2. (1 Sam 20:30-34) Saul is enraged when he learns of David's absence
Then Saul's anger burned against Jonathan and he said to him, "You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore now, send and bring him to me, for he must surely die." But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?" Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death. Then Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did not eat food on the second day of the new moon, for he was grieved over David because his father had dishonored him.
Saul's anger burned against Jonathan: As David had probably expected, his absence from the feast at the palace fueled Saul's burning hatred toward David. Saul may have intended to murder David at the banquet, but the absence of David marred his plot. Moreover, Saul may have been even more infuriated knowing that David had anticipated a possible murder attempt and cleverly arranged for his absence from the feast. Additionally, Saul's own son, Jonathan, helped David carry out his plan and openly sympathized with Saul's enemy.
You son of a perverse, rebellious woman: To anyone from the East, there is nothing so grievously insulting as a reproach cast upon one's mother. The mother herself is not held to be affronted in such case; however, the son who hears such words applied to her is insulted and meant to be insulted beyond making amends.
To the shame of your mother's nakedness: This is not to insult Jonathan's mother, but it is an expression which would be better translated in English as, "She will feel ashamed at having brought such a son into the world."
Neither you nor your kingdom shall be established: Although Samuel had long before this declared to Saul, in the name of the LORD, that the kingdom should not continue with him nor descend to his posterity, yet, Saul seems to have had hopes that he should be able to prevent this declaration from being verified by his policy and taking proper measures.
Why should he be put to death? What has he done?: Jonathan responded by defending David. His support of David was for the right reasons. David had committed no sins against Saul. Jonathan's support of David enraged Saul, and Saul brandishes his spear to show his deep hatred of David. Saul hated David so much he was willing to kill his own son for siding with David.
Then Saul hurled his spear at him: When Jonathan pleaded for his friend David, Saul did not "hurl" his spear, but like the Hebrew in 1 Samuel 18:11, Saul simply lifted his spear in a threatening manner without actually throwing it.
2. (1 Sam 20:35-40) Jonathan reports to David through the signal of arrows
Now it came about in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field for the appointment with David, and a little lad was with him. He said to the lad, "Run, find the arrows which I am about to shoot." As the lad was running, he shot an arrow past him. When the lad reached the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the lad and said, "Is not the arrow beyond you?" And Jonathan called after the lad, "Hurry, be quick, do not stay!" And Jonathan's lad picked up the arrow and came to his master. But the lad was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter. Then Jonathan gave his weapons to his lad and said to him, "Go, bring them to the city."
He shot an arrow past him: This was the sign agreed upon if Saul intended evil for Saul. One can only imagine the trepidation of both Jonathan and David. David was eagerly awaiting the message from his friend, Jonathan. Was he to stay in the palace or was he to flee for his life? At the same time, Jonathan knew this would be one of the last times he would see his friend. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Jonathan to have to tell David he must flee for his life.
Is not the arrow beyond you: It took courage for Jonathan to communicate with David, even secretly because he knew that if his father became aware of it, he would focus his murderous rage against Jonathan. Jonathan had made a commitment to David to warn his friend of any danger.
Hurry, be quick, do not stay: Although Jonathan trusted the youth who was with him, he still hurried his servant away from the place where he shot the arrows--a place very close to where David was hiding. David upon hearing his fate would want to escape from his hiding place and see Jonathan. Jonathan, knowing this, commands the young lad to quickly return to him.
Jonathan and David knew about the matter: A small thing--the signal from the shooting of three arrows--told David his whole life was about to change. He was no longer welcomed at the palace. He was no longer welcomed among the army of Israel. He could no longer go home. David was now a fugitive on the run from an angry, jealous king determined to destroy him.
Go, bring them to the city: Wanting to get rid of the boy, Jonathan sends the boy back to the palace with his bow and arrows.
3. (1 Sam 20:41-42) The tearful farewell of David and Jonathan
When the lad was gone, David rose from the south side and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed three times. And they kissed each other and wept together, but David wept the more. Jonathan said to David, "Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.'" Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city.
Fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times: As a token of reverence and loyalty to the king's son, David shows great respect and honor to his friend. An Oriental when he meets a superior, kneels down and touched the ground with his forehead. ("Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground" Genesis 42:6.)
They kissed each other and wept together: David and Jonathan loved each other and had a strong bond of friendship. Jonathan and David probably envisioned working together as friends both before and after the time David would become king. But now, all that was gone. David could not stay, and Jonathan could not go with David.
But David wept the more: If Jonathan had reason to weep, David had more reasons. The pain of being apart was bad enough, but it was worse for David. He was to be cut off from everything and was now destine to live the life of a fugitive for many years.
Go in safety: Jonathan knew he might never see David again. In fact, David and Jonathan will only meet once more, shortly before Jonathan's death. Yet, as David now left for a life of hiding and danger, Jonathan could send David away in safety because they both agreed to honor each other not only in life, but also to honor each other's families beyond their own lifetimes.
The abruptness of the closing words is most natural and accords with the evident deep emotion of the two friends. David's heart was too heavy to reply to his friend's words. Blinded with tears, David seems to have hurried away speechless.
Then he arose and departed: David will not return to a normal life until Saul is dead, and David is king. This was a pretty hard road for David to walk, but it was God's road for him. God often has His people spend at least some time on a bleak road. And some (think about Job, Joseph, Paul and Jesus) He appoints to spend a lot of time in great straits. This time for David was vital in his life--it was a time in which God taught David to depend on God alone. David needed to learn to let God be his defense and promoter. David needed this time in order to learn to submit to God's authority, even when he would be highly exalted as King of Israel.
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Sunday, January 21, 2018
1 Samuel Chapter 20 Part Two (Verses 14-29)
2. (1 Sam 20:14-17) In response, Jonathan asks David to commit himself in a covenant
If I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD, that I may not die? You shall not cut off your lovingkindness from my house forever, not even when the LORD cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth." So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David saying, "May the LORD require it at the hands of David's enemies." Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.
Will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD: Either such kindness as the LORD has shown David in preserving his life in the midst of so many great dangers; or the kindness in which Jonathan has engaged in when he swore a covenant between David and himself in the presence of God.
