1 Samuel 19

2 until the morning. Rather, “in the morning” (R.V.): see ver. 11 and note.

11. Saul also sent, etc. Psa. lix. was probably composed by David on this occasion.

to slay him in the morning. When he should come out of his wife’s apartments, which were held sacred from intrusion. But even this rule Saul disregarded at last: see ver. 15.

13 an image. Rather, “the Teraphim” (R.V.). See note on Gen. xxxi. 19. The women appear to have been addicted to the use of such superstitious objects. Michal probably, like Rachel, kept this unknown to her husband.

15 in the bed. The Eastern beds consist merely of two thick cotton quilts, and in these the sick are carried when it is necessary to remove them.

18. Naioth. Probably “the dwellings,” or “college” of the prophets whom Samuel had collected in Ramah. They may have hoped to be secure here from Saul’s violence.

22 a (the) great well. Rather, “pit,” or “cistern” (R.V. marg.). The Sept. has “the well of the threshing-floor.”

24 and prophesied. “And he also prophesied” (R.V.). The messengers whom Saul sent were constrained, by a Divine impulse, to join in the exercises of the holy men whom they found at Ramah; and even Saul himself, throwing off his outer robes (which is all that the word “naked” means), retaining only his inner vesture and his girdle, lay as it were in a trance, during which it is probable that David made his escape from Ramah.

Wherefore they say, etc. This revived the use of the proverb which originated on another occasion: see x. 11.