1 Samuel 19-20 Summary
David Flees from Saul (1 Samuel 19)
Saul's jealousy towards David intensifies, and he plots to kill him. Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, helps David escape through a window. She then creates a decoy by placing an idol in David's bed, covered with a goat's hair blanket, to deceive Saul's messengers who were searching for David.
David flees to Ramah, where he meets with Samuel, and tells him about Saul's pursuit. Together, they go to Naioth, where David is among the prophets, but Saul's messengers are sent to capture David. However, the messengers are overcome by the Spirit of God and begin to prophesy, just like the prophets.
Saul sends more messengers, but they too prophesy. Finally, Saul himself goes to Naioth, but he also becomes overwhelmed by the Spirit of God and prophesies. The people of Israel say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
Jonathan's Loyalty to David (1 Samuel 20)
David flees to the wilderness of Ziph, and Jonathan, Saul's son, meets him there. David is afraid of Saul, but Jonathan reassures him of his loyalty and friendship. Jonathan reminds David of their covenant and promises to communicate with him secretly, using a series of signals to inform him of Saul's intentions.
Jonathan returns to Gibeah, and Saul accuses him of plotting with David against him. Jonathan defends David, saying that he is innocent and that Saul's behavior towards him is unjust. However, Saul's anger towards David only intensifies, and he orders Jonathan to bring David to him, intending to kill him.
David and Jonathan devise a plan to test Saul's intentions. Jonathan shoots three arrows, indicating that David should flee, and Saul's anger towards David becomes clear. David flees, and Jonathan returns to Gibeah, covering for David's absence.
The chapters conclude with David's continued flight from Saul and Jonathan's loyalty and protection of his friend.
