18 When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah(A) and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. 19 Word came to Saul: “David is in Naioth at Ramah”; 20 so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets(B) prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came on(C) Saul’s men, and they also prophesied.(D) 21 Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied. 22 Finally, he himself left for Ramah and went to the great cistern at Seku. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?”

“Over in Naioth at Ramah,” they said.

23 So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even on him, and he walked along prophesying(E) until he came to Naioth. 24 He stripped(F) off his garments, and he too prophesied in Samuel’s(G) presence. He lay naked all that day and all that night. This is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”(H)

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Saul Prophesies at Ramah and David Escapes

18 David escaped and fled. He came to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went and stayed at Naioth. 19 It was reported to Saul saying, “David is at Naioth in Ramah right now.” 20 Saul sent messengers to take David, and they saw a group of prophets caught up in prophetic ecstasy,[a] with Samuel standing beside them leading them. Then the Spirit of God came on Saul’s messengers, and they also were caught up in prophetic ecstasy.[b]

21 They reported this to Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also were caught up in prophetic ecstasy.[c] 22 Then Saul himself went to Ramah, and he arrived at the large well that is in Secu. He asked, “Where are Samuel and David?”

Someone[d] replied, “They’re at Naioth in Ramah.” 23 Saul went to Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God came on him also. He continued in prophetic ecstasy[e] until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 He also removed his clothes and was caught up in prophetic ecstasy[f] right in front of Samuel! He fell down naked and remained there all that day and all night. That is why people say,[g] “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 19:20 Or prophesying
  2. 1 Samuel 19:20 Or prophesied
  3. 1 Samuel 19:21 Or prophesied
  4. 1 Samuel 19:22 Lit. He
  5. 1 Samuel 19:23 Or he continued to prophesy
  6. 1 Samuel 19:24 Or prophesied
  7. 1 Samuel 19:24 Lit. Therefore, they say