Scripture

On the way to Naioth in Ramah, the Spirit of God came even upon Saul, and he began to prophesy all the way to Naioth.

Observation

Saul urges his servants and Jonathan to assassinate David. Jonathan talks to his father about this, and persuades him that he should not do it. Saul relents for a time .

Some time later, under the influence of a tormenting spirit, Saul again e tries to kill David. David flees, so Saul sends soldiers to arrest him. Michal tricks them and allows David to flee to Ramah to see Samuel.

Saul sends troops to Naioth where David is living. As they approach Naioth, they see Samuel leading a company of prophets. The Spirit of God comes upon the troops and they prophesy.

Saul goes to Naioth, and the Spirit falls on him also, causing him to prophesy.

Application

Saul was on his way to murder David, the man chosen by God to be the king. And the Spirit of God came upon him.

This is very odd. Did the Spirit come upon him to overcome him, to subdue him, or to convict him of sin? We are not told.

People sometimes say that God cannot abide the presence of sin, but he is much tougher than that. If this were true, God would have abandoned the Earth long ago. Jesus could never have taken on human form and lived amongst a sinful people.

The Spirit of God comes upon Saul, and Saul prophesies. We would expect that Saul would have to think seriously about his relationship with the Lord and how he was acting towards towards David. Apparently he did not. Even even though Saul was now a prophet, he was far from God.

Prayer

Lord, it is sobering to think that a man can be far from you but still manifesting the presence of the Holy Spirit. Please help me to maintain a pure heart before you. Amen.