You shall not cut off your lovingkindess from my house forever: The covenant they made was not merely personal, but extended to their posterity. It was to be kept even when David should have great power, and there would be no one to oppose his will. These verses seem to strongly indicate that Jonathan knew of David's being anointed to the kingdom. In ancient times, when one royal house replaced another, it was common for the new royal house to kill all the potential rulers from the old royal house. Jonathan knew that one day David and his descendants would rule over Israel. Jonathan wanted a promise that David and his descendants would not kill or mistreat the descendants of Jonathan.
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David: Jonathan and David agree to care for one another. Jonathan agrees to care for David in the face of Saul's threat, and David agrees to care for Jonathan and his family in the future. David fulfills this promise to Jonathan in 2 Samuel 9:1-8 and 2 Samuel 21:7.
May the LORD require it at the hands of David's enemies: If either Jonathan or any of his house should break this covenant, and should prove to be enemies to David or to his house, then the LORD would be witness to this covenant and severely punish the violators of it.
Jonathan made David vow again: Jonathan, looking with absolute certainty to the day in which his persecuted friend would be on the throne and he in his grave, dreaded for his own fatherless children the fate which probably awaited them--almost certain death.
3. (1 Sam 20:18-23) Jonathan proposed a signal to inform David of Saul's reaction
Then Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty. When you have stayed for three days, you shall go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself on that eventful day, and you shall remain by the stone Ezel. I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a target. And behold, I will send the lad, saying, 'Go, find the arrows.' If I specifically say to the lad, 'Behold, the arrows are on this side of you, get them,' then come; for there is safety for you and no harm, as the LORD lives. But if I say to the youth, 'Behold, the arrows are beyond you,' go, for the LORD has sent you away. As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever."
When you have stayed for three days: This is a poor translation. A better rendering would be, "On the third day, you shall go down..."
Go down quickly: The word rendered "quickly" is a bad translation of the Hebrew word m'od which means greatly or a long ways. This signifies where David is supposed to go, a long ways into the valley. This makes more sense as it did not matter if David traveled quickly or slowly on the third day. What mattered is that he was a great distance away from the palace so that no prying eye might have a chance to catch sight of David.
The stone Ezel: Ezel means departure. This name may have been given to this stone in remembrance of the parting of Jonathan and David. Some believe this was not a single stone but a collect of rocks making a natural cavernous hiding place or the ruins of an ancient building, which would be equally suited to hid David.
I will shoot three arrows: The two friends now agree upon a sign. Jonathan was to shoot three arrows at a target near the stone Ezel where David was hiding. This sign was arranged in case Jonathan should be watched by Saul's spies which might prevent Jonathan from getting an interview with David without endangering himself. Jonathan would quiet any possible suspicion aroused by carrying his bow, and pretending to go out for shooting practice. The servant, probably one of Jonathan's young armor-bearers, would accompany Jonathan out into the field. David would position his servant near the intended target. If all was well with David and King Saul, Jonathan would shoot the arrows to the side of his servant. If Saul has planned evil against David, Jonathan would shoot his arrows beyond his servant. Jonathan would yell where the arrows went to his servant in a loud enough voice so that both the servant and David in his hiding place could hear his words.
This was a crucial time in David's life. Either he would be welcomed back to the palace and his home, or he would be a fugitive until Saul gave up the hunt for David. A great deal was dependent upon the message Jonathan would bring back from the palace. It was imperative that their message system was simple yet effective.
The LORD is between you and me forever: As a witness and a judge and between their families forever, if on either side this league of friendship be violated, the LORD will render judgment and punishment for this breach of contract.
C. Saul's hatred towards David
1. (1 Sam 20:24-29) David's absence arouses suspicion
So David hid in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food. The king sat in his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan rose up and Abner sat down by Saul's side, but David's place was empty. Nevertheless Saul did not speak anything that day, for he thought, "It is an accident, he is not clean, surely he is not clean." It came about the next day, the second day of the new moon, that David's place was empty; so Saul said to Jonathan his son, "Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal, either yesterday or today?" Jonathan then answered Saul, "David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem, for he said, 'Please let me go, since out family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to attend. And now, if I have found favor in your sight, please let me get away that I may see my brothers.' For this reason he has not come to the king's table."
David hid in the field: It seems probable that David first went to Bethlehem as he bade Jonathan to tell Saul (1 Samuel 20:6), and then he returned to the field at the appointed time. If he did not go to Bethlehem, then David lied, which we ought not to imagine without any apparent cause. Moreover, several questions arise if David did not go to Bethlehem. Why should David hide himself in the field for such a long time when Jonathan and David had agreed to meet at an appointed time? Additionally, if David was to hide in the field the entire time, why did Jonathan agree upon a time to meet if David would be in the field all the while? As soon as Jonathan heard the news, he could have come and told David. It seems Jonathan and David would have had to agree upon a time to meet if David would have gone elsewhere during the new moon.
The king sat in his usual place, the seat by the wall: Saul occupied the place of honor at the top or center of the table, which was opposite to the entrance of the room. This is still the place of honor in most Eastern cultures.
Jonathan rose: There are many different views about Jonathan rising. Some speculate that Jonathan rose and gave up his seat and allowed Abner to sit in his place next to Saul. Jonathan then took David's seat in hopes of disguising David's absence. Others believe Jonathan never moved, but just rose to give honor to Abner. Abner was the king's cousin and the general of the army. Others speculate that Jonathan arose and gave Abner his seat, knowing King Saul might be enraged when he saw David was absent. Jonathan may have taken a lower seat at the table in order to escape Saul's grasp.
It is an accident, he is not clean: People who were ceremonially unclean were excluded to participate in religious festivals. The reasons for uncleanness are many and include seminal emissions, touching a woman who was menstruating, touching an item which touched a woman who was menstruating, touching a man with a discharge, touching an item which touched a man with a discharge (Leviticus 15), touching an unclean animal (Leviticus 11), etc. All these ways in which a person became unclean only lasted a day. The unclean person was to wash his clothes and himself in water and would remain unclean until evening.
It is interesting that Saul knows God's laws and seems as though he and his household followed God's rules. Saul knew if David was unclean, his uncleanness would only last for a short time. The next day, David would be clean, and there would be no ceremonial reason David would miss the feast.
The son of Jesse: Saul does not use David's given name here but instead calls him "son of Jesse" to denote David's common family. In contempt and in scorn, Saul disregards David's proper name, one which has attached to it great honor, and ignores David's son-in-law relationship to the king.
