1 samuel 19:18 - Now David fled and escaped, and came to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. He and Samuel went and lived in Naioth.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 19:18

What does "1 samuel 19:18" mean?


This verse, 1 Samuel 19:18, is a pivotal moment in the story of David and Saul. Let's break it down:

"Now David fled and escaped...": This highlights David's desperate situation. Saul, the king, is actively trying to kill him, driven by jealousy and fear of David's growing popularity. David is now a fugitive, running for his life. The verbs "fled and escaped" emphasize the urgency and danger.

"...and came to Samuel at Ramah...": Samuel is a highly respected prophet and judge in Israel. Ramah is his hometown. David seeks refuge with Samuel, likely because:
Samuel is a spiritual authority: David trusts Samuel's guidance and protection. He knows Samuel is a man of God.
Samuel anointed David: Samuel was the one who secretly anointed David as the future king (1 Samuel 16). David would naturally turn to him for support and counsel in this difficult situation.
Safe haven: Samuel's presence provides some degree of safety, as Saul may hesitate to directly harm someone considered a holy figure.

"...and told him all that Saul had done to him.": David pours out his heart to Samuel, detailing the events leading up to his flight, including Saul's attempts to kill him. This emphasizes the injustice and betrayal David is experiencing. It also highlights the stark contrast between Saul's actions and David's loyalty.

"He and Samuel went and lived in Naioth.": Naioth is understood to be a community of prophets or a prophetic school near Ramah. Living there signifies:
Seeking divine guidance: David and Samuel are immersing themselves in a spiritual environment, seeking God's direction and protection.
Hiding from Saul: Naioth might provide a degree of anonymity or a place where Saul would be less likely to look for David. The nature of Naioth as a community focused on spiritual matters might deter Saul, who is increasingly driven by paranoia and fits of rage.
Community of Believers: Naioth would offer a supportive environment for David, surrounded by people devoted to God.

In summary, the verse describes David's flight from Saul's murderous intentions and his seeking refuge with Samuel, the prophet. Their move to Naioth symbolizes a retreat into a spiritual sanctuary, a quest for divine guidance, and a potential haven from Saul's wrath.

This verse is significant because it marks a turning point in the David-Saul narrative. It sets the stage for further conflict and highlights the growing tension between the divinely chosen future king (David) and the increasingly unstable and disobedient current king (Saul). It also emphasizes David's reliance on God through seeking guidance from Samuel.