1 Samuel 19:18-24

David at Ramah (R). Of uncertain origin, probably late. Partly parallel to 1 Samuel 10:10 ff.

David takes refuge with Samuel at Naioth in Ramah. Naioth is apparently not a proper name, but if it is not, its meaning is quite unknown. It has been conjectured that it may have been the quarter of the town inhabited by the prophets. The contagious nature of this ecstatic prophecy is shown by the fact that, first Saul's messengers, and then Saul himself, are seized by it when they come to Naioth. [For 1 Samuel 19:24 b cf. 1 Samuel 10:11 f., another story as to the origin of the proverb. A. S. P.]