David earnestly asked leave of me: Jonathan, being second in line to the throne, seems to have had much power in the kingdom and likely had the power to grant permission for folks in the king's court to leave the palace. Additionally, Saul asks Jonathan (and no one else) about the whereabouts of David. Saul knew David and Jonathan were friends. If anyone knew where David was, Jonathan probably was the person to ask.
My brother has commanded me to attend: It might seem odd that a brother asked David to attend the feast and not his father, Jesse. However, we are told back in 1 Samuel 17:12b "And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men." So with Jesse advanced in age, it is very likely that Eliab, the firstborn, took over the family responsibilities, and thus Eliab (and not Jesse) would be the person responsible for inviting David to the sacrifice in the city.
If I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD, that I may not die? You shall not cut off your lovingkindness from my house forever, not even when the LORD cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth." So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David saying, "May the LORD require it at the hands of David's enemies." Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.
Will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD: Either such kindness as the LORD has shown David in preserving his life in the midst of so many great dangers; or the kindness in which Jonathan has engaged in when he swore a covenant between David and himself in the presence of God.
You shall not cut off your lovingkindess from my house forever: The covenant they made was not merely personal, but extended to their posterity. It was to be kept even when David should have great power, and there would be no one to oppose his will. These verses seem to strongly indicate that Jonathan knew of David's being anointed to the kingdom. In ancient times, when one royal house replaced another, it was common for the new royal house to kill all the potential rulers from the old royal house. Jonathan knew that one day David and his descendants would rule over Israel. Jonathan wanted a promise that David and his descendants would not kill or mistreat the descendants of Jonathan.
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David: Jonathan and David agree to care for one another. Jonathan agrees to care for David in the face of Saul's threat, and David agrees to care for Jonathan and his family in the future. David fulfills this promise to Jonathan in 2 Samuel 9:1-8 and 2 Samuel 21:7.
May the LORD require it at the hands of David's enemies: If either Jonathan or any of his house should break this covenant, and should prove to be enemies to David or to his house, then the LORD would be witness to this covenant and severely punish the violators of it.
Jonathan made David vow again: Jonathan, looking with absolute certainty to the day in which his persecuted friend would be on the throne and he in his grave, dreaded for his own fatherless children the fate which probably awaited them--almost certain death.
3. (1 Sam 20:18-23) Jonathan proposed a signal to inform David of Saul's reaction
Then Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty. When you have stayed for three days, you shall go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself on that eventful day, and you shall remain by the stone Ezel. I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a target. And behold, I will send the lad, saying, 'Go, find the arrows.' If I specifically say to the lad, 'Behold, the arrows are on this side of you, get them,' then come; for there is safety for you and no harm, as the LORD lives. But if I say to the youth, 'Behold, the arrows are beyond you,' go, for the LORD has sent you away. As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever."
When you have stayed for three days: This is a poor translation. A better rendering would be, "On the third day, you shall go down..."
Go down quickly: The word rendered "quickly" is a bad translation of the Hebrew word m'od which means greatly or a long ways. This signifies where David is supposed to go, a long ways into the valley. This makes more sense as it did not matter if David traveled quickly or slowly on the third day. What mattered is that he was a great distance away from the palace so that no prying eye might have a chance to catch sight of David.
The stone Ezel: Ezel means departure. This name may have been given to this stone in remembrance of the parting of Jonathan and David. Some believe this was not a single stone but a collect of rocks making a natural cavernous hiding place or the ruins of an ancient building, which would be equally suited to hid David.
I will shoot three arrows: The two friends now agree upon a sign. Jonathan was to shoot three arrows at a target near the stone Ezel where David was hiding. This sign was arranged in case Jonathan should be watched by Saul's spies which might prevent Jonathan from getting an interview with David without endangering himself. Jonathan would quiet any possible suspicion aroused by carrying his bow, and pretending to go out for shooting practice. The servant, probably one of Jonathan's young armor-bearers, would accompany Jonathan out into the field. David would position his servant near the intended target. If all was well with David and King Saul, Jonathan would shoot the arrows to the side of his servant. If Saul has planned evil against David, Jonathan would shoot his arrows beyond his servant. Jonathan would yell where the arrows went to his servant in a loud enough voice so that both the servant and David in his hiding place could hear his words.
This was a crucial time in David's life. Either he would be welcomed back to the palace and his home, or he would be a fugitive until Saul gave up the hunt for David. A great deal was dependent upon the message Jonathan would bring back from the palace. It was imperative that their message system was simple yet effective.
The LORD is between you and me forever: As a witness and a judge and between their families forever, if on either side this league of friendship be violated, the LORD will render judgment and punishment for this breach of contract.
C. Saul's hatred towards David
1. (1 Sam 20:24-29) David's absence arouses suspicion
So David hid in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food. The king sat in his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan rose up and Abner sat down by Saul's side, but David's place was empty. Nevertheless Saul did not speak anything that day, for he thought, "It is an accident, he is not clean, surely he is not clean." It came about the next day, the second day of the new moon, that David's place was empty; so Saul said to Jonathan his son, "Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal, either yesterday or today?" Jonathan then answered Saul, "David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem, for he said, 'Please let me go, since out family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to attend. And now, if I have found favor in your sight, please let me get away that I may see my brothers.' For this reason he has not come to the king's table."
David hid in the field: It seems probable that David first went to Bethlehem as he bade Jonathan to tell Saul (1 Samuel 20:6), and then he returned to the field at the appointed time. If he did not go to Bethlehem, then David lied, which we ought not to imagine without any apparent cause. Moreover, several questions arise if David did not go to Bethlehem. Why should David hide himself in the field for such a long time when Jonathan and David had agreed to meet at an appointed time? Additionally, if David was to hide in the field the entire time, why did Jonathan agree upon a time to meet if David would be in the field all the while? As soon as Jonathan heard the news, he could have come and told David. It seems Jonathan and David would have had to agree upon a time to meet if David would have gone elsewhere during the new moon.
The king sat in his usual place, the seat by the wall: Saul occupied the place of honor at the top or center of the table, which was opposite to the entrance of the room. This is still the place of honor in most Eastern cultures.
