1 Samuel 19:24

KJV

And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he stripped off {H6584} his clothes {H899} also {H1571}, and prophesied {H5012} before {H6440} Samuel {H8050} in like manner, and lay down {H5307} naked {H6174} all that day {H3117} and all that night {H3915}. Wherefore they say {H559}, Is Saul {H7586} also among the prophets {H5030}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He also stripped off his clothes, prophesied in Sh'mu'el's presence and lay there naked all that day and all that night. Hence it continues to be an expression, "Is Sha'ul a prophet, too?"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

American Standard Version

And he also stripped off his clothes, and he also prophesied before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 19:24 marks the dramatic climax of King Saul's desperate pursuit of David, where God's sovereign hand intervenes to protect His anointed. After his messengers repeatedly failed to apprehend David due to the Spirit of God coming upon them, Saul himself confronts the same divine power. Stripped of his royal authority and dignity, he is overcome by the Spirit, prophesying and lying naked for an entire day and night, leading to the ironic re-utterance of the proverb, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" This event powerfully demonstrates God's unyielding protection of David and the futility of human opposition to His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a suspenseful narrative arc within [1 Samuel 19](/1_samuel/19 "1 Samuel 19 - Saul's Attempts to Kill David"). Following David's escape from Saul's initial attempts on his life, aided by Michal and Jonathan, David flees to Samuel at Naioth in Ramah. Saul, consumed by a jealous rage, sends three successive groups of messengers to seize David. Each time, however, the Spirit of God descends upon them, causing them to prophesy and rendering them incapable of fulfilling Saul's violent command. This escalating divine intervention culminates in Saul's personal confrontation with the Spirit, setting the stage for his public humiliation and God's ultimate protection of David, underscoring the futility of human efforts against divine decree.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds against the backdrop of early Israelite monarchy, where the anointing of a king by God's Spirit was a significant event, signifying divine favor and empowerment for leadership (e.g., [1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - Saul's Initial Prophetic Experience")). However, Saul's subsequent disobedience led to the Spirit departing from him and an evil spirit troubling him ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). Prophecy, in this period, often involved ecstatic behavior, communal experiences, and divine inspiration, not always limited to verbal predictions. The act of "stripping off clothes" or "nakedness" (Hebrew: *'arom*) could signify vulnerability, humiliation, a prophetic sign act (as seen in [Isaiah 20:2-4](/isaiah/20-2 "Isaiah 20:2-4 - Isaiah's Symbolic Nakedness")), or simply the removal of outer garments, particularly royal attire, symbolizing a loss of status and control.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme is God's **sovereign protection** of David, His chosen king, against the malicious intent of Saul. The irresistible **power of the Holy Spirit** is vividly displayed, overriding human will and even compelling a hostile king to participate in a prophetic act, effectively incapacitating him. This event also highlights the **humiliation and degradation of Saul**, who, despite his royal status, is reduced to a state of vulnerability and loss of control, mirroring his spiritual decline and God's rejection of his reign. The re-emergence of the proverb, "[Is Saul also among the prophets?](/1_samuel/10-11 "1 Samuel 10:11 - The First Use of the Proverb")", now carries profound **irony**, shifting from a sign of his initial anointing and blessing to a symbol of his forced submission and God's judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophesied (Hebrew, _nābā'_):** This verb describes the act of being under divine inspiration, often accompanied by ecstatic behavior, involuntary utterances, or a state of spiritual trance. In this context, it emphasizes that Saul's actions were not self-willed but compelled by the Spirit of God, preventing him from harming David. It's a forced submission to God's will, distinct from his earlier, willing prophetic experience in [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Saul's First Prophetic Experience").
* **Stripped off (Hebrew, _pāšaṭ_):** This verb means to strip, pull off, or divest. Here, it refers to Saul removing his garments, likely his royal robes or outer attire. This act is a powerful visual symbol of his loss of dignity, authority, and control. It signifies his spiritual nakedness and vulnerability before God, contrasting sharply with his kingly status.
* **Naked (Hebrew, _'ārôm_):** While often translated as "naked," this term in biblical Hebrew can also mean "stripped of outer garments" or "lightly clad," rather than complete nudity. In this context, it emphasizes Saul's exposed and vulnerable state, devoid of the symbols of his royal office and power. It underscores his humiliation and the complete subjection of his will to the divine power that had taken hold of him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he stripped off his clothes also":** This initial action signifies Saul's immediate and involuntary submission to the Spirit's power. The removal of his garments, especially royal attire, is a symbolic act of divestment—he is stripped not only of his clothing but also of his kingly authority, dignity, and control. It visually represents his powerlessness before God.
