1 Samuel 19:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

שָׁאוּל֙

H7586

And Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מַלְאֲכֵ֤י

H4397

messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

לָקַ֣חַת

H3947

to take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּוִד֒

H1732

David

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּ֗רְא

H7200

and when they saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַהֲקַ֤ת

H3862

the company

an assembly

#10

הַנְּבִיאִים֙

H5030

of the prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#11

וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ

H5012

and they also prophesied

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

#12

וּשְׁמוּאֵ֕ל

H8050

and Samuel

shemuel, the name of three israelites

#13

עֹמֵ֥ד

H5975

standing

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#14

נִצָּ֖ב

H5324

as appointed

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

#15

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#16

וַתְּהִ֞י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#17

עַֽל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

מַלְאֲכֵ֤י

H4397

messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

#19

שָׁאוּל֙

H7586

And Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

#20

ר֣וּחַ

H7307

over them the Spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#21

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of God

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

#22

וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ

H5012

and they also prophesied

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

#23

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#24

הֵֽמָּה׃

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Samuel

Study Resources

Biblical Maps