Shmuel I Chapter 19 | Is Sha’ul, Too, Among the Prophets?

In this chapter, Sha’ul's attempts to kill David become increasingly obvious, calculated, and direct. His hidden fears now manifest as reality for him, leading him to perceive David as a rebel who must be eliminated.

Here are a few points highlighted in the chapter:
1. Yonatan's Words to Sha’ul: Yonatan pleads with Sha’ul, saying, “The Lord granted a great victory for Israel; when you saw it you rejoiced. Why should you sin by shedding innocent blood and kill David without cause?” (19:5). Yonatan’s words about David, who brings victory to Israel, clearly allude to Sha’ul’s own words at the start of his kingship, spoken regarding the people who initially opposed his rule: “No one will be put to death on this day, for today, the Lord has granted victory in Israel” (11:13). While Sha’ul is temporarily persuaded, the very need for such a plea emphasizes the unfortunate state he has reached, starkly contrasting his inspiring conduct in the early days of his kingship.
2. Parallels Between David and Mikhal Versus Sha’ul, and Yaakov and Rachel Versus Lavan: In both stories, the woman (Mikhal or Rachel) uses household idols as part of a scheme to aid her husband, while the father (Sha’ul or Lavan) chases after his son-in-law. Additional parallels are also present. For a more in-depth analysis, see Rav Amnon Bazak's article on this subject.
3. Is Sha’ul, Too, Among the Prophets: This phrase, used in parallel with its identical appearance earlier in Sha’ul's coronation story (10:11–12), underscores the tragic full-circle moment in Sha’ul’s story. The man chosen by God, initially portrayed as worthy and humble—reluctant to take the throne—ends his reign consumed by obsession over maintaining his rule. In this chapter, even his prophetic ecstasy becomes laughable: “And he, too, was caught up in a prophetic frenzy before Shmuel and sprawled naked all that day and all that night. And that is why they say, ‘Is Sha’ul ,too, among the prophets?’” (19:24). Elsewhere, his “prophecy” is seemingly a bad spirit that drives him to attempt an attack on David: “He began to rave inside the house...thinking, ‘I will pin David to the wall.’” (18:10–11).