's response reveals his stubbornness and increasing desperation.
* **"he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise":** Undeterred by the initial supernatural intervention, Saul dispatches a second group of messengers. The phrase "prophesied likewise" confirms that the same divine power that affected the first group also seized this second group, rendering them equally incapable of fulfilling Saul's command. This highlights God's consistent and unwavering protection of David.
* **"And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also":** Saul's persistence is remarkable, bordering on madness. His sending a third set of messengers, only for them to be similarly overcome by the Spirit, underscores his escalating frustration and his refusal to yield to God's clear demonstration of power. The repetition emphasizes the futility of his efforts and the absolute control God maintains over the situation.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [1 Samuel 19:21](/1_samuel/19-21 "1 Samuel 19:21 - Saul's Messengers Prophesy") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Repetition** is central, with Saul sending messengers not once, but thrice, and each time they "prophesied likewise" or "also." This triple repetition underscores the futility of Saul's efforts and the consistent, unwavering nature of God's intervention. It creates a sense of escalating tension and highlights Saul's stubbornness. There is also profound **Irony** at play: Saul's agents, sent to capture God's anointed, are instead compelled by God's Spirit to participate in an act of worship, directly thwarting their king's malicious intent. This turns Saul's instruments of aggression into unwilling participants in divine activity. The narrative also employs **Foreshadowing**, as these repeated instances of divine intervention set the stage for Saul's own climactic encounter with the Spirit in [1 Samuel 19:23-24](/1_samuel/19-23 "1 Samuel 19:23-24 - Saul Himself Prophesies"), where he too will be overcome, further emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over the king. Finally, a subtle element of **Divine Comedy** can be perceived, as Saul's desperate and increasingly ridiculous attempts to capture David are met with supernatural, almost humorous, thwarting, diminishing his kingly authority in the eyes of the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in protecting His chosen servants and ensuring the fulfillment of His divine purposes. It showcases a God who is not distant but intimately engaged, capable of overriding human will and power, even that of a king, to accomplish His sovereign plan. The Spirit of God is depicted not merely as an empowering presence but as a compelling force that can redirect the intentions and actions of individuals, even those hostile to God's agenda. Saul's repeated failures serve as a stark reminder that no human opposition, however powerful or persistent, can ultimately thwart the will of the Almighty. This incident reinforces the biblical truth that God's counsel will stand, and He will do all His pleasure, regardless of human resistance.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The LORD Foils the Plans of the Nations")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalm/121-7 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The LORD Will Keep You From All Evil")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Samuel 19:21 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the sovereignty of God in the face of opposition. It reminds us that even when powerful forces seem arrayed against God's purposes or against us as His servants, His divine hand is at work, often in unseen and unexpected ways, to protect and to prevail. We are called to trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that no human scheme or power can ultimately thwart His will. This passage encourages us to surrender our fears and anxieties to the Lord, recognizing that the same Spirit who compelled Saul's messengers to prophesy is still active and powerful, capable of transforming situations and influencing hearts, even those seemingly hostile to God's agenda. When we face challenges or threats, we can find comfort and courage in the knowledge that God is our ultimate protector and defender, turning the intentions of adversaries into opportunities for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's persistent but futile pursuit of David in this passage challenge your understanding of human power versus divine sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's protective hand, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?**
* **How does the Spirit's power over Saul's messengers encourage you about the Holy Spirit's work in the world today, even among those who oppose God?**

### FAQ
**Why did the messengers "prophesy" instead of capturing David?**

Answer: The messengers "prophesied" because the Spirit of God came upon them, compelling them to act in a way contrary to their king's orders. This was a direct divine intervention, demonstrating God's sovereign protection over David and His ability to override human will and authority. The term "prophesy" here refers to being overcome by divine inspiration, often with ecstatic behavior, rather than necessarily foretelling the future. It was God's way of frustrating Saul's malicious intent and showcasing His ultimate control over the situation, as seen in [1 Samuel 19:20](/1_samuel/19-20 "1 Samuel 19:20 - First Messengers Prophesy") and the subsequent events.

**What does this event reveal about King Saul's spiritual state?**

Answer: This event starkly reveals Saul's spiritual decline and increasing estrangement from God. While Saul himself had once been filled with the Spirit and prophesied (see [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul Prophesies After Anointing")), he is now actively opposing God's chosen one, David. His repeated attempts to capture David, despite clear divine intervention, demonstrate his stubbornness, paranoia, and rebellion against God's will. The Spirit's power, which once empowered him, now actively thwarts his wicked intentions, highlighting his fall from divine favor and his descent into spiritual darkness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine protection of David in 1 Samuel 19:21, orchestrated by the compelling power of the Holy Spirit, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate protection and triumph of God's true Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Just as Saul relentlessly pursued David, the powers of darkness and human opposition sought to thwart God's redemptive plan through Christ. Yet, the Spirit of God, who descended upon David and his messengers, is the same Spirit who empowered Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, enabling Him to overcome every temptation and opposition (see [Luke 4:1-14](/luke/4-1 "Luke 4 - Jesus' Temptation and Ministry Begins")). The futility of Saul's attempts to capture David mirrors the ultimate inability of any earthly or spiritual power to defeat Christ or derail God's sovereign plan of salvation. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead, empowered by the Spirit (as referenced in [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Who Raised Jesus")), stands as the ultimate testimony to God's invincible protection of His Son and His redemptive purposes. Just as the Spirit turned Saul's agents into unwilling prophets, so too does the Spirit now work to transform hearts, even those once hostile to God, into worshippers of Christ, fulfilling the promise that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (see [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")). David's escape points to Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and all opposition, securing eternal deliverance for all who believe in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 27:22

¶ Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him.

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

2 Kings 1:9

¶ Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.

2 Kings 1:13

And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

Jeremiah 13:23

Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? [then] may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.