* **"and prophesied before Samuel in like manner":** Just as his messengers had done, Saul is compelled to prophesy. This emphasizes the irresistible nature of God's Spirit, which can even overcome the will of a king hostile to God's purposes. The act of prophesying before Samuel, the very prophet who had anointed him and later pronounced God's rejection, adds to the scene's dramatic irony and reinforces Saul's humiliation.
* **"and lay down naked all that day and all that night":** This extended period of lying "naked" (or stripped of his outer garments) highlights the intensity and duration of the Spirit's hold on Saul. It renders him utterly incapacitated, unable to pursue David, thus providing complete protection for David. This prolonged state of vulnerability further underscores Saul's complete loss of control and the depth of his humiliation.
* **"Wherefore they say, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?":** This rhetorical question, a proverb first uttered in [1 Samuel 10:11](/1_samuel/10-11 "1 Samuel 10:11 - The First Utterance of the Proverb"), is repeated here with profound irony. Initially, it marked Saul's anointing and the Spirit's blessing, signifying his new spiritual calling. Here, it signifies his forced, humiliating submission to God's power, preventing him from committing further sin against God's anointed. It highlights the stark contrast between his initial promise and his current state of spiritual rebellion and divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Irony**, particularly through the repetition of the proverb, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" What was once a sign of Saul's divine anointing and favor ([1 Samuel 10:11](/1_samuel/10-11 "1 Samuel 10:11 - Saul's Initial Prophetic Experience")) becomes, in [1 Samuel 19:24](/1_samuel/19-24 "1 Samuel 19:24 - Saul's Humiliation"), a symbol of his humiliation and God's forceful intervention to thwart his evil intentions. This reversal underscores Saul's spiritual decline. **Symbolism** is also prominent: Saul's stripping of his clothes and lying "naked" symbolizes his loss of royal dignity, authority, and control, representing his spiritual nakedness and vulnerability before God. The entire scene serves as a dramatic **Foreshadowing** of Saul's ultimate downfall and the transfer of kingship to David, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His chosen one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the absolute sovereignty of God, demonstrating that no human will, not even that of a king, can thwart His divine purposes. God's Spirit is portrayed as an irresistible force, capable of compelling obedience even from those who actively oppose His will. This divine intervention serves as a powerful testament to God's protective care over His chosen servants, ensuring their safety and the fulfillment of His plans. It also highlights the consequences of rebellion against God's anointing, as Saul's persistent disobedience leads to his public humiliation and incapacitation, a stark reminder that pride and defiance ultimately yield to divine authority.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever"): "The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations."
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord"): "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD."
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"): "declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The astonishing scene in 1 Samuel 19:24 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's protective hand is ever-present over His children, even in the face of formidable opposition. When we feel overwhelmed by adversaries or circumstances that seem intent on thwarting God's will in our lives, this passage encourages us to trust in His sovereign power. God can, and often does, intervene in ways we least expect, turning the hearts and incapacitating the plans of those who oppose His purposes. It also serves as a sobering warning against resisting God's call or His chosen instruments. Saul's humiliation is a powerful demonstration that pride, jealousy, and rebellion against divine authority ultimately lead to downfall and public disgrace. Our surrender to God's will, even when it challenges our own desires or perceived control, is the path to true peace and alignment with His unfolding plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's humiliation in this passage challenge our understanding of human power versus divine sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might God be protecting you or guiding your path through seemingly unexpected or even humbling circumstances?**
* **What "garments" of pride, self-reliance, or control might God be calling you to "strip off" in order to fully surrender to His Spirit's leading?**
* **How can the irony of the proverb, "Is Saul also among the prophets?", encourage us to reflect on our own spiritual journey and whether our actions truly align with our confession of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul "prophesy" and lie "naked" in this context?**

