1 Samuel 18:10

KJV

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and [there was] a javelin in Saul's hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the morrow {H4283}, that the evil {H7451} spirit {H7307} from God {H430} came {H6743} upon Saul {H7586}, and he prophesied {H5012} in the midst {H8432} of the house {H1004}: and David {H1732} played {H5059} with his hand {H3027}, as at other times {H3117}: and there was a javelin {H2595} in Saul's {H7586} hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The following day an evil spirit from God came powerfully over Sha'ul, so that he fell into a frenzy in the house. David was there, playing his lyre as on other occasions. This time Sha'ul had his spear in his hand;

Berean Standard Bible

The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the morrow, that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as he did day by day. And Saul had his spear in his hand;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:10 marks a chilling escalation in King Saul's spiritual and mental decline, revealing the immediate and terrifying consequences of his unchecked jealousy and disobedience. On the day following David's immense popular acclaim, an evil spirit from God afflicted Saul, manifesting in a frenzied outburst during which he "prophesied" in his house. While David, true to his customary role, played his lyre to soothe the tormented king, Saul held a javelin, poised to strike, signaling the beginning of his overt attempts on David's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's triumphant return from defeating Goliath and the subsequent outpouring of popular adoration. In [1 Samuel 18:6-7](/1_samuel/18-6 "1 Samuel 18:6-7 - Women's Song of David's Victory"), the women of Israel famously sang, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands," a declaration that profoundly disturbed Saul. [1 Samuel 18:8-9](/1_samuel/18-8 "1 Samuel 18:8-9 - Saul's Jealousy Ignites") explicitly states that "Saul eyed David from that day forward," indicating the genesis of his intense jealousy. Verse 10, therefore, is not an isolated incident but the direct, volatile manifestation of Saul's festering envy, setting the stage for the numerous attempts on David's life that define the remainder of Saul's reign. It contrasts sharply with earlier passages where the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul for good, such as in [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - The Spirit of God Comes Upon Saul").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of an "evil spirit from God" needs careful understanding within the ancient Near Eastern worldview and biblical theology. It does not imply that God is the author of evil, but rather that He is sovereign over all spirits and can permit or even send them as instruments of judgment or to fulfill His divine purposes, often in response to human sin and rebellion. This affliction upon Saul is directly linked to the departure of the Spirit of the Lord from him, as noted in [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul"). Kingship in Israel was understood as a divinely sanctioned office, and a king's spiritual state profoundly impacted his rule. The use of music, specifically the lyre or harp, to soothe troubled spirits was a recognized practice, as seen in [1 Samuel 16:23](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David Soothes Saul with Music"), highlighting David's established role in Saul's court.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 18:10](/1_samuel/18-10 "1 Samuel 18:10 - Saul's Attempt on David's Life") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of disobedience and unchecked sin**, as Saul's rejection of God's command ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft")) led to the withdrawal of God's favor and the onset of spiritual torment. Secondly, it highlights **divine sovereignty** even over seemingly negative events; God remains in control, orchestrating circumstances that will ultimately lead to David's ascent to the throne. Thirdly, the verse contrasts **