1 Samuel 19:22

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? And [one] said, Behold, [they be] at Naioth in Ramah.

Then went {H3212} he also to Ramah {H7414}, and came {H935} to a great {H1419} well {H953} that is in Sechu {H7906}: and he asked {H7592} and said {H559}, Where {H375} are Samuel {H8050} and David {H1732}? And one said {H559}, Behold, they be at Naioth {H5121} in Ramah {H7414}.

Then he himself went to Ramah. When he arrived at the big cistern in Sekhu, he asked, "Where are Sh'mu'el and David?" Someone answered, "They're at the prophets' dormitory in Ramah."

Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, β€œWhere are Samuel and David?” β€œAt Naioth in Ramah,” he was told.

Then went he also to Ramah, and came to the great well that is in Secu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.

Commentary

Context of 1 Samuel 19:22

This verse is part of a dramatic narrative detailing King Saul's escalating and increasingly desperate pursuit of David, whom he viewed as a rival to his throne. After multiple failed attempts to kill David, including throwing a javelin (1 Samuel 19:10) and sending assassins to his house (1 Samuel 19:11), David fled to the prophet Samuel in Ramah (1 Samuel 19:18). Saul then sent three successive groups of messengers to seize David, but each group was overcome by the Spirit of God and began prophesying (1 Samuel 19:20-21). Frustrated by these divine interventions, Saul decides to go himself, demonstrating his stubborn determination to capture David, despite the clear signs of God's protection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Saul's Relentless Pursuit: The verse highlights Saul's unyielding obsession with eliminating David. His personal journey to "Ramah" and the "great well in Sechu" underscores his singular focus, bypassing intermediaries who had failed him. This pursuit is fueled by jealousy and a rejection of God's chosen successor.
  • Divine Protection of David: Despite Saul's fervent efforts, David remains safe under the care of Samuel and, more importantly, God. This episode is a testament to God's faithfulness in protecting His anointed, even in the face of intense human opposition.
  • The Power of Prophetic Presence: Saul's inquiry about "Samuel and David" and their location at "Naioth in Ramah" points to a place of significant spiritual activity. Naioth was likely a dwelling or a school for prophets, where the Spirit of God was powerfully at work, creating an atmosphere that even Saul could not resist, as seen in the subsequent verses.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Naioth" (Hebrew: nāyōt) literally means "dwellings" or "habitations." In this context, it refers to a specific place, likely a communal residence or training center for prophets under Samuel's leadership. This suggests a structured community dedicated to spiritual formation and the worship of God, where the prophetic spirit was strong and pervasive. The mention of the "great well in Sechu" provides a geographical anchor, indicating a known landmark along Saul's route, emphasizing the reality of his chase.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 19:22 reminds us that even when facing relentless opposition, God provides refuge for His people. Saul's desperate pursuit illustrates the futility of fighting against God's sovereign will and His divine plan. For believers today, this passage offers comfort that God is our ultimate protector (Psalm 18:2), and His hand can intervene in unexpected ways to thwart the plans of those who oppose His purposes. It also highlights the importance of seeking refuge in spiritual communities and under godly leadership, much like David sought Samuel in Ramah.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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