Jonathan rose: There are many different views about Jonathan rising. Some speculate that Jonathan rose and gave up his seat and allowed Abner to sit in his place next to Saul. Jonathan then took David's seat in hopes of disguising David's absence. Others believe Jonathan never moved, but just rose to give honor to Abner. Abner was the king's cousin and the general of the army. Others speculate that Jonathan arose and gave Abner his seat, knowing King Saul might be enraged when he saw David was absent. Jonathan may have taken a lower seat at the table in order to escape Saul's grasp.
It is an accident, he is not clean: People who were ceremonially unclean were excluded to participate in religious festivals. The reasons for uncleanness are many and include seminal emissions, touching a woman who was menstruating, touching an item which touched a woman who was menstruating, touching a man with a discharge, touching an item which touched a man with a discharge (Leviticus 15), touching an unclean animal (Leviticus 11), etc. All these ways in which a person became unclean only lasted a day. The unclean person was to wash his clothes and himself in water and would remain unclean until evening.
It is interesting that Saul knows God's laws and seems as though he and his household followed God's rules. Saul knew if David was unclean, his uncleanness would only last for a short time. The next day, David would be clean, and there would be no ceremonial reason David would miss the feast.
The son of Jesse: Saul does not use David's given name here but instead calls him "son of Jesse" to denote David's common family. In contempt and in scorn, Saul disregards David's proper name, one which has attached to it great honor, and ignores David's son-in-law relationship to the king.
David earnestly asked leave of me: Jonathan, being second in line to the throne, seems to have had much power in the kingdom and likely had the power to grant permission for folks in the king's court to leave the palace. Additionally, Saul asks Jonathan (and no one else) about the whereabouts of David. Saul knew David and Jonathan were friends. If anyone knew where David was, Jonathan probably was the person to ask.
My brother has commanded me to attend: It might seem odd that a brother asked David to attend the feast and not his father, Jesse. However, we are told back in 1 Samuel 17:12b "And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men." So with Jesse advanced in age, it is very likely that Eliab, the firstborn, took over the family responsibilities, and thus Eliab (and not Jesse) would be the person responsible for inviting David to the sacrifice in the city.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
1 Samuel Chapter 20 Part One (Verses 1-13)
JONATHAN'S FINAL ATTEMPT TO RECONCILE HIS FATHER AND DAVID
A. David, coming from Naioth, meets Jonathan
1. (1 Sam 20:1-4) David asks Jonathan about Saul's intentions towards him; Jonathan promises his help to David
Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and come and said to Jonathan, "What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?" He said to him, "Far from it, you shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing great or small without disclosing it to me. So why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so!" Yet David vowed again, saying, "Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight, and he had said, 'Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved.' But truly as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death." Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you say, I will do for you."
David fled from Naioth: It is probable that on the advice of the prophet Samuel, David returns to consult with Jonathan. It may seem surprising that David could think of venturing back to Gibeah after Saul's last outburst, but David on his part was not willing to break with Saul and become an outlaw until absolutely forced to do so. Jonathan, knowing David's value to the kingdom, will use every effort to force a complete reconciliation between his father, Saul, and David.
David, alone with his friend Jonathan, passionately asserts his innocence of the crimes laid to his charge by the jealous King Saul. David's words here are found throughout his Psalms, where, in touching language, he maintains how bitterly the world has wronged and persecuted him, a righteous, innocent man.
It is interesting to note that David and King Saul must have had some sort of reconciliation after the incident at Naioth. For in verse 5, David is expected to attend Saul's new moon celebration. If David was hiding from Saul, Saul would not have expected David's attendance at his feast.
What have I done: Here, David checks his relationship with Jonathan. David wants to know what Saul thought, but even more importantly, David wants to know what Jonathan thought. In asking, "What have I done?" David want to know if Jonathan has broken his friendship with David and sided with his father, Saul.
Far from it, you shall not die: Jonathan even now refuses to believe that his beloved father really wished to harm David. Recalling to mind Saul's oath ("Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul vowed, 'As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death'" 1 Samuel 19:6), Jonathan attributes his father's recent violence to his temporary madness. Jonathan assures David that he was still David's loyal friend. He had not believed the lies Saul was telling about David.
Saul's rash talk about killing David in 1 Samuel 19:1 confirms Jonathan's statement that his father discloses everything to him. Jonathan urges David that if the king had plans to kill David, he would have consulted him, to whom Saul ever confided all his deepest secrets.
Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight: Although Saul did not know the entirety of Jonathan's love for David, he was aware of the friendship that existed between them and consequently might keep his purpose a secret from Jonathan, especially since his frankness in speaking opening to his son and servants on a previous occasion resulted in the escape of David.
There is hardly a step between me and death: This statement reveals David's discouragement. David knew that Saul attempted to kill him many times, and it seemed Saul would not quit until David was finally assassinated. David felt his death was inevitable, and one wrong step and he would be dead.
Whatever you say, I will do for you: Jonathan continues to reassure David, bringing encouragement and an offer of help to a very downhearted friend.
2. (1 Sam 20:5-11) David proposes to test Saul's attitude
So David said to Jonathan, "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I ought to sit down to eat with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening. If your father misses me at all, then say, 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, because it is the yearly sacrifice there for the whole family,' If he says, 'It is good,' your servant will be safe; but if he is very angry, know that he has decided on evil. Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?" Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! For if I should indeed learn that evil has been decided by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you about it?" Then David said to Jonathan, "Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?" Jonathan said to David, "Come, and let us go out into the field." So both of them went out to the field.
Tomorrow is the new moon: The new moon called Rosh Chodesh in Hebrew is a one or two day festival. Jewish months, which are fixed to the cycle of the moon, have either 29 or 30 days. At the close of a 30-day month, the 30th day of the outgoing month and the first day of the new month are called Rosh Chodesh making it a two day festival. If the month only has 29 days, only the first day of the new month is celebrated as Rosh Chodesh making it only a one day celebration. As we see from the text in verse 27 that the new moon festival Saul celebrated lasted two days, meaning the previous month before this Rosh Chodesh takes place had 30 days.
Rosh Chodesh was celebrated with special sacrifices described in Numbers 28:11-16:
"Then at the beginning of each of your months you shall present a burnt offering to the LORD: two bulls and one ram, seven male lambs one year old without defect, and three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, for each bull; and two-tenths of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, for the one ram; and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering for each lamb, for a burnt offering of a soothing aroma, an offering by fire for the LORD. Their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine for a bull and a third of a hin for the ram and a fourth of a hin for a lamb; this is the burnt offering of each month throughout the months of the year. And one goat for a sin offering to the LORD; it shall be offered with its drink offering in addition to the continual burnt offering."
