1 Samuel 19:21
1 Samuel 19:21 in Multiple Translations
When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy.
And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.
And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.
And Saul, having news of this, sent other men, who in the same way became like prophets. And a third time Saul sent men, and they like the others became like prophets.
Saul was told what had happened, so he sent more messengers, and they started prophesying as well.
And when it was tolde Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophecied likewise: againe Saul sent the third messengers, and they prophecied also.
And they declare [it] to Saul, and he sendeth other messengers, and they prophesy — they also; and Saul addeth and sendeth messengers a third time, and they prophesy — they also.
When Saul was told, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.
And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.
And when this was told Saul, he sent other messengers: but they also prophesied. And again Saul sent messengers the third time: and they prophesied also. And Saul being exceedingly angry,
When Saul heard about that, he sent messengers a third time, but they also started to speak ecstatically.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 19:21
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1 Samuel 19:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 19:21
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 19:21
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 19:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 19:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 19:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 19:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:21
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 19:21
Context — Saul Tries to Kill David
21When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy.
22Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. 23So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 27:22 | Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 13:23 | Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good— you who are accustomed to doing evil. |
| 3 | Joel 2:28 | And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 1:9–13 | Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. So the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. And the captain said to Elijah, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down at once!’” Again Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants please be precious in your sight. |
1 Samuel 19:21 Summary
This verse shows how Saul's messengers were overcome by the Spirit of God and began to prophesy, just like the group of prophets Samuel was leading. This happened not once, not twice, but three times, and it reveals God's power and sovereignty over human plans. As we read in Psalm 33:10-11, God's plans will always prevail, and our attempts to resist Him will ultimately fail. This verse reminds us to be sensitive to the Spirit of God and to obey His will, rather than persisting in our own ways, as seen in James 4:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul's messengers begin to prophesy when they were sent to capture David?
The Spirit of God came upon them, just as it did with the group of prophets Samuel was leading, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:20, causing them to prophesy instead of carrying out their original task.
What does this verse reveal about Saul's character?
This verse shows Saul's persistence in trying to capture David, but also his lack of understanding of God's ways, as he continues to send messengers despite the previous ones being overcome by the Spirit of God, similar to Pharaoh's hardness of heart in Exodus 7:13-14.
Is this a unique event in the Bible where people are unexpectedly overcome by the Spirit of God?
No, there are other instances in the Bible where people are overcome by the Spirit of God, such as in Numbers 11:25-26, where the Spirit of God came upon the seventy elders, and they prophesied.
What can we learn from Saul's repeated attempts to capture David?
We can learn that God is sovereign and will not be thwarted by human plans, as seen in Psalm 33:10-11, and that our persistence in sin will ultimately be met with God's resistance, as seen in James 4:6.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God interrupts my plans, and what can I learn from Saul's mistakes in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can be more sensitive to the Spirit of God in my daily life, so that I can be more obedient to His will?
- In what ways can I be more like Samuel, who was leading the group of prophets and listening to God's voice, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:20?
- How can I apply the principle of not persisting in sin, as seen in Saul's repeated attempts to capture David, to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 19:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 19:21
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:21
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:21
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 19:21
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:21
Sermons on 1 Samuel 19:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Letter 58 by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about facing difficulties and trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. He encourages the listener to humbly come before God |
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Numbering Our Days by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of truly numbering our days, which goes beyond merely counting years to living each day with purpose and wisdom. He illustrates that many live |
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Satan's Servants in God's Pulpit by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking before God with charity, love, and a pure heart. He questions the listeners if they truly have a good conscience a |
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How God Transforms Your Life by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the transformation of Saul into Paul and how God can transform anyone's life. The process of transformation begins with faith in Jesus Christ |
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Three Gifts Under the Tree by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three unusual gifts that God has given to believers. These gifts are a pure heart, a steadfast spirit, and a willing spirit. The speaker share |
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Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for young men to be self-controlled and spiritually vigilant, as highlighted in Paul's letter to Titus. He reflects on the unique challenges |
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Reasons for Exhorting Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the urgent need to exhort young men, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities and the spiritual dangers they face. He reflects on the alarming reality that ma |






