Topical Bible: Samuel: Shelters David While Escaping from Saul

◄ Samuel: Shelters David While Escaping from Saul ►

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In the biblical narrative, the prophet Samuel plays a crucial role in the life of David, particularly during the period when David is fleeing from King Saul. This episode is a significant part of the larger account of David's rise to kingship and his complex relationship with Saul, the first king of Israel.

Context and Background

Samuel, a prophet and the last judge of Israel, was instrumental in the transition of Israel from a confederation of tribes to a monarchy. He anointed Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1) and later, by God's command, anointed David as Saul's successor (1 Samuel 16:13). This divine choice set the stage for the tension between Saul and David, as Saul became increasingly jealous and hostile towards David, perceiving him as a threat to his throne.

David's Flight from Saul

David's popularity and military successes, particularly after defeating Goliath, incited Saul's jealousy and fear. Saul's attempts to kill David forced him to flee for his life. During this time, David sought refuge in various places, including with the prophet Samuel.

Samuel's Role in Sheltering David

The account of Samuel sheltering David is found in 1 Samuel 19. After Saul's repeated attempts on David's life, David fled to Samuel at Ramah. The scripture states, "So David fled and escaped, and he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there" (1 Samuel 19:18).

Samuel's role as a spiritual leader and protector is evident here. By providing refuge, Samuel not only offered David physical safety but also spiritual guidance and support. This act of sheltering David underscores Samuel's commitment to God's anointed and his role in the divine plan for Israel.

The Divine Intervention at Naioth

While David was with Samuel at Naioth, Saul sent messengers to capture him. However, each group of messengers was overcome by the Spirit of God and began to prophesy. Eventually, Saul himself went to Naioth, and he too was overcome by the Spirit, stripping off his garments and prophesying before Samuel (1 Samuel 19:20-24). This divine intervention highlighted God's protection over David and served as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative

Samuel's sheltering of David is a pivotal moment that illustrates the transition of leadership in Israel from Saul to David. It highlights the role of the prophet as a mediator of God's will and protector of His chosen servant. This episode also emphasizes the theme of divine protection and the futility of human efforts against God's anointed.

In the broader biblical context, Samuel's actions affirm the legitimacy of David's future kingship and the unfolding of God's covenantal promises to Israel. Through Samuel's guidance and protection, David is preserved to fulfill his destiny as the king who would establish a united Israel and whose lineage would lead to the Messiah.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 19:18
So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelled in Naioth.
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Library

From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ...
... into the field, and erect temporary shelters for themselves ... Samuel Merwin, Elijah
Chichester, and Laban Clark, were ... David's, who became a class leader, and his ...
/.../chapter 5 from the close.htm

part i
... father of the Forerunner; that of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel; that
of ... why we see men who, being Christians, are only such in name, while by their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm