Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Samuel+019
CHAPTER 19 (ESV)
19 And it was told Saul, “Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.” 20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. 22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came to the great well that is in Secu. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” And one said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.” 23 And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
REFLECTION:
- The “prophesying” here was probably singing and praising the Lord. This is the second time Saul was overwhelmed by the Spirit from God and prophesied with the prophets. The first time it was right after he was anointed.
- Saul was utterly overwhelmed by the power of the Spirit of God that he was prevented from carrying out his intention to kill David. Other than his inability, there were Jonathan’s loyalty, Micah’s deception and David’s own cleverness. The incident in this passage becomes the climax of God’s power in frustrating and thwarting Saul’s murderous scheme.
- Do I have any less-than-holy plans which God continues to frustrate despite my persistence? What would it take for me to submit to God’s stronger and wiser will? How can I use praise and worship to help me?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
Please instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. With Your loving eye on me, and know my heart and my thoughts and everything I do.
Counsel me and direct me so that my stubbornness may be brought under Your good and perfect will. (Psalm 32:8)
HYMN:
All We Like Sheep – youtu.be/Qq9nRup7LAk