Additionally on Rosh Chodesh, trumpets were blown. "Also in the day of your gladness and in your appointed feasts, and on the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God, I am the LORD your God" (Numbers 10:10).
If your father misses me: David asks Jonathan to observe Saul's reaction to David's absence at an important feast held for Saul's high officials and family members. David wonders if Saul would take the opportunity to make peace with David or if he would use the opportunity to continue his desire to slay David.
Yearly sacrifice: The Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 12:5 and following verses) strictly required these great sacrifices to be kept at the Tabernacle. But since the destruction of the Tabernacle at Shiloh, there had been no central sanctuary. From this text, we can see that these sacrifices had been continued, but their observances were relegated to family or tribal centers. It is not clear if David's family actually was hosting a yearly sacrifice and David had wanted to attend it and meant to hide in the field afterwards, or if he regarded the whole story as a justifiable deception to avoid exciting Saul's anger.
For you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you: As the friendship between Jonathan and David had been cemented by the invocation of the name of the LORD, it was firm and assured. David might not look for merely one act of kindness, but for constant truth and help. Moreover, it was Jonathan's own desire for the covenant. Yet, David says, "if there is iniquity in me" (i.e., treason against Saul), if David had not been a faithful and true servant to Saul, but on the contrary, plotted evil against him, then the covenant should be revoked. David refuses to shelter himself under the covenant if he has incurred guilt. He only asks Jonathan, by the authority which he exercises as being the king's son, should himself put David to death, and not deliver David up to Saul.
Far be it from you: This strong expression bears emphatic testimony to Jonathan's belief in his friend's loyalty. Jonathan refuses to take David's life or even to allow David's life to be touched by his father.
Who will tell me: David now poses a practical problem. If Saul has determined evil against David, and Jonathan intends to warn him, how will he do it? How will Jonathan get the message to David?
B. Jonathan's agreement
1. (1 Sam 20:12-13) Jonathan will discover the state of his father's heart towards David
Then Jonathan said to David, "The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good feeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and make it known to you? If it please my father to do you harm, may the LORD do so to Jonathan and more also, it I do not make it known to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. And may the LORD be with you as He has been with my father.
When I have sounded out my father: Jonathan will find out his father's heart and will report it to David, to let David know if Saul thinks well or evil of David.
And send you away, that you may go in safety: Jonathan know that if his father, Saul, intends evil against David, it means that David must go away. He will not be welcomed in the palace and would not be safe at home with his wife, Michal. By giving David early warning of this, Jonathan will help David "go in safety".
And may the LORD be with you as He has been with my father: Jonathan wants to give David more than a warning. He wants to give him encouragement too. It is as if Jonathan is saying, "David, even if you must leave the palace and your wife and your home to flee as a fugitive, the LORD will be with you."
Jonathan shows his spiritual maturity when he says, "as He has been with my father." One might think that the LORD was against Saul instead of for him. But Jonathan knew that God was for Saul. God had given many opportunities for Saul to repent.
A. David, coming from Naioth, meets Jonathan
1. (1 Sam 20:1-4) David asks Jonathan about Saul's intentions towards him; Jonathan promises his help to David
Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and come and said to Jonathan, "What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?" He said to him, "Far from it, you shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing great or small without disclosing it to me. So why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so!" Yet David vowed again, saying, "Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight, and he had said, 'Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved.' But truly as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death." Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you say, I will do for you."
David fled from Naioth: It is probable that on the advice of the prophet Samuel, David returns to consult with Jonathan. It may seem surprising that David could think of venturing back to Gibeah after Saul's last outburst, but David on his part was not willing to break with Saul and become an outlaw until absolutely forced to do so. Jonathan, knowing David's value to the kingdom, will use every effort to force a complete reconciliation between his father, Saul, and David.
David, alone with his friend Jonathan, passionately asserts his innocence of the crimes laid to his charge by the jealous King Saul. David's words here are found throughout his Psalms, where, in touching language, he maintains how bitterly the world has wronged and persecuted him, a righteous, innocent man.
It is interesting to note that David and King Saul must have had some sort of reconciliation after the incident at Naioth. For in verse 5, David is expected to attend Saul's new moon celebration. If David was hiding from Saul, Saul would not have expected David's attendance at his feast.
What have I done: Here, David checks his relationship with Jonathan. David wants to know what Saul thought, but even more importantly, David wants to know what Jonathan thought. In asking, "What have I done?" David want to know if Jonathan has broken his friendship with David and sided with his father, Saul.
Far from it, you shall not die: Jonathan even now refuses to believe that his beloved father really wished to harm David. Recalling to mind Saul's oath ("Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul vowed, 'As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death'" 1 Samuel 19:6), Jonathan attributes his father's recent violence to his temporary madness. Jonathan assures David that he was still David's loyal friend. He had not believed the lies Saul was telling about David.
Saul's rash talk about killing David in 1 Samuel 19:1 confirms Jonathan's statement that his father discloses everything to him. Jonathan urges David that if the king had plans to kill David, he would have consulted him, to whom Saul ever confided all his deepest secrets.
Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight: Although Saul did not know the entirety of Jonathan's love for David, he was aware of the friendship that existed between them and consequently might keep his purpose a secret from Jonathan, especially since his frankness in speaking opening to his son and servants on a previous occasion resulted in the escape of David.
There is hardly a step between me and death: This statement reveals David's discouragement. David knew that Saul attempted to kill him many times, and it seemed Saul would not quit until David was finally assassinated. David felt his death was inevitable, and one wrong step and he would be dead.
Whatever you say, I will do for you: Jonathan continues to reassure David, bringing encouragement and an offer of help to a very downhearted friend.
2. (1 Sam 20:5-11) David proposes to test Saul's attitude
So David said to Jonathan, "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I ought to sit down to eat with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening. If your father misses me at all, then say, 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, because it is the yearly sacrifice there for the whole family,' If he says, 'It is good,' your servant will be safe; but if he is very angry, know that he has decided on evil. Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?" Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! For if I should indeed learn that evil has been decided by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you about it?" Then David said to Jonathan, "Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?" Jonathan said to David, "Come, and let us go out into the field." So both of them went out to the field.
