1Sa 19:22-23 | KingComments | STEP | Samuel and David withdraw to “Naioth”, which means “dwellings”, which probably refers to the houses of prophets, where prophet schools are located. Under Samuel’s guidance, the prophets are busy becoming familiar with God’s thoughts. There David enters. He, and Samuel, may have thought that Saul would not venture to get there. But Saul does not shy away from it. He sends his messengers out to pick up David from there. Then we see what happens to the messengers when they come into that sacred environment. The prophets, led by Samuel, are under the power of the Spirit. This power is also exercised over those who come into that sphere. This also happens with the next messengers and with a third group of messengers. Instead of capturing David they are captured themselves. They experience that God is truly among them (cf. ). It is not about conversion, but about an influence from which one cannot escape. We see something similar in Balaam who wants to curse God’s people but is forced to bless it ( ). Then Saul himself goes. He does not realize at all that David is under the special protection of heaven. His journey to Naioth is described in detail. When he comes to Ramah, he asks not only for David, but for Samuel and David. He connects the two names as the conspirators against the throne on which he sits. When he is on his way, the Spirit of God already comes upon him. The Spirit remains on him and as he goes, he prophesies, until he comes to Samuel. It seems that this is God’s last attempt to make Saul aware he must repent. The Spirit of God works wherever the Word of God is preached. Everyone who hears it comes under its influence. It leads to an action that one would not first think possible: singing, being touched. Yet the heart remains dark and cold. Saul strips off his upper garment of royal dignity and lays down only in his underclothes. He is completely under the influence of the Spirit, but not with his mind. Thus, men can have great gifts and prophesy in the Name of Christ and cast out demons, but without knowing grace ( ). Mockingly, later is told of him that he is also among the prophets, as something considered impossible and not recognized as true, but as an untrue matter. Even an unbelieving man like Balaam came under the influence of the Spirit, but without repentance. Thus, a person can come under the influence of God’s Spirit, but without affecting his relationship with God.

‏ 1 Samuel 19:22-23

Under the Protection of Samuel

Samuel and David withdraw to “Naioth”, which means “dwellings”, which probably refers to the houses of prophets, where prophet schools are located. Under Samuel’s guidance, the prophets are busy becoming familiar with God’s thoughts. There David enters. He, and Samuel, may have thought that Saul would not venture to get there. But Saul does not shy away from it. He sends his messengers out to pick up David from there. Then we see what happens to the messengers when they come into that sacred environment.

The prophets, led by Samuel, are under the power of the Spirit. This power is also exercised over those who come into that sphere. This also happens with the next messengers and with a third group of messengers. Instead of capturing David they are captured themselves. They experience that God is truly among them (cf. 1Cor 14:24-25). It is not about conversion, but about an influence from which one cannot escape. We see something similar in Balaam who wants to curse God’s people but is forced to bless it (Num 22:2-6 ; Num 23:11-12 ; 25-26 ; Num 24:10-13).

Then Saul himself goes. He does not realize at all that David is under the special protection of heaven. His journey to Naioth is described in detail. When he comes to Ramah, he asks not only for David, but for Samuel and David. He connects the two names as the conspirators against the throne on which he sits. When he is on his way, the Spirit of God already comes upon him. The Spirit remains on him and as he goes, he prophesies, until he comes to Samuel. It seems that this is God’s last attempt to make Saul aware he must repent.

The Spirit of God works wherever the Word of God is preached. Everyone who hears it comes under its influence. It leads to an action that one would not first think possible: singing, being touched. Yet the heart remains dark and cold.

Saul strips off his upper garment of royal dignity and lays down only in his underclothes. He is completely under the influence of the Spirit, but not with his mind. Thus, men can have great gifts and prophesy in the Name of Christ and cast out demons, but without knowing grace (Mt 7:22-23).

Mockingly, later is told of him that he is also among the prophets, as something considered impossible and not recognized as true, but as an untrue matter. Even an unbelieving man like Balaam came under the influence of the Spirit, but without repentance. Thus, a person can come under the influence of God’s Spirit, but without affecting his relationship with God.