1 Samuel 19:20-23 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Saul sent messengers to take David—and he went thither, &c.— One intent of this prophesying of the messengers and Saul was to prevent them from seizing, and him from murdering, certainly David, and probably, in the same fit of rage, Samuel, and the company of the prophets who harboured them. And whether this prophesying consisted in predicting somewhat future, such as Saul's destruction, and David's advancement to the throne, or what is understood by preaching, yet it had certainly one good effect, worthy the Spirit of God to produce; the preservation of the life of one destined to sit on the throne of Israel. The change in the messengers of Saul was great; but that which was wrought in Saul himself was astonishing. He came to wreak his vengeance: but instead of a murderer he becomes a prophet, and puts himself naked entirely into the hands of Samuel, the prophets, and David, who might have made what advantage they pleased of an adventure so fortunate, even to have cut off Saul, and raised David to the throne. But they abhorred the thought; and as the Spirit of the Lord kept Saul in that condition till David was safe, so Saul was safe during the time that he was naked; i.e. destitute of his royal military robe. A noble evidence this of the innocence and loyalty of Samuel, the prophets, and David; while, at the same time, it affords a pleasing instance to a generous, compassionate mind, of the care of Providence over persecuted virtue, and of the impotence of human malice towards those whom God is determined to preserve.