The Case of David and His Flight to Samuel

When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. Word came to Saul: “David is in Naioth at Ramah”; so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came on Saul’s men, and they also prophesied. Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied. 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. So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even on him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. He stripped off his garments, and he too prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay naked all that day and all that night. This is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Samuel 19:18-24

Though I am no historian, no student of the Old Testament, I was interested to find the distance David had traveled in fleeing from Saul, which marked the start of David’s long fugitive life. Simply put, it was not far. Few commentaries state how David’s deep refuge was God, and this was seen in him taking shelter where Samuel was, who was indeed the symbol of faith at that time. Interestingly enough, Samuel would have been pretty old by then, not to mention his severe lack of armies to even stand against men of Saul. I highly doubt Samuel even had any weapon.

Though David had a head start, he did not leave Samuel’s place until Saul’s men caught up. God, however, came down heavily in Spirit and had protected David. Sure, the first time may have been divine intervention, buying just enough time for David to take flight once again, but it happened two more times; a total of three times, including Saul helplessly prophesying himself.

Was fear within David? I sure would have been out of there the moment I sought more supplies. Then again, I probably would not have had anywhere to go, but to God.