David Flees to Samuel
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David was doubtless greatly perplexed over the conduct of God’s appointed leader, Saul. Why did God permit Saul to continue as king? Was God particular? Had He deserted the nation?” These questions and many others must have swirled around in the mind of David as he fled to the only place he could feel safe. He certainly could not return to his father in Bethlehem. That would be the first place Saul would search. He obviously could not trust those who served Saul, knowing they would betray him. “Thoroughly frightened because of Saul’s attempt on his life, David naturally sought counsel from the one who had called him from the sheepfold to a place of responsibility in Israel, and had, possibly, taught him at Ramah. With Samuel he would feel as safe from Saul as if there had been a sanctuary to which he might flee.” Samuel welcomed David and, heedless of incurring the wrath of Saul, offered him sanctuary.
When Saul learned David was with the prophet, he was further angered.
If Samuel should lend his support to David, the people might rally to David and make him Saul’s successor. Saul sent officers to Ramah to arrest David and return him to Gibeah, where Saul planned to have him put to death.
A strange thing happened to these men on their way to arrest David.
As with Balaam before them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they prophesied of future events, praising God and forgetting their mission.
Frustrated, Saul sent more men.
These joined the first group in prophesying.
A third group was sent, and when they arrived at Ramah, they, too, were thwarted. Finally, Saul determined to go in person and kill David.
Saul was also held back by the power of the Spirit, and laying aside his royal robes, he came before Samuel with prayer, song, and prophecy.
While Saul remained at Ramah, David sought counsel from his friend Jonathan. “But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 59:16).
