1Sa 18:10-11 | KingComments | STEP | A wicked spirit sent by God brings Saul to rage. When David wants to calm him down by playing the harp, Saul hurls his spear at him. Saul shows his murderousness by wanting to kill David with his spear twice, without succeeding in his intention. David dodges him both times. The LORD has protected him, and He has done so by giving David the presence of mind to dive away at the right moment. Undoubtedly, he will have kept a watchful eye on Saul’s hand with the spear in it. When he has escaped the danger, he appears to be destined for something extraordinary. David did not hurl the spear back to Saul. He has withdrawn. He did not fight but fled for his own safety. Although he has enough strength and courage, and the appearance of the right to resist and avenge the insult, he has done nothing more than bring himself to safety by avoiding danger. We do not read that David is afraid of Saul, but on the contrary that Saul is afraid of David. By the failure of two murder attempts Saul must have understood that he has no power over David. For an experienced spear thrower like Saul, his miss is proof that David is under the protection of God. Otherwise he would certainly have killed him. With other people it would have led to conversion, but Saul hardens himself. He can no longer bear David in his surroundings and appoints him as commander of his army, hoping that David dies in the war.

‏ 1 Samuel 18:10-11

Saul Tries to Kill David

A wicked spirit sent by God brings Saul to rage. When David wants to calm him down by playing the harp, Saul hurls his spear at him. Saul shows his murderousness by wanting to kill David with his spear twice, without succeeding in his intention. David dodges him both times.

The LORD has protected him, and He has done so by giving David the presence of mind to dive away at the right moment. Undoubtedly, he will have kept a watchful eye on Saul’s hand with the spear in it. When he has escaped the danger, he appears to be destined for something extraordinary.

David did not hurl the spear back to Saul. He has withdrawn. He did not fight but fled for his own safety. Although he has enough strength and courage, and the appearance of the right to resist and avenge the insult, he has done nothing more than bring himself to safety by avoiding danger.

We do not read that David is afraid of Saul, but on the contrary that Saul is afraid of David. By the failure of two murder attempts Saul must have understood that he has no power over David. For an experienced spear thrower like Saul, his miss is proof that David is under the protection of God. Otherwise he would certainly have killed him. With other people it would have led to conversion, but Saul hardens himself. He can no longer bear David in his surroundings and appoints him as commander of his army, hoping that David dies in the war.