1 Samuel 19:20
And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 24
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאֲכֵ֤י
messengers
H4397
מַלְאֲכֵ֤י
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 24
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיַּ֗רְא
and when they saw
H7200
וַיַּ֗רְא
and when they saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
7 of 24
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנְּבִיאִים֙
of the prophets
H5030
הַנְּבִיאִים֙
of the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
10 of 24
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they also prophesied
H5012
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they also prophesied
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
11 of 24
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
עֹמֵ֥ד
standing
H5975
עֹמֵ֥ד
standing
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
13 of 24
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
נִצָּ֖ב
as appointed
H5324
נִצָּ֖ב
as appointed
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
14 of 24
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַתְּהִ֞י
H1961
וַתְּהִ֞י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
16 of 24
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַלְאֲכֵ֤י
messengers
H4397
מַלְאֲכֵ֤י
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
18 of 24
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
ר֣וּחַ
over them the Spirit
H7307
ר֣וּחַ
over them the Spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
20 of 24
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
21 of 24
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they also prophesied
H5012
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they also prophesied
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
22 of 24
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
Cross References
John 7:32The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.Joel 2:28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:1 Samuel 10:10And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.1 Samuel 19:14And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.1 Samuel 19:11Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.
Historical Context
Prophetic communities in Israel often experienced ecstatic worship. The Spirit's overpowering of Saul's messengers resembled but surpassed normal prophetic activity. Samuel standing 'as appointed over them' indicates his leadership of the prophetic guild.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you witnessed God turning hostile intentions into occasions for spiritual encounter?
- What does the messengers' prophesying teach about God's power over those sent against His servants?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.
The Spirit's power upon Saul's messengers, causing them to prophesy instead of arrest, demonstrates divine sovereignty over human intentions. Three times Saul sent messengers (vv.20-21); three times God intervened. The phrase 'the Spirit of God was upon the messengers' shows God appropriating even enemies for His purposes. Human plans dissolve before divine power.