18 Now David fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah , and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and stayed in Naioth . 19 It was told Saul , saying , "Behold , David is at Naioth in Ramah ." 20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David , but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying , with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul ; and they also prophesied . 21 When it was told Saul , he sent other messengers , and they also prophesied . So Saul sent messengers again the third time , and they also prophesied . 22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu ; and he asked and said , "Where are Samuel and David ?" And someone said , "Behold , they are at Naioth in Ramah ." 23 He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah ; and the Spirit of God came upon him also , so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:18-23
Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:11-24
(Read 1 Samuel 19:11-24)
Michal's stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance was allowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifests that she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan's language to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this day of distress. He met with little rest or satisfaction in Saul's court, therefore went to seek it in Samuel's church. What little pleasure is to be had in this world, those have who live a life of communion with God; to that David returned in the time of trouble. So impatient was Saul after David's blood, so restless against him, that although baffled by one providence after another, he could not see that David was under the special protection of God. And when God will take this way to protect David, even Saul prophesies. Many have great gifts, yet no grace; they may prophesy in Christ's name, yet are disowned by him. Let us daily seek for renewing grace, which shall be in us as a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Let us cleave to truth and holiness with full purpose of heart. In every danger and trouble, let us seek protection, comfort, and direction in God's ordinances.