1 Samuel 19:22
Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 19
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
ה֜וּא
H1931
ה֜וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בָּֽרָמָֽה׃
he also to Ramah
H7414
בָּֽרָמָֽה׃
he also to Ramah
Strong's:
H7414
Word #:
4 of 19
ramah, the name of four places in palestine
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בּ֤וֹר
well
H953
בּ֤וֹר
well
Strong's:
H953
Word #:
7 of 19
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
הַגָּדוֹל֙
to a great
H1419
הַגָּדוֹל֙
to a great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
8 of 19
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וַיִּשְׁאַ֣ל
and he asked
H7592
וַיִּשְׁאַ֣ל
and he asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
11 of 19
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
Historical Context
Wells served as community gathering points in ancient Near Eastern settlements. The specific mention of location suggests this was a well-known landmark. Saul's inquiry indicates he came without clear directions, relying on local information.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you persisted in futile efforts despite clear signs of divine opposition?
- What does Saul's decision to go personally reveal about his spiritual condition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.
When three sets of messengers failed, Saul went himself. His question at Sechu - 'Where are Samuel and David?' - linked the prophet and the fugitive as joint objects of his pursuit. The 'great well' (bor gadol) served as a landmark and gathering point where information could be obtained. Saul's personal intervention after three failed attempts shows both determination and desperation. He would soon discover that royal authority provided no immunity from the Spirit's power.