1 Samuel 19:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 19:22 captures King Saul's escalating and desperate pursuit of David, whom he viewed as a rival to his throne. After multiple failed attempts through intermediaries, Saul personally journeys to Ramah, arriving at a well in Sechu, where he inquires about the whereabouts of Samuel and David. The response directs him to Naioth in Ramah, a known prophetic community, setting the stage for a dramatic divine intervention that highlights God's unwavering protection over His anointed and the futility of human opposition to His sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within a larger narrative of escalating conflict between King Saul and David. Immediately preceding it, Saul had made several attempts on David's life, first by throwing a javelin ([1 Samuel 19:10](/1_samuel/19-10 "Saul's Javelin Attack on David")) and then by sending assassins to David's house ([1 Samuel 19:11](/1_samuel/19-11 "Saul Sends Messengers to Kill David")). David, aided by Michal, fled to the prophet Samuel in Ramah ([1 Samuel 19:18](/1_samuel/19-18 "David Flees to Samuel in Ramah")). Saul then dispatched 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](/1_samuel/19-20 "Saul's Messengers Prophesy")). Frustrated by these repeated divine interventions that thwarted his plans, Saul's decision to go himself in verse 22 underscores his unyielding obsession and desperate determination to capture David, despite the clear signs of God's protective hand. This personal journey sets the stage for Saul's own encounter with the prophetic Spirit in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the early Israelite monarchy, a period marked by the transition of leadership from Saul, the divinely rejected king, to David, God's chosen successor. Samuel, as the preeminent prophet, served as a spiritual authority and a key figure in this transition, often residing in Ramah, which was likely a center for prophetic activity. "Naioth" is understood to be a communal dwelling or school for prophets, a place where the Spirit of God was powerfully at work, fostering spiritual formation and prophetic utterance. Wells, like the "great well in Sechu," were crucial geographical landmarks in ancient Israel, serving as vital water sources, meeting points, and navigational aids. Saul's journey from Gibeah, his capital, to Ramah, Samuel's home, covers a significant distance, emphasizing the intensity and personal commitment of his pursuit. The cultural understanding of prophetic ecstasy and the overwhelming power of the Spirit would have been familiar to the original audience, making Saul's eventual "prophesying" a deeply ironic and humiliating event for him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel - Saul and David"). Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty and Protection** over David. Despite Saul's relentless and increasingly desperate efforts, God consistently intervenes to safeguard His anointed, demonstrating that human machinations cannot thwart divine purposes. Secondly, it underscores **Saul's Rejection and Obsession**. Saul's spiraling descent into jealousy and paranoia, fueled by his rejection of God's will, is vividly portrayed by his personal pursuit. His stubborn refusal to submit to God's plan leads him to directly confront the very spiritual power he is fighting against. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **The Power of the Spirit and Prophecy**. The Spirit of God is shown to be an irresistible force, capable of disarming Saul's messengers and, ultimately, Saul himself, demonstrating God's ability to use even His enemies to fulfill His purposes or to demonstrate His authority. Finally, David's seeking refuge with Samuel in Ramah subtly points to the importance of **Refuge in Godly Community and Mentorship**, where spiritual guidance and protection can be found amidst persecution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Naioth (Hebrew, _Nāyōt'_):** This term literally means "dwellings" or "habitations." In the context of 1 Samuel 19, it refers to a specific place associated with Samuel and the prophets in Ramah. It was likely a communal residence or a school for prophets, a spiritual center where individuals dedicated themselves to the study of God's word, prayer, and the cultivation of prophetic gifts under Samuel's leadership. The mention of Naioth signifies a place imbued with spiritual authority and the active presence of the Holy Spirit, making it a sanctuary for David and a place of divine confrontation for Saul.
* **Sechu (Hebrew, _Seḵû'_):** This is a geographical place name, specifically referring to the location of a "great well." While its exact modern location is debated, its inclusion serves as a precise geographical marker, grounding the narrative in reality. The "great well" would have been a prominent and well-known landmark along the route from Gibeah to Ramah, emphasizing the tangible nature of Saul's journey and the determination with which he pursued David. It signifies a point of inquiry and a step closer to the inevitable divine encounter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then went he also to Ramah":** This clause signifies Saul's personal and direct involvement in the pursuit of David. After his three groups of messengers failed, Saul, driven by his consuming obsession and a refusal to accept God's repeated interventions, decides to take matters into his own hands. His journey to Ramah, Samuel's home and a known spiritual center, underscores the depth of his desperation and his unyielding will against God's purposes.
* **"and came to a great well that [is] in Sechu":** This provides a specific geographical detail, indicating a known landmark along Saul's route. The "great well" would have been a significant and recognizable point of reference, emphasizing the reality of Saul's determined chase. It implies a journey of some distance and effort, highlighting the king's singular focus on apprehending David.
* **"and he asked and said, Where [are] Samuel and David?":** This direct question reveals Saul's immediate objective. His primary target is David, but he also seeks Samuel, recognizing the prophet's role as David's protector and spiritual mentor. The question confirms that Saul knows David has sought refuge with Samuel and that his pursuit is now directly confronting the spiritual authority that stands with David.
* **"And [one] said, Behold, [they be] at Naioth in Ramah":** This response provides the crucial information Saul seeks, confirming David's location within the prophetic community. The mention of "Naioth in Ramah" immediately sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, where Saul himself will encounter the powerful prophetic Spirit, demonstrating the irresistible nature of God's presence in that sacred space.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Saul's desperate journey to Naioth, a place of intense prophetic activity, subtly hints at the extraordinary encounter he himself is about to experience with the Spirit of God. There is profound **Irony** in Saul, the king rejected by God and consumed by a desire to kill God's anointed, being led directly into the heart of a prophetic community where the Spirit of God is overwhelmingly present. His relentless pursuit of David, intended to assert his own power, ultimately leads him to a place where he is stripped of his dignity and forced to acknowledge, however unwillingly, a power greater than his own. The narrative also utilizes **Repetition** and **Escalation** in the preceding verses (Saul's javelin, then three groups of messengers failing) which culminates in Saul's personal journey in this verse, underscoring his stubbornness and the futility of fighting against God's unwavering protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 19:22 powerfully illustrates the futility of human opposition to divine will and the unwavering nature of God's protection over His chosen ones. Saul's relentless, almost irrational, pursuit of David, despite repeated divine interventions, serves as a stark warning against fighting against the purposes of God. His journey to Naioth in Ramah, a place saturated with the Spirit, highlights the inescapable presence and power of God, even for those who oppose Him. The passage underscores that God's sovereignty is absolute, and He can use any means, even the very actions of His adversaries, to accomplish His plans and safeguard His people. David's safety, despite the king's furious pursuit, is a testament to God's faithfulness as a refuge and deliverer.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "The Lord is my Rock and Fortress")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Can Avail Against the Lord")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "If God is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound lessons for believers facing opposition and trials. Saul's desperate pursuit reminds us that even when powerful forces seem arrayed against us, God's sovereign hand is ultimately in control. We are called to trust in His protection, knowing that no human scheme or enemy can ultimately thwart His perfect plan for our lives or for His kingdom. Just as David found refuge and strength in the prophetic community under Samuel, we are reminded of the vital importance of seeking spiritual community, godly mentorship, and a life saturated with the presence of the Holy Spirit. In moments of intense pressure, our greatest security is not in our own cunning or strength, but in abiding in God's presence and trusting in His unfailing faithfulness. The futility of Saul's efforts should encourage us to cease striving against God's will in our own lives, and instead, to yield to His transformative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to fight against God's clear will or direction, much like Saul?**
* **Where do you seek refuge and spiritual strength when facing intense opposition or spiritual attack? Do you prioritize godly community and spiritual mentorship?**
* **How does the divine protection of David in this passage strengthen your faith in God's ability to protect you in your current circumstances?**
* **What does Saul's encounter with the Spirit, even in his hostility, teach us about the pervasive and transformative power of God's presence?**

