Naioth
“Dwellings or habitations”
Summary
Naioth was a place in or near Ramah where Samuel presided over a community of prophets and where David took refuge from Saul.
☩A Prophetic Community
When David fled from Saul's murderous jealousy, he escaped to Samuel at Ramah, and the two went to dwell at Naioth. The name means 'dwellings' or 'habitations,' and the place appears to have been a settlement or college of prophets over which Samuel presided. In the Targum it is called 'the house of instruction,' suggesting an early tradition that it was a school for prophets.
☩Saul's Prophesying
When Saul sent messengers to capture David at Naioth, and later came himself, both the messengers and Saul were overcome by the Spirit of God and prophesied. This remarkable scene, where even Saul stripped off his clothes and lay prophesying before Samuel, gave rise to the proverb, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Naioth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Naioth," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).