1 Samuel 19:15
But Saul sent the messengers back to see David and told them, "Bring him up to me in his bed so I can kill him."
But Saul sent the messengers back to see David

Saul’s repeated orders reveal a king increasingly ruled by jealousy, fear, and resistance to God’s purposes. David had served Saul faithfully and had delivered Israel from its enemies, yet Saul regarded the Lord’s anointed servant as a threat. Royal messengers became instruments of Saul’s murderous intent, while God continued to preserve David for the kingdom promised to him.

Psa 59:1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me…
1Sa 20:31-33 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth,…
1Sa 26:2-3 So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men…

and told them, “Bring him up to me in his bed

David’s apparent illness and confinement did not lessen Saul’s determination. Saul was willing to seize David helpless in his own house, showing how far his heart had hardened. Michal had already acted quickly to protect her husband, lowering him through a window and using a household idol and coverings to delay the pursuers. Her loyalty provided the means of David’s escape, though the Lord was the true protector of His chosen servant.

2Sa 4:5-7 Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite…
Mrk 2:3-5 Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men.…
2Ki 1:16 And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, “This is what the LORD says…

so I can kill him.”

Saul openly declared his purpose to murder an innocent man, exposing the moral ruin produced by envy and disobedience. His effort to destroy David could not overturn God’s decree that David would become king. David’s unjust persecution anticipates the suffering of Christ, the greater King, who was also rejected and pursued by rulers despite His innocence.

1Sa 18:11 and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David…
1Sa 18:25-27 Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires…”…
Psa 59:3 See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who was anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is consumed by jealousy and fear of David, leading him to seek David's life.

2. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and known for his faithfulness to God. He is currently in danger due to Saul's jealousy and is being protected by his wife, Michal.

3. Messengers
These are the individuals sent by Saul to capture David. They are acting under Saul's orders, reflecting the king's authority and intent.

4. Michal
Saul's daughter and David's wife, who plays a crucial role in protecting David from her father's murderous intentions.

5. Ramah
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the place where David flees to seek refuge with Samuel, highlighting the ongoing conflict and David's reliance on God's guidance.
Teaching Points
The Dangers of Jealousy
Saul's jealousy leads him to irrational and sinful actions. Believers are reminded to guard their hearts against jealousy, which can lead to destructive behavior.

God's Protection
Despite Saul's intentions, God protects David through various means, including the loyalty of others. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and protection in times of trouble.

The Role of Courageous Allies
Michal's actions demonstrate the importance of having faithful and courageous allies who can support us in difficult times.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's disobedience to God and his subsequent actions serve as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God's commands.

Faith in Action
David's life exemplifies faith in action, as he continually seeks God's guidance and protection, even when faced with life-threatening situations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Saul's jealousy and fear of David reflect the dangers of allowing negative emotions to control our actions? Can you identify a time when jealousy affected your decisions, and how did you overcome it?

2. In what ways does God provide protection and deliverance for David in this chapter? How can we apply this understanding of God's protection to our own lives?

3. Michal plays a crucial role in protecting David. Who are the "Michals" in your life, and how can you be a "Michal" to others in their time of need?

4. Compare Saul's pursuit of David with the pursuit of Saul (Paul) in Acts 9. What similarities and differences do you see, and what can we learn from these accounts about God's sovereignty?

5. Reflect on Psalm 59 in the context of 1 Samuel 19. How does David's response to his circumstances in the psalm inform our understanding of faith and reliance on God during trials?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 18
Provides context for Saul's growing jealousy and fear of David, which sets the stage for the events in chapter 19.

Psalm 59
Traditionally attributed to David during this period of his life, it reflects his trust in God amidst persecution and danger.

Acts 9
Saul (later Paul) is also pursued by those who wish to kill him, drawing a parallel between the two Sauls and the theme of divine protection.
David's Escape from CourtB. Dale 1 Samuel 19:8-18
MichalB. Dale 1 Samuel 19:11-17
People
David, Jonathan, Michal, Samuel, Saul
Places
Jerusalem, Naioth, Ramah, Secu
Topics
Bed, Bring, David, Death, Kill, Messengers, Saul, Saying, Slay
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 19:9-17

     5086   David, rise of
     5890   insecurity

1 Samuel 19:11-17

     5744   wife

1 Samuel 19:13-16

     7384   household gods

Library
The Exile Continued.
"So David fled, and escaped and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done unto him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth" (1 Sam. xix. 18)--or, as the word probably means, in the collection of students' dwellings, inhabited by the sons of the prophets, where possibly there may have been some kind of right of sanctuary. Driven thence by Saul's following him, and having had one last sorrowful hour of Jonathan's companionship--the last but one on earth--he fled to Nob, whither
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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