1 Samuel 19:18
So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּמָּלֵ֗ט
and escaped
H4422
וַיִּמָּלֵ֗ט
and escaped
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
וַיַּ֨גֶּד
and told
H5046
וַיַּ֨גֶּד
and told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָֽשָׂה
had done
H6213
עָֽשָׂה
had done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
שָׁא֑וּל
him all that Saul
H7586
שָׁא֑וּל
him all that Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
15 of 20
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
16 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
17 of 20
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
Historical Context
Samuel's prophetic school at Ramah provided both spiritual guidance and physical safety among the prophetic community. Naioth may have been a settlement of prophets in Ramah's vicinity. Samuel's reputation and divine connection offered some protection from royal persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- Who provides spiritual counsel and refuge when you face crisis?
- What does David's return to Samuel teach about the importance of spiritual mentorship in difficulty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.
David's flight to Samuel at Ramah returns him to his spiritual father for counsel and protection. 'Told him all that Saul had done' indicates need for godly counsel in crisis. Their retreat to Naioth ('dwellings' - possibly a prophetic community) placed David in a spiritual stronghold. When physical safety fails, spiritual refuge remains. Samuel's protection extended to sharing the danger.