1 Samuel 19:23

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.

Study Bible

So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah.
Naioth in Ramah was a place where the prophet Samuel and a group of prophets resided. Ramah was Samuel's hometown, located in the territory of Benjamin. Saul's journey to Naioth was driven by his intent to capture David, who had sought refuge there. This reflects Saul's increasing desperation and paranoia as he pursued David, whom he saw as a threat to his throne. The geographical setting underscores the tension between Saul and David, as Ramah was a place of spiritual significance, being associated with the prophet Samuel.

But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul,
The phrase highlights the sovereignty and power of God, who can influence anyone, even those with hostile intentions. The Spirit of God coming upon Saul is reminiscent of earlier instances in Saul's life when he was chosen and anointed as king (1 Samuel 10:10). This divine intervention serves as a reminder of God's control over human affairs and His ability to redirect actions according to His will. It also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives.

and he walked along prophesying
Prophesying here indicates that Saul was speaking under the influence of the Spirit, possibly uttering praises or messages from God. This involuntary act of prophesying demonstrates that God's Spirit can override human intentions. It also serves as a temporary transformation of Saul, contrasting with his usual behavior driven by jealousy and anger. This event parallels the earlier episode in 1 Samuel 10:11, where Saul's prophesying surprised those who knew him, suggesting a divine interruption in his pursuit of David.

until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
Saul's prophesying continued until he reached his destination, indicating the sustained influence of the Spirit over him. This prolonged state of prophesying prevented Saul from carrying out his plan to capture David, showcasing God's protection over David. The repetition of "Naioth in Ramah" emphasizes the significance of this location as a place of divine encounter and prophetic activity. It also highlights the futility of opposing God's anointed, as seen in the broader narrative of David's rise and Saul's decline.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is experiencing a decline in his spiritual and mental state due to his disobedience to God.

2. Naioth
A place in Ramah where a group of prophets, including Samuel, were gathered. It served as a prophetic community or school.

3. Ramah
The hometown of Samuel, the prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel.

4. Spirit of God
The divine presence and power that comes upon individuals, enabling them to prophesy or perform acts beyond their natural abilities.

5. Prophesying
Speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit, often involving declarations of God's will or future events.

Teaching Points

The Sovereignty of God
God's Spirit can intervene in the lives of individuals, regardless of their intentions or spiritual state, demonstrating His ultimate control over human affairs.

The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers individuals to speak and act beyond their natural capabilities, emphasizing the importance of being open to the Spirit's leading in our lives.

God's Protection of His Anointed
Despite Saul's intentions to harm David, God intervenes, showing His protection over those He has chosen and anointed for His purposes.

Unexpected Instruments of God
God can use anyone, even those who are opposed to Him, to fulfill His purposes, reminding us not to underestimate how God might work in and through others.

The Importance of Community
Naioth at Ramah represents a community of believers where the Spirit of God is active, highlighting the value of being part of a faith community for spiritual growth and protection.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the experience of Saul prophesying in 1 Samuel 19:23 reflect God's sovereignty over human intentions?

2. In what ways can we be more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, as seen in Saul's unexpected prophesying?

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

4. What are some modern-day examples of God using unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes, similar to Saul's experience?

5. How can being part of a faith community, like the one at Naioth, strengthen our spiritual journey and relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 10:10
This verse describes an earlier instance when Saul prophesied after the Spirit of God came upon him, highlighting a pattern of divine intervention in his life.

Acts 2:17-18
This passage in the New Testament speaks of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people, leading to prophesying, dreams, and visions, showing the continuity of the Spirit's work from the Old to the New Testament.

Numbers 24:2
Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, also experienced the Spirit of God coming upon him, leading him to prophesy, illustrating that God's Spirit can work through unexpected individuals.