The story of David’s persecution in 1 Samuel 19 provides a striking foreshadowing of Jesus Christ—the true Anointed One—who was rejected and persecuted by the world. Just as David was chosen and anointed by God yet pursued relentlessly by Saul, so too was Jesus the Messiah, the Anointed One, hated by the world. Jesus Himself warned His followers of this reality:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
— John 15:18-19
This blog post will explore 1 Samuel 19 and how David’s trials mirror the sufferings of Christ. In doing so, we will understand how this passage not only points us to Jesus but also serves as a source of encouragement for believers today, who share in His sufferings.
David: The Anointed One Under Persecution
By this point in 1 Samuel, David had already been anointed as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). He had also slain Goliath, proving himself to be God’s chosen deliverer (1 Samuel 17). His success and favor with the people, however, provoked King Saul’s jealousy and wrath.
1. The World Hates the One Anointed by God (1 Samuel 19:1-7)
Saul, who had once loved David, now sought to kill him:
“Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David.”
— 1 Samuel 19:1
Saul’s jealousy led him to attempt murder, just as the religious leaders of Jesus’ time were driven by envy to conspire against Him (Matthew 27:18). David, though innocent, became a hunted man—just as Jesus, though sinless, was pursued by those who rejected God’s anointed King.
Yet, Jonathan interceded for David (1 Samuel 19:2-7), much like how Jesus, our advocate, intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25). Jonathan’s plea temporarily pacified Saul, but the peace was short-lived.
2. The World Tries to Kill the Anointed One (1 Samuel 19:8-17)
David’s victories against the Philistines only intensified Saul’s rage. In a moment of spiritual darkness, Saul tried to personally kill David by hurling a spear at him:
“But an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the harp, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall.”
— 1 Samuel 19:9-10
Similarly, Jesus was constantly in danger as the Pharisees and religious leaders sought to kill Him (John 11:53). The world loves power and control, and when Jesus’ presence threatened those in authority, they sought to destroy Him—just as Saul wanted David dead.
David fled to his home, but Saul sent men to kill him in the morning (1 Samuel 19:11). His wife Michal, seeing the danger, warned him and helped him escape through a window. This echoes how Joseph and Mary were warned to take Jesus to Egypt when Herod sought to kill Him (Matthew 2:13).
3. God Protects His Anointed (1 Samuel 19:18-24)
David fled to Samuel in Ramah, seeking refuge in the presence of the prophet. Saul, determined to capture David, sent messengers to seize him, but an incredible event took place:
“When they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men, and they also prophesied.”
— 1 Samuel 19:20
This happened three times, and finally, Saul himself was overcome by the Spirit and began to prophesy (1 Samuel 19:21-24). This supernatural intervention showed that God alone was in control.
Similarly, when Jesus was arrested, He declared:
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”
— Matthew 26:53
Jesus willingly allowed Himself to be taken, just as David eventually had to wait for God’s perfect timing to ascend to the throne.
Jesus: The Greater David, Persecuted for Our Salvation
David’s persecution ultimately foreshadows Christ’s suffering. The world rejected David, but God’s plan prevailed. The world rejected Jesus, but His resurrection proved His victory over sin and death.
How Jesus Is the True Anointed One Who Was Persecuted
| David | Jesus |
|---|---|
| Anointed by God but persecuted by the world | Anointed as Messiah but rejected (Luke 4:18-30) |
| Saul sought to kill him out of jealousy | Pharisees sought to kill Jesus out of envy (Mark 15:10) |
| Fled for his life | Jesus had to avoid being seized until the appointed time (John 7:30) |
| Trusted in God’s protection | Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father (Luke 23:46) |
| Would one day reign as king | Now reigns as King of Kings (Revelation 19:16) |
What This Means for Us Today
1. Expect Persecution (John 15:18-19)
As followers of Jesus, we too will face rejection from the world. If Jesus, the perfect Son of God, was hated, should we expect any different?
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
— 2 Timothy 3:12
But just as God protected David until his appointed time, He will sustain us through trials.
2. Trust in God’s Sovereign Plan
David may have feared for his life, but God’s plan was never in danger. Likewise, even when Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and crucified, God was in complete control.
“The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed.”
— Psalm 2:2
Though the world rages against God’s anointed, His kingdom will prevail.
3. Find Refuge in Christ
When David fled to Samuel, he sought refuge in God’s presence. As believers, we find our true refuge in Jesus:
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
— Proverbs 18:10
In a world that rejects Christ, we can rest in His unshakable kingdom.
Conclusion: The Anointed One Rejected Yet Victorious
David’s persecution in 1 Samuel 19 is a powerful preview of Jesus’ rejection. But just as David’s suffering eventually led to his exaltation as king, so too did Jesus’ suffering lead to His resurrection and eternal reign.
Jesus is the Anointed One, hated by the world yet victorious over it. And for those who trust in Him, though we may suffer now, we will reign with Him forever (2 Timothy 2:12).
“Take heart! I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33