### FAQ

**What was "Naioth in Ramah"?**

Answer: "Naioth" (Hebrew for "dwellings" or "habitations") in Ramah was likely a communal residence or a school for prophets, a significant spiritual center under the leadership of the prophet Samuel. It was a place where prophets lived, studied, and engaged in spiritual formation, and where the Spirit of God was known to be powerfully active. It served as a sanctuary and a hub for prophetic ministry, making it a logical place for David to seek refuge from Saul.

**Why did Saul go himself to Ramah after his messengers failed?**

Answer: Saul's decision to go himself to Ramah was driven by his escalating obsession, jealousy, and desperate determination to capture David. Having sent three successive groups of messengers who were all overcome by the Spirit of God and began prophesying ([1 Samuel 19:20-21](/1_samuel/19-20 "Saul's Messengers Prophesy")), Saul's pride and stubborn refusal to accept God's clear intervention led him to believe that only his personal presence could accomplish his goal. This act underscores his unyielding will and his futile attempt to fight against the sovereign plan of God.

**What is the significance of the "great well in Sechu"?**

Answer: The "great well in Sechu" serves as a specific geographical landmark, rooting the narrative in a tangible setting and emphasizing the reality of Saul's journey. Wells were crucial for survival and travel in ancient Israel, often serving as prominent meeting points and navigational aids. Its mention highlights the precise route Saul took and underscores the determination and effort he expended in his relentless pursuit of David, providing a concrete detail that enhances the narrative's realism.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events of 1 Samuel 19:22, where Saul's relentless pursuit leads him to the very threshold of God's Spirit-filled presence, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate opposition faced by God's Anointed One, Jesus Christ. David, as God's chosen king, unjustly pursued by a jealous earthly monarch, serves as a type of Christ. Just as Saul's futile efforts could not thwart God's plan for David, so too the combined forces of humanity and evil could not ultimately prevail against God's redemptive purpose in Christ. The world's rulers and peoples conspired against the Lord and against His Anointed ([Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1 "Why Do the Nations Rage?")), as seen in the conspiracy against Jesus by Herod and Pilate ([Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27 "Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together in this city with the Gentiles and the people of Israel to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed")). Yet, God's divine protection was evident in Christ's life, from His miraculous escape from Herod's wrath ([Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13 "Flight to Egypt")) to His ultimate triumph over death. Though "his own" did not receive Him ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him")), Jesus assures His followers that no one can snatch them out of His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand")). The overwhelming power of the Spirit that disarmed Saul and his messengers points forward to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Pentecost")), which now indwells believers, empowering them and securing their ultimate refuge in Christ, the true and eternal King.

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.