1 Samuel 19:23

KJV

And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went {H3212} thither to Naioth {H5121} in Ramah {H7414}: and the Spirit {H7307} of God {H430} was upon him also, and he went {H3212} on {H1980}, and prophesied {H5012}, until he came {H935} to Naioth {H5121} in Ramah {H7414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

While on his way to the prophets' dormitory in Ramah, the Spirit of God fell on him too; and he went on, prophesying, until he arrived at the prophets' dormitory in Ramah.

Berean Standard Bible

So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah.

American Standard Version

And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God came upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 19:23 marks the dramatic climax of King Saul's relentless and increasingly desperate pursuit of David, where divine intervention decisively thwarts his malicious intent. After three failed attempts by his messengers, Saul himself travels to Naioth in Ramah, the prophetic community where Samuel and David resided. There, he too is powerfully seized by the Spirit of God, falling into an ecstatic prophetic state that renders him utterly incapable of carrying out his violent purpose, publicly demonstrating God's unwavering protection over His chosen servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of a series of escalating events in [1 Samuel 19](/1_samuel/19 "1 Samuel 19 - David's Escape from Saul"). Following David's heroic victory over Goliath and his subsequent rise to prominence, King Saul becomes consumed by jealousy and a tormenting evil spirit, repeatedly attempting to kill David ([1 Samuel 18:10-11](/1_samuel/18-10 "1 Samuel 18:10-11 - Saul's Jealousy and Attempts on David's Life")). David flees to Samuel at Naioth in Ramah ([1 Samuel 19:18](/1_samuel/19-18 "1 Samuel 19:18 - David Flees to Samuel")). Saul's escalating rage is then highlighted by his successive dispatch of three groups of messengers, each of whom is miraculously overcome by the Spirit of God and begins to prophesy upon approaching the prophetic community, rendering them unable to seize David ([1 Samuel 19:20-21](/1_samuel/19-20 "1 Samuel 19:20-21 - Saul's Messengers Prophesy")). Frustrated and undeterred, Saul decides to go himself, setting the stage for the profound and humiliating divine encounter described in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, "Naioth in Ramah," refers to a specific communal dwelling or "school of the prophets" near Ramah, Samuel's hometown. These prophetic communities were places where prophets lived, studied, and ministered under the guidance of a senior prophet, in this case, Samuel. The phenomenon of "prophesying" in this context (Hebrew _vayitnabbe_) does not primarily refer to foretelling the future but rather to an ecstatic state, often involving involuntary utterances, chanting, or altered behavior, brought on by the overwhelming influence of the Spirit of God. This was a recognized manifestation of divine power in ancient Israel, signifying a temporary loss of self-control under God's hand. For a king like Saul to experience this, particularly to the extent of stripping off his clothes (as mentioned in [1 Samuel 19:24](/1_samuel/19-24 "1 Samuel 19:24 - Saul Strips Off His Clothes")), was a profound public humiliation, stripping him of his royal dignity and demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes within the book of Samuel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Intervention and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's direct and powerful hand in protecting His chosen servant, David, against the malicious intent of King Saul. God's plans for David's kingship cannot be thwarted by human opposition, no matter how powerful. Secondly, it emphasizes **The Overwhelming Power of the Holy Spirit**, demonstrating the Spirit's ability to disarm and humble even a king, turning his hostile intentions into involuntary acts of ecstatic behavior. This echoes Saul's initial encounter with the Spirit when he was first anointed king ([1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul's First Prophetic Experience")), drawing a stark contrast between his humble beginnings and his current rebellious state. Finally, it illustrates **The Absurdity of Resisting God's Will**, as Saul's determined pursuit of David is met with a divine counter-action that renders him powerless and foolish, emphasizing the futility of human efforts against the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Naioth (Hebrew, _nayot'_):** This term, meaning "dwellings" or "habitations," refers not merely to a location but specifically to a communal residence or school of prophets. It signifies a dedicated place of spiritual formation and prophetic activity, likely established and led by Samuel. Saul's forced entry into this sacred space, only to be overcome by the Spirit, underscores the divine nature of the community and the futility of his secular power against it.
