1 Samuel 19:24

King James Version (KJV)

And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

He stripped off his clothes - Threw off his royal robes or military dress, retaining only his tunic; and continued so all that day and all that night, uniting with the sons of the prophets in prayers, singing praises, and other religious exercises, which were unusual to kings and warriors; and this gave rise to the saying, Is Saul also among the prophets? By bringing both him and his men thus under a Divine influence, God prevented them from injuring the person of David. See the notes on 1 Samuel 10:6; (note), etc.; and see my sermon on The Christian Prophet and his Work.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Naked - i. e., without his robe and other outer garments, but only the shirt. Compare the marginal references.

The whole history affords another instance of the protection of God vouchsafed to His servants, which forms so frequent a topic of the Psalms of David.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

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.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

24. Prophesied before Samuel. Once before, at his anointing, Saul had joined with the prophets, and his sincerity of purpose brought about a transformation of heart (ch. 10:5-11). Now, his wrath was again restrained and he was given clear evidence that God was protecting David. Josephus says, “He was disordered in mind, and under the vehement agitation of a spirit; and, putting off his garments, he fell down, and lay on the ground all that day and night, in the presence of Samuel and David” (Antiquities vi. 11. 5).

Naked. The word thus translated may mean completely naked (Job 1:21), ragged or poorly clothed (Job 22:6; 24:7, 10; Isa. 58:7), or, possibly clad in a tunic, the mantle itself laid aside (cf. Isa. 20:2). Here, it is probably used in the latter sense; in other words, Saul laid aside his royal robe and was clothed only in his tunic, an inner garment commonly worn at home. On the street the outer robe, or cloak, was usually worn over it. By removing his royal robe Saul would probably be dressed more nearly like one of the students in the school.

Perhaps here the Holy Spirit pleaded with Saul personally for the last time. There may have come from his lips not only a confession of the justice of David’s cause but also condemnation of his own willful acts. In the final judgment day the great adversary of souls will admit the justice of God’s great plan of salvation and the error of his own ways (see Phil. 2:10, 11). But the old jealousies and enmities will return and break forth in one great final expression of hatred and fury (see GC 671, 672). Thus it was with Saul in his animosity toward David. Returning once more, the evil spirit that had controlled him so long found his heart empty of the grace of God and took an even more firm hold of him than before (see Matt. 12:44, 45).

1. David fled. Evidently to Gibeah to confer with Jonathan. David would hardly have dared to return thither while Saul was there, but under the restraining power of the Spirit, Saul remained at Ramah for most of the day and night (see ch. 19:23, 24). The delay gave David an opportunity to find Jonathan and to learn from him the attitude of Saul. No mention is made of David’s visiting his wife at this time. He was confident that Jonathan would keep his counsel, but he was not too certain of Michal. See DavidÃƒâ€¢s Wanderings When Fleeing from Saul: a. and b.

Mine iniquity. The two words, “iniquity” and “sin,” are hardly repetitious synonyms. The word ‘awon, translated “iniquity,” comes from the root ‘awah, “to be of a perverse mind.” ‘Awon often comprehends the guilt and punishment of sin. The word chaÃ¡Â¹ÂÃ¡Â¹Âa’ah, translated “sin,” comes from the root chaÃ¡Â¹Âa’, “to miss the mark.” David was asking, What is my guilt and wherein have I been perverse in my attitude either toward the king or toward the kingdom? Have I not wrought for Saul under most trying conditions? Have I not done valiant service for Israel, fighting her enemies? Have not my motives and desires always been to bring success to my beloved people? Where have I missed the mark and failed in my purpose?

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Cross References

stripped

lay

Is Saul