1 Samuel 19:21 (KJV) - "And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also. Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah."

This verse is set in the context of the ongoing conflict between King Saul and David. Saul's jealousy and paranoia towards David has been building, leading to several attempts on David's life. In this particular passage, Saul sends messengers to bring David to him, but each time the messengers encounter a group of prophets and end up prophesying themselves, instead of capturing David. Frustrated, Saul decides to go to Ramah himself to find David.

This passage can be analyzed from various angles, looking at themes such as divine protection, Saul's increasing desperation, and the conflict between God's chosen king (David) and the rejected king (Saul).

The theme of divine protection is evident in how, despite Saul's repeated attempts to capture David, he is consistently thwarted. The fact that the messengers end up prophesying instead of fulfilling Saul's orders suggests that God's hand is at work, protecting David from harm. This theme echoes throughout the narrative of David's life, as he repeatedly experiences divine intervention and protection, emphasizing God's faithfulness to his chosen servant.

Saul's increasing desperation is also a key theme in this verse. His relentless pursuit of David, despite multiple failures, reveals his growing paranoia and obsession with eliminating the perceived threat to his reign. This desperation ultimately leads Saul to a place of irrationality and reckless behavior, as he abandons reason and logic in his pursuit of David. This serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of jealousy and the consequences of allowing it to consume one's thoughts and actions.

The conflict between God's chosen king and the rejected king is a central theme throughout the book of 1 Samuel. David has been anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel, while Saul, the current king, has been rejected by God due to his disobedience. This ongoing conflict sets the stage for the power struggle between the two men, with God's providence ultimately prevailing in David's favor.

Symbolism in this verse is present in the setting of the well at Sechu. Wells are often symbolic of life and sustenance, as they provide water in the desert. In this context, the well may represent a source of divine sustenance and protection for David, as well as a place of refuge from Saul's pursuit. Additionally, the fact that Saul encounters a group of prophets at the well symbolizes the supernatural forces at work, further highlighting the spiritual battle taking place in the narrative.

Overall, 1 Samuel 19:21 (KJV) conveys the themes of divine protection, Saul's desperation, and the conflict between God's chosen and rejected kings. Through the use of symbolism and vivid narrative, the passage adds depth and complexity to the ongoing saga of David and Saul, offering a rich exploration of human nature, divine intervention, and the forces at play in the unfolding of God's plan.