Bible Commentaries

1 Samuel 19:1-7 (E). Saul bids Jonathan and his followers slay David, but Jonathan brings about a reconciliation.

1 Samuel 19:8-17 (E). It is uncertain whether 1 Samuel 19:11-17 is the sequel of 1 Samuel 19:8-10, or comes from a different source. In any case the whole of 1 Samuel 19:8-17 probably belongs to the ancient tradition.

Saul tries to kill David, but David escapes. Saul has his house watched, but Michal lets him down through the window and he escapes. She deceives Saul's messengers, by placing in the bed a dummy David, constructed out of the family teraphim (p. 100), with something—it is not clear what—for a pillow, and covering it up with a garment. ICC suggests that the Israelites, like the modern Arabs, may have covered their heads when they went to sleep.

1 Samuel 19:18-24. David at Ramah (R).—Of uncertain origin, probably late. Partly parallel to 1 Samuel 10:10 ff.

David takes refuge with Samuel at "Naioth" in Ramah. "Naioth" is apparently not a proper name, but if it is not, its meaning is quite unknown. It has been conjectured that it may have been the quarter of the town inhabited by the prophets. The contagious nature of this ecstatic prophecy is shown by the fact that, first Saul's messengers, and then Saul himself, are seized by it when they come to Naioth. [For 1 Samuel 19:24 b cf. 1 Samuel 10:11 f., another story as to the origin of the proverb.—A. S. P.]