1 Samuel 19:20

“And Saul sent messengers to take David, etc.] Notwithstanding the sacred place he was in, so bent was he upon his destruction: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying; or praising, as the Targum; singing hymns and songs of praise to God, under the inspiration and influence of the Spirit of God, who endited these songs for them, and excited them to sing them; these prophets belonged to the school or college of prophets at Naioth, whom the messengers saw when they came thither, and found them thus employed; or “when he saw” f403, for the word is singular, that is, the chief of the messengers, or everyone of them, so Kimchi: and Samuel standing [as] appointed over them; he was…”

“Samuel standing as appointed - Rather, “as Overseer, or leader.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“Over them - To instruct and direct them in those holy exercises. For though they prophesied by Divine inspiration, yet they were both to prepare themselves for it before hand, and to make good improvement of it afterwards, in both which they needed Samuel's counsel and assistance. And whereas some might falsely pretend to those raptures; or the devil might transform himself into an angel of light, Samuel's presence and judgment was necessary to prevent and to detect such impostures. Besides, Samuel would by his present conjunction with them in those holy exercises, encourage them, and stir up others to the coveting of those gifts, and to the performance of such religious duties. Prophesied -…”

“19:20 Prophets often assembled in groups under a single leader (see 2 Kgs 2:15; 4:38; 6:1-7). • The Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men to allow David to escape (1 Sam 20:1).”

“sent messengers: Sa1 19:11, Sa1 19:14; Joh 7:32, Joh 7:45 when they: Sa1 10:5, Sa1 10:6, Sa1 10:10; Num 11:25, Num 11:26; Joe 2:28; Joh 7:32, Joh 7:45, Joh 7:46-52; Co1 14:3, Co1 14:24, Co1 14:25 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 19:21”