1 Samuel 19:20

he sent messengers to capture him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul's messengers also began to prophesy.

Study Bible

he sent messengers to seize him.
King Saul, driven by jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him, sends messengers to capture David. This reflects Saul's increasing desperation and paranoia. The act of sending messengers indicates Saul's authoritative power as king, yet it also highlights his inability to directly confront David, who is under divine protection. This mirrors earlier biblical narratives where God's chosen are pursued by earthly powers, such as Pharaoh's pursuit of Moses.

But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying,
The messengers encounter a group of prophets, which suggests a communal setting where prophetic activity was common. This group is likely part of a prophetic school or guild, a concept seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as with Elijah and Elisha. The presence of a prophetic community indicates a strong spiritual movement in Israel, emphasizing the role of prophecy in guiding and shaping the nation.

with Samuel leading them,
Samuel, the last judge and a significant prophet, is leading the group. His leadership underscores his continued influence and authority in Israel, even as Saul reigns as king. Samuel's presence signifies divine endorsement and the continuation of God's work through prophecy. Samuel's role as a leader of prophets connects to his earlier anointing of both Saul and David, highlighting his pivotal role in Israel's transition from judges to monarchy.

the Spirit of God came upon them,
The Spirit of God descending upon the messengers is a divine intervention, demonstrating God's sovereignty and ability to override human intentions. This event is reminiscent of other instances where the Spirit empowers individuals for specific purposes, such as in the judges of Israel. It signifies God's active presence and the transformative power of the Spirit, which can change hearts and redirect actions.

and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy.
The messengers, initially sent to capture David, are instead caught up in the prophetic activity. This unexpected turn of events illustrates the overpowering nature of God's Spirit, which can compel even those with hostile intentions to participate in divine acts. It serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over human affairs and foreshadows the New Testament outpouring of the Holy Spirit, where diverse individuals are united in prophetic witness. This incident also subtly critiques Saul's kingship, as his own envoys are unable to fulfill his orders when confronted with God's power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is increasingly consumed by jealousy and fear of David, leading him to seek David's capture.

2. David
The anointed future king of Israel, who is fleeing from Saul's attempts to kill him.

3. Messengers
Sent by Saul to capture David, but they are overcome by the Spirit of God and begin to prophesy.

4. Samuel
The prophet and last judge of Israel, who is leading a group of prophets and is a spiritual mentor to David.

5. Prophets
A group of individuals who are prophesying under the influence of the Spirit of God, demonstrating God's power and presence.

Teaching Points

The Sovereignty of God
God's Spirit can intervene in human affairs, overriding human intentions and plans. This reminds us that God's purposes will prevail, regardless of human opposition.

The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit of God can transform situations and people, even those who come with hostile intentions. This encourages believers to trust in the Spirit's power to change hearts and circumstances.

God's Protection
David's protection through the Spirit's intervention shows that God is a refuge for those who are pursued by enemies. Believers can find comfort in God's ability to protect and deliver.

The Role of Prophets
The presence of prophets and their prophesying highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance. It encourages believers to seek and value godly counsel and prophetic insight.

Unexpected Instruments
God can use anyone, even those with ill intentions, to fulfill His purposes. This challenges believers to remain open to how God might work in unexpected ways and through unexpected people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the intervention of the Spirit of God in 1 Samuel 19:20 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human plans?

2. In what ways can we see the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our own lives and communities today?

3. How does the protection of David in this passage encourage us to trust in God's protection in our own lives?

4. What role do spiritual leaders and prophets play in guiding and protecting God's people, and how can we apply this in our church communities?

5. How can we remain open to God using unexpected people or situations to accomplish His purposes in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 9
Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, experiences a dramatic encounter with God, similar to how Saul's messengers are overtaken by the Spirit.

Numbers 11
The Spirit of God comes upon the seventy elders, causing them to prophesy, illustrating God's sovereign control over His Spirit.

1 Samuel 10
Saul himself previously prophesied when the Spirit of God came upon him, showing a pattern of God's Spirit intervening in unexpected ways.