* **Spirit of God (Hebrew, _ruach Elohim'_):** This phrase denotes the active, empowering presence of God. In the Old Testament, the "Spirit of God" often came upon individuals for specific tasks, endowing them with extraordinary abilities, whether for leadership, craftsmanship, or prophecy. Here, its manifestation is overwhelming and involuntary, demonstrating God's absolute control over Saul's will and actions, not for his empowerment but for his incapacitation and humiliation.
* **Prophesied (Hebrew, _vayitnabbe'_):** Derived from the Hithpael stem of the verb _naba_ (to prophesy), this form often implies an ecstatic, involuntary, or self-manifesting act of prophecy. It describes a state of being overwhelmed by divine influence, where the individual might speak, chant, or behave in an altered manner, often with a loss of self-control. For Saul, this was a public display of God's power over him, preventing him from seizing David and serving as a stark reminder of his own spiritual decline.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah":** This clause emphasizes Saul's personal determination and the culmination of his relentless pursuit. Having sent three groups of messengers who failed, Saul, in his escalating rage and desperation, decides to take matters into his own hands, directly venturing into the prophetic sanctuary where David found refuge under Samuel's protection.
* **"and the Spirit of God was upon him also,"** This pivotal phrase reveals the divine intervention. Just as with his messengers, the same overwhelming power of God's Spirit descends upon Saul. The word "also" highlights the consistent pattern of divine protection, demonstrating that no one, not even the king, is immune to God's sovereign hand. This is a direct act of God to disarm Saul.
* **"and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah."** This final clause describes the duration and effect of the Spirit's influence. Saul's journey to Naioth is transformed into a prolonged, involuntary prophetic display. The repetition of "Naioth in Ramah" emphasizes the irony: Saul arrives at his destination, not as a conquering king ready to capture David, but as a humbled, incapacitated figure, stripped of his dignity and rendered powerless by the very God he was defying. This public spectacle ensures David's safety and Saul's profound humiliation.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with **Irony**, as King Saul, who once received the Spirit of God for kingship ([1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul's First Prophetic Experience")) and is now consumed by an evil spirit ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - An Evil Spirit from the Lord Torments Saul")), is again overcome by the Spirit, but this time to his humiliation and incapacitation rather than empowerment. He comes to seize David but is himself seized by a power far greater than his own. The **Repetition** of "Naioth in Ramah" not only grounds the narrative geographically but also underscores the destination of Saul's futile pursuit and the very place where God's power is decisively manifested. This repetition highlights the irony of his arrival in a state of prophetic ecstasy. Furthermore, the entire episode functions as **Foreshadowing**, powerfully demonstrating that God's plan for David's kingship is unassailable and that Saul's reign is doomed to fail due to his rebellion against divine will. It is a divine **Comedy of Humiliation**, where God uses an unexpected and almost absurd means to disarm Saul, turning his rage into a public spectacle that protects His chosen one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This dramatic account underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, demonstrating that no human power, no matter how determined or malicious, can ultimately thwart His divine purposes. God's protection of David is not passive but actively interventionist, employing the overwhelming power of His Spirit to disarm Saul and ensure the safety of His anointed. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, capable of turning the plans of the wicked on their head and even using their own actions, inadvertently, to fulfill His will. It highlights the futility of human rebellion against the divine will and the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenants and His chosen servants.

* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Lord directs the steps of the righteous")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord")
* [Psalm 76:10](/psalm/76-10 "Psalm 76:10 - The wrath of man shall praise you")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Saul's humiliation at Naioth offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It powerfully illustrates that God remains actively engaged in protecting His people, even when they face seemingly insurmountable opposition or direct threats from powerful adversaries. Just as God disarmed Saul, He is capable of intervening in our lives, turning the plans of those who oppose us into unexpected opportunities for His glory or rendering their efforts futile. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that His purposes will prevail regardless of human machinations. It reminds us that our ultimate security rests not in our own strength or strategies, but in the unwavering power and faithfulness of the Holy Spirit, who can work in ways we least expect to bring about His will. Moreover, Saul's experience serves as a sobering reminder of the futility of resisting God's will and the humbling power of His presence, urging us to walk in humility and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's protection when you feel threatened or face opposition in your life?**
* **In what unexpected ways might God be working to disarm obstacles or protect you, even through the actions of those who oppose you?**
* **What does Saul's experience teach us about the importance of humility and the futility of resisting God's sovereign will?**

### FAQ
**What does "prophesied" mean in this context, and was Saul truly repentant?**

Answer: In this context, "prophesied" (Hebrew _vayitnabbe_) primarily refers to an ecstatic state induced by the overwhelming power of the Spirit of God, rather than necessarily foretelling the future. It involved involuntary utterances, altered behavior, and a temporary loss of self-control, as further evidenced by Saul stripping off his clothes and lying naked ([1 Samuel 19:24](/1_samuel/19-24 "1 Samuel 19:24 - Saul Strips Off His Clothes")). This was a public display of God's power over Saul, intended to incapacitate and humiliate him, thereby protecting David. There is no indication that Saul was truly repentant or underwent a spiritual transformation. His subsequent actions demonstrate a continued malicious intent towards David, confirming that the Spirit's action here was for divine purposes of protection and demonstration of sovereignty, not for Saul's personal spiritual renewal.

**Why did Saul strip off his clothes, and what was the significance of this act?**

Answer: While [1 Samuel 19:23](/1_samuel/19-23 "1 Samuel 19:23 - Saul Prophesies at Naioth") mentions Saul prophesying, the stripping of clothes is explicitly detailed in the very next verse, [1 Samuel 19:24](/1_samuel/19-24 "1 Samuel 19:24 - Saul Strips Off His Clothes and Lies Naked"). This act was likely an extreme manifestation of the ecstatic prophetic state, signifying a profound loss of self-control and kingly dignity under the overwhelming influence of the Spirit. In ancient cultures, stripping off outer garments could symbolize vulnerability, humiliation, or even a symbolic shedding of one's status. For Saul, the king, to lie naked and prophesying for an entire day and night was a public spectacle of profound humiliation, demonstrating God's complete dominion over him and the futility of his royal authority when pitted against divine power. It served as a clear sign that God had removed His hand of blessing and protection from Saul's reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic account of Saul's humiliation at Naioth in Ramah, where the Spirit of God disarms a king intent on murder, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Just as God supernaturally protected David, His anointed king, from the malicious plots of Saul, so too did He orchestrate the protection and ultimate victory of His Son, Jesus, the true King and Messiah. The Spirit of God, which overwhelmed Saul, is the same Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus for His ministry ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me")), sustained Him through His trials, and ultimately raised Him from the dead ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead")). Saul's stripping of his royal dignity foreshadows Christ, who, though King of Kings, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself")) and was stripped of His garments and dignity on the cross, not in humiliation for His own sin, but as the ultimate sacrifice for ours. The futility of human opposition against God's chosen one, so evident in Saul's failure to harm David, finds its ultimate expression in the resurrection of Jesus, where all the powers of darkness and human rebellion were utterly defeated, proving that God's plan for salvation and the establishment of His eternal kingdom cannot be thwarted ([Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23-24 - God's Foreordained Plan and Jesus' Resurrection")). Through Christ, the Spirit now empowers believers, not to ecstatic, involuntary acts, but to live transformed lives and to bear witness to the gospel, ensuring that God's redemptive purposes continue to unfold until Christ's glorious return ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to be Witnesses")).

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 16:9

¶ A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

1 Samuel 10:10

And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

1 Samuel 19:20

And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing [as] appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

Numbers 24:2

And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding [in his tents] according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.

John 11:51

And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

1 Corinthians 13:2

And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Numbers 23:5

And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.