Tomorrow is the new moon: The new moon called Rosh Chodesh in Hebrew is a one or two day festival. Jewish months, which are fixed to the cycle of the moon, have either 29 or 30 days. At the close of a 30-day month, the 30th day of the outgoing month and the first day of the new month are called Rosh Chodesh making it a two day festival. If the month only has 29 days, only the first day of the new month is celebrated as Rosh Chodesh making it only a one day celebration. As we see from the text in verse 27 that the new moon festival Saul celebrated lasted two days, meaning the previous month before this Rosh Chodesh takes place had 30 days.
Rosh Chodesh was celebrated with special sacrifices described in Numbers 28:11-16:
"Then at the beginning of each of your months you shall present a burnt offering to the LORD: two bulls and one ram, seven male lambs one year old without defect, and three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, for each bull; and two-tenths of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, for the one ram; and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering for each lamb, for a burnt offering of a soothing aroma, an offering by fire for the LORD. Their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine for a bull and a third of a hin for the ram and a fourth of a hin for a lamb; this is the burnt offering of each month throughout the months of the year. And one goat for a sin offering to the LORD; it shall be offered with its drink offering in addition to the continual burnt offering."
Additionally on Rosh Chodesh, trumpets were blown. "Also in the day of your gladness and in your appointed feasts, and on the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God, I am the LORD your God" (Numbers 10:10).
If your father misses me: David asks Jonathan to observe Saul's reaction to David's absence at an important feast held for Saul's high officials and family members. David wonders if Saul would take the opportunity to make peace with David or if he would use the opportunity to continue his desire to slay David.
Yearly sacrifice: The Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 12:5 and following verses) strictly required these great sacrifices to be kept at the Tabernacle. But since the destruction of the Tabernacle at Shiloh, there had been no central sanctuary. From this text, we can see that these sacrifices had been continued, but their observances were relegated to family or tribal centers. It is not clear if David's family actually was hosting a yearly sacrifice and David had wanted to attend it and meant to hide in the field afterwards, or if he regarded the whole story as a justifiable deception to avoid exciting Saul's anger.
For you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you: As the friendship between Jonathan and David had been cemented by the invocation of the name of the LORD, it was firm and assured. David might not look for merely one act of kindness, but for constant truth and help. Moreover, it was Jonathan's own desire for the covenant. Yet, David says, "if there is iniquity in me" (i.e., treason against Saul), if David had not been a faithful and true servant to Saul, but on the contrary, plotted evil against him, then the covenant should be revoked. David refuses to shelter himself under the covenant if he has incurred guilt. He only asks Jonathan, by the authority which he exercises as being the king's son, should himself put David to death, and not deliver David up to Saul.
Far be it from you: This strong expression bears emphatic testimony to Jonathan's belief in his friend's loyalty. Jonathan refuses to take David's life or even to allow David's life to be touched by his father.
Who will tell me: David now poses a practical problem. If Saul has determined evil against David, and Jonathan intends to warn him, how will he do it? How will Jonathan get the message to David?
B. Jonathan's agreement
1. (1 Sam 20:12-13) Jonathan will discover the state of his father's heart towards David
Then Jonathan said to David, "The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good feeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and make it known to you? If it please my father to do you harm, may the LORD do so to Jonathan and more also, it I do not make it known to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. And may the LORD be with you as He has been with my father.
When I have sounded out my father: Jonathan will find out his father's heart and will report it to David, to let David know if Saul thinks well or evil of David.
And send you away, that you may go in safety: Jonathan know that if his father, Saul, intends evil against David, it means that David must go away. He will not be welcomed in the palace and would not be safe at home with his wife, Michal. By giving David early warning of this, Jonathan will help David "go in safety".
And may the LORD be with you as He has been with my father: Jonathan wants to give David more than a warning. He wants to give him encouragement too. It is as if Jonathan is saying, "David, even if you must leave the palace and your wife and your home to flee as a fugitive, the LORD will be with you."
Jonathan shows his spiritual maturity when he says, "as He has been with my father." One might think that the LORD was against Saul instead of for him. But Jonathan knew that God was for Saul. God had given many opportunities for Saul to repent.
Sunday, January 7, 2018
1 Samuel Chapter 19 Part Two (Verses 13-24)
2. (1 Sam 19:13-17) Michal deceives the men who came to kill David
Michal took the household idol and laid it on the bed, and put a quilt of goats' hair at its head, and covered it with clothes. When Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, "He is sick." Then Saul sent messengers to see David, saying, "Bring him up to me on his bed, that I may put him to death." When the messengers entered, behold, the household idol was on the bed with the quilt of goats' hair at its head. So Saul said to Michal, "Why have you deceived me like this and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped?" And Michal said to Saul, "He said to me, 'Let me go! Why should I put you to death?'''
Household idol: The Hebrew word is teraphim. These were household images of the Israelites, originally brought by some of Abraham's family from the land of the Chaldees. ("When Laban had gone to shear his flock, then Rachel stole the household idols that were her father's" Genesis 31:19.) In spite of the strict prohibition of idols, the children of Israel seemed to love to possess these lifeless images. These household images varied in size from the diminutive image which Rachel was able to conceal under the camel saddle ("Now Rachel had taken the household idols and put them in the camel's saddle, and she sat on them. And Laban felt through all the tent but did not find them" Genesis 31:34.) to the life-size figure which the Princess Michal was able to use to make her father's guards believe that her sick husband, David, was in bed. They appear to have been looked on as protector deities, the dispensers of domestic and family good fortune. It has been suggested that Michal, like Rachel, kept this teraphim due to her barrenness.
A quilt of goats' hair: The reason for this act was apparently to imitate the effect of a man's hair around the teraphim's head. Its body, we read in the next clause, was covered with clothes. Some scholars believe that the goat hair was used to keep flies off the supposed sleeper. The goats' hair, being a network of fibers, made it easy for a person to breathe through without suffocating.
Covered it with clothes: The Hebrew word here is beged. It was the every day dress David would have worn. It was a loose mantle worn over a tight fitting tunic (meil). In those ancient days, it was used for warmth by night as well as for protection by day. It is interesting to note that David in his old age still covered up for warmth in bed by using his beged. ("Now the king was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes (beged), but he could not keep warm" 1 Kings 1:1.)
