1 Samuel 19:21

When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy.

Study Bible

When this was reported to Saul
Saul, the first king of Israel, was informed about the events occurring with David. This reflects Saul's increasing obsession with David, whom he saw as a threat to his throne. The context here is Saul's jealousy and fear of David, who had gained favor with God and the people. This report likely came from his servants or spies, indicating Saul's extensive network to monitor David's movements.

he sent more messengers
Saul's decision to send additional messengers shows his determination to capture David. This action underscores Saul's persistence and desperation. The messengers were likely soldiers or officials tasked with bringing David back to Saul. This reflects the political tension and the lengths to which Saul would go to maintain his power.

but they began to prophesy as well
The messengers, upon arriving at Naioth in Ramah where David was with Samuel, were overcome by the Spirit of God and began to prophesy. This divine intervention highlights God's protection over David. The act of prophesying here is not necessarily predicting the future but speaking under divine inspiration. This event demonstrates God's sovereignty and the futility of Saul's efforts against His chosen servant.

So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time
Saul's repeated attempts show his relentless pursuit of David, despite previous failures. The number three in biblical terms often signifies completeness or emphasis. Saul's persistence is contrasted with God's repeated intervention, emphasizing the futility of opposing God's will.

and even they began to prophesy
Once again, the messengers are overcome by the Spirit of God, indicating that God's presence and power are overwhelming and cannot be thwarted by human plans. This repeated divine intervention serves as a sign of God's favor upon David and a warning to Saul. It also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Saul's reign, as he continues to resist God's plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is increasingly troubled by jealousy and fear of David, whom he sees as a threat to his throne.

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

3. Messengers
Individuals sent by Saul to capture David, but who end up prophesying instead.

4. Prophesying
An act of speaking under divine inspiration, which in this context, indicates the overpowering presence of God's Spirit.

5. Ramah
The location where David sought refuge with Samuel, and where the Spirit of God intervened.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God's Spirit can intervene in human affairs, overriding human intentions and plans. This demonstrates His ultimate control over all situations.

The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit can transform and redirect individuals, even those with hostile intentions, towards God's purposes.

The Futility of Opposing God's Anointed
Attempts to thwart God's plans, as seen in Saul's repeated efforts to capture David, are ultimately futile. God's purposes will prevail.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecy serves as a sign of God's presence and power, often occurring in unexpected circumstances to reveal His will.

Trust in God's Protection
Like David, believers can trust in God's protection and intervention, even when facing seemingly insurmountable threats.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the repeated prophesying of Saul's messengers demonstrate God's control over the situation?

2. In what ways can we see the Holy Spirit working in unexpected ways in our own lives today?

3. How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's protection when we face opposition?

4. What can we learn from the contrast between Saul's earlier experiences with the Spirit and his current state?

5. How does this event in 1 Samuel 19:21 connect with other instances in the Bible where God intervenes in human plans?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 10:10-11
Earlier in Saul's life, he also prophesied when the Spirit of God came upon him, showing a contrast between his past and present spiritual state.

Acts 9:1-6
Saul (later Paul) on the road to Damascus, where God intervenes in his life, similar to how God intervenes with Saul's messengers.

Numbers 11:24-30
The Spirit of God coming upon the seventy elders, causing them to prophesy, illustrating God's sovereign control over who receives His Spirit.