Answer: Saul's "prophesying" here was not a voluntary act of spiritual devotion or a prophetic utterance in the sense of foretelling the future. Instead, it was a forced, ecstatic state brought about by the overwhelming power of the Spirit of God. This divine intervention served to incapacitate Saul, preventing him from harming David, God's chosen king. The "nakedness" (Hebrew: *'arom*) likely refers to being stripped of his outer garments, possibly his royal robes, rather than complete nudity. This act symbolized his loss of dignity, authority, and control, highlighting his humiliation and vulnerability before God's irresistible power. It was a visible sign of his spiritual degradation and God's rejection of his reign.

**What is the significance of the proverb, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" being repeated here?**

Answer: The proverb "Is Saul also among the prophets?" first appeared in [1 Samuel 10:11](/1_samuel/10-11 "1 Samuel 10:11 - The First Use of the Proverb") when Saul was first anointed king and the Spirit of God came upon him, marking a new spiritual beginning and a sign of God's favor. Its repetition in [1 Samuel 19:24](/1_samuel/19-24 "1 Samuel 19:24 - Saul's Humiliation") is deeply ironic. What was once a question of wonder and affirmation of his new spiritual status now becomes a question of mockery and humiliation. It underscores how far Saul has fallen from God's favor due to his disobedience. The Spirit's presence is no longer a blessing for him but a means of divine restraint and judgment, preventing him from fulfilling his malicious intent against David.

**Does this passage suggest that God forces people to do His will against their conscience?**

Answer: This passage illustrates God's sovereign power to intervene in human affairs to accomplish His purposes, especially when His chosen ones are in danger. While Saul's will was clearly set against David, God's Spirit did not force him to *embrace* God's will, but rather to *submit* to God's power in a way that prevented him from acting on his wicked intentions. It demonstrates God's ability to restrain evil and protect His plans, even by temporarily overriding human agency. This is distinct from forcing an individual's conscience or belief system. God's ultimate desire is for willing obedience, but He retains the right and power to intervene when necessary to uphold His covenant and protect His people, as seen in other instances of divine restraint (e.g., [Genesis 20:6](/genesis/20-6 "Genesis 20:6 - God Restrains Abimelech")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene of Saul's incapacitation by the Spirit in 1 Samuel 19:24 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's anointed King, Jesus Christ, over all opposition. Just as God sovereignly protected David, the type of the Messiah, from Saul's murderous intent, so too does God ensure the victory of His Son. The Spirit's irresistible power, which humbled Saul, points to the Spirit's work in the New Covenant, not merely to restrain evil but to transform hearts and empower believers for righteousness. The humiliation of Saul, stripped of his garments and dignity, contrasts sharply with Christ, who willingly "stripped himself" of divine glory to take on human form ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself")), only to be exalted to the highest place ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). While Saul's prophesying was a forced, humiliating act, Christ is the Prophet par excellence, speaking God's perfect truth and fulfilling all prophecy ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"); [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Ultimately, this passage reminds us that no earthly power, no human malice, can thwart God's redemptive plan, which culminates in the reign of the true King, Jesus, who has triumphed over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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

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 10:12

And one of the same place answered and said, But who [is] their father? Therefore it became a proverb, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?

2 Samuel 6:20

¶ Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!

Micah 1:8

¶ Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.

Isaiah 20:2

At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

2 Samuel 6:14

And David danced before the LORD with all [his] might; and David [was] girded with a linen ephod.

Acts 9:21

But all that heard [him] were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?