She said, "He is sick.": When the messengers arrived at the house, Michal most probably received the messengers in an outer chamber and pointed to the figure in bed, which would have been located in an inner room. Viewing from a distance, the facade would have fooled the messengers, and it gave David more time to escape.
Bring him up to me on his bed, that I may put him to death: This implies that Saul was not deceived by his daughter's words. This also shows the depth of Saul's hatred for David because Saul wanted to kill David himself.
My enemy: These are the saddest words in this passage. Saul, when describing David, calls him "my enemy". David was really Saul's friend, and David did more to help Saul than just about anyone else. David was only the "enemy" of Saul because Saiu wanted to see David in that light.
He said to me, 'Let me go! Why should I put you to death?': This is an untruth, and a lie very injurious to David's reputation. Far was it from him to either intend or threaten to kill anyone, much less his own wife. But Michal feared her father. Her weakness is to be pitied, while at the same time it is to be condemned and shunned. Torah is very explicit that we are to speak the truth without any exception. ("You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another" Leviticus 19:11.)
C. David pursued by Saul, flees to Naioth
1. (1 Sam 19:18) David visits Samuel at Ramah
Now David fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and stayed at Naioth.
Went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done: The influence and authority which Samuel still preserved in Israel must have been very great for the frightened David to have sought refuge in the quiet home of the prophet. David felt that in the residence of the prophet, he would be safe from Saul's pursuit. It is no doubt that David had had much communication with Samuel since their first meeting in Bethlehem, in which Samuel anointed David to be king.
Naioth: This is not the name of a place, but rather it signifies "dwellings" or "lodgings". It is translated in the Chaldee as "house of study" (i.e., student lodgings). Somewhere near Ramah, Samuel had erected buildings to educate young men in the field of prophecy. Samuel probably took David here as a place of safe refuge rather than his own personal home. At the college, Samuel would be spiritually strengthened by other prophets.
2. (1 Sam 19:19-21) Saul sends messengers to capture David, but they are touched by the Holy Spirit in the presence of Samuel and other prophets
It was told Saul, saying, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers; and they also prophesied. When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.
It was told Saul: Upon hearing the whereabouts of David, Saul sends messengers to arrest him. It is here we gain a most interesting account of Samuel's schools. Evidently, after Saul had become king, Samuel devoted his energy in creating a school for prophet education. It seems Israel had again deviated from its knowledge and worship of God.
Then Saul sent messengers: Saul's hatred for David had abolished all respect and reverence he had for Samuel (under whose protection David now was), and for the college of the prophets, which was a kind of sanctuary to those that fled to it.
The company of the prophets prophesying: When we read the word "prophesying", it is not as if the prophets were all predicting the future. The Hebrew word simply means the prophets were speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is very likely they all gave spontaneous and inspired praise to God.
With Samuel standing and presiding over them: Samuel was the founder and organizer of this school. He held all authority over the school and prophets.
The Spirit of God came upon the messengers; and they also prophesied: Carried away by the religious excitement, the messengers forgot their errand and joined in the chant of the prophets. This was the usual work of the Holy Spirit--to come upon men who did not seek after God, who did not long to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God did this to protect David, and this was His way of disarming those who came to capture David. This was also the Holy Spirit's warning to these men and to Saul. It is as if the Holy Spirit said, "I do not want David captured. I am sending these men home empty handed. Instead of seeking to kill David, you shall be filled with the Holy Spirit."
3. (1 Sam 19:22-24) Saul pursues David himself, but he also prophesies in the presence of Samuel and the prophets
Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu; and he asked and said, "Where are Samuel and David?" And someone said, "Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah." And he proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. He also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
The Spirit of God came upon him: This was not the first time that Saul experienced a similar influence of the Spirit of God. We are told in 1 Samuel 10:10 that directly after Saul's anointing by Samuel, Saul met a company of prophets who were prophesying at Gibeah, and that "the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them." On that occasion he had been changed into another man. What was the meaning of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the faithless king now? Saul needed to be taught he could not fight against God.
Until he came to Naioth in Ramah: The inspiration of the Holy Spirit reached Saul even before he reached Naioth. Unlike his messengers who were seized by the Spirit when they arrived at Naioth, Saul is overcome while he is still traveling. Saul was to be convinced of the irresistible might of the Holy Spirit against whose influence Saul had striven. Saul was to be taught, if his heart was not already too hard to learn, that in fighting against David he was fighting against God; he was engaging in a futile struggle. For this reason Saul, as the chief agent in David's persecution, was struck down more completely than his servants.
He also stripped off his clothes: The Spirit of God prompted Saul to do this as an expression of deep humility. Saul would not humble himself before God; so God made Saul humble. It is unlikely that Saul stripped himself to be completely naked. The Hebrew word for naked can indicate just stripping down to the undergarments. Saul probably took off his royal robes and laid himself out before the LORD in his plain linen undergarments. It was a way for God to say, "You are not king any more. I have stripped you of your royal glory."
Is Saul also among the prophets: The same saying had taken place before (see 1 Samuel 10:12). This saying had gained popularity among the people. There seemed to be something strange to the people when one so self-willed and disobedient as Saul was receiving the Holy Spirit, a Divine and much coveted gift. This saying expressed astonishment that someone was overcome by a tremendous religious experience.
Michal took the household idol and laid it on the bed, and put a quilt of goats' hair at its head, and covered it with clothes. When Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, "He is sick." Then Saul sent messengers to see David, saying, "Bring him up to me on his bed, that I may put him to death." When the messengers entered, behold, the household idol was on the bed with the quilt of goats' hair at its head. So Saul said to Michal, "Why have you deceived me like this and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped?" And Michal said to Saul, "He said to me, 'Let me go! Why should I put you to death?'''
Household idol: The Hebrew word is teraphim. These were household images of the Israelites, originally brought by some of Abraham's family from the land of the Chaldees. ("When Laban had gone to shear his flock, then Rachel stole the household idols that were her father's" Genesis 31:19.) In spite of the strict prohibition of idols, the children of Israel seemed to love to possess these lifeless images. These household images varied in size from the diminutive image which Rachel was able to conceal under the camel saddle ("Now Rachel had taken the household idols and put them in the camel's saddle, and she sat on them. And Laban felt through all the tent but did not find them" Genesis 31:34.) to the life-size figure which the Princess Michal was able to use to make her father's guards believe that her sick husband, David, was in bed. They appear to have been looked on as protector deities, the dispensers of domestic and family good fortune. It has been suggested that Michal, like Rachel, kept this teraphim due to her barrenness.
A quilt of goats' hair: The reason for this act was apparently to imitate the effect of a man's hair around the teraphim's head. Its body, we read in the next clause, was covered with clothes. Some scholars believe that the goat hair was used to keep flies off the supposed sleeper. The goats' hair, being a network of fibers, made it easy for a person to breathe through without suffocating.
Covered it with clothes: The Hebrew word here is beged. It was the every day dress David would have worn. It was a loose mantle worn over a tight fitting tunic (meil). In those ancient days, it was used for warmth by night as well as for protection by day. It is interesting to note that David in his old age still covered up for warmth in bed by using his beged. ("Now the king was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes (beged), but he could not keep warm" 1 Kings 1:1.)
She said, "He is sick.": When the messengers arrived at the house, Michal most probably received the messengers in an outer chamber and pointed to the figure in bed, which would have been located in an inner room. Viewing from a distance, the facade would have fooled the messengers, and it gave David more time to escape.
Bring him up to me on his bed, that I may put him to death: This implies that Saul was not deceived by his daughter's words. This also shows the depth of Saul's hatred for David because Saul wanted to kill David himself.
My enemy: These are the saddest words in this passage. Saul, when describing David, calls him "my enemy". David was really Saul's friend, and David did more to help Saul than just about anyone else. David was only the "enemy" of Saul because Saiu wanted to see David in that light.
He said to me, 'Let me go! Why should I put you to death?': This is an untruth, and a lie very injurious to David's reputation. Far was it from him to either intend or threaten to kill anyone, much less his own wife. But Michal feared her father. Her weakness is to be pitied, while at the same time it is to be condemned and shunned. Torah is very explicit that we are to speak the truth without any exception. ("You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another" Leviticus 19:11.)
C. David pursued by Saul, flees to Naioth
1. (1 Sam 19:18) David visits Samuel at Ramah
Now David fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and stayed at Naioth.
Went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done: The influence and authority which Samuel still preserved in Israel must have been very great for the frightened David to have sought refuge in the quiet home of the prophet. David felt that in the residence of the prophet, he would be safe from Saul's pursuit. It is no doubt that David had had much communication with Samuel since their first meeting in Bethlehem, in which Samuel anointed David to be king.
Naioth: This is not the name of a place, but rather it signifies "dwellings" or "lodgings". It is translated in the Chaldee as "house of study" (i.e., student lodgings). Somewhere near Ramah, Samuel had erected buildings to educate young men in the field of prophecy. Samuel probably took David here as a place of safe refuge rather than his own personal home. At the college, Samuel would be spiritually strengthened by other prophets.
2. (1 Sam 19:19-21) Saul sends messengers to capture David, but they are touched by the Holy Spirit in the presence of Samuel and other prophets
It was told Saul, saying, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers; and they also prophesied. When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.
It was told Saul: Upon hearing the whereabouts of David, Saul sends messengers to arrest him. It is here we gain a most interesting account of Samuel's schools. Evidently, after Saul had become king, Samuel devoted his energy in creating a school for prophet education. It seems Israel had again deviated from its knowledge and worship of God.
Then Saul sent messengers: Saul's hatred for David had abolished all respect and reverence he had for Samuel (under whose protection David now was), and for the college of the prophets, which was a kind of sanctuary to those that fled to it.
The company of the prophets prophesying: When we read the word "prophesying", it is not as if the prophets were all predicting the future. The Hebrew word simply means the prophets were speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is very likely they all gave spontaneous and inspired praise to God.
With Samuel standing and presiding over them: Samuel was the founder and organizer of this school. He held all authority over the school and prophets.
The Spirit of God came upon the messengers; and they also prophesied: Carried away by the religious excitement, the messengers forgot their errand and joined in the chant of the prophets. This was the usual work of the Holy Spirit--to come upon men who did not seek after God, who did not long to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God did this to protect David, and this was His way of disarming those who came to capture David. This was also the Holy Spirit's warning to these men and to Saul. It is as if the Holy Spirit said, "I do not want David captured. I am sending these men home empty handed. Instead of seeking to kill David, you shall be filled with the Holy Spirit."
3. (1 Sam 19:22-24) Saul pursues David himself, but he also prophesies in the presence of Samuel and the prophets
Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu; and he asked and said, "Where are Samuel and David?" And someone said, "Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah." And he proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. He also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
The Spirit of God came upon him: This was not the first time that Saul experienced a similar influence of the Spirit of God. We are told in 1 Samuel 10:10 that directly after Saul's anointing by Samuel, Saul met a company of prophets who were prophesying at Gibeah, and that "the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them." On that occasion he had been changed into another man. What was the meaning of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the faithless king now? Saul needed to be taught he could not fight against God.
Until he came to Naioth in Ramah: The inspiration of the Holy Spirit reached Saul even before he reached Naioth. Unlike his messengers who were seized by the Spirit when they arrived at Naioth, Saul is overcome while he is still traveling. Saul was to be convinced of the irresistible might of the Holy Spirit against whose influence Saul had striven. Saul was to be taught, if his heart was not already too hard to learn, that in fighting against David he was fighting against God; he was engaging in a futile struggle. For this reason Saul, as the chief agent in David's persecution, was struck down more completely than his servants.
He also stripped off his clothes: The Spirit of God prompted Saul to do this as an expression of deep humility. Saul would not humble himself before God; so God made Saul humble. It is unlikely that Saul stripped himself to be completely naked. The Hebrew word for naked can indicate just stripping down to the undergarments. Saul probably took off his royal robes and laid himself out before the LORD in his plain linen undergarments. It was a way for God to say, "You are not king any more. I have stripped you of your royal glory."
Is Saul also among the prophets: The same saying had taken place before (see 1 Samuel 10:12). This saying had gained popularity among the people. There seemed to be something strange to the people when one so self-willed and disobedient as Saul was receiving the Holy Spirit, a Divine and much coveted gift. This saying expressed astonishment that someone was overcome by a tremendous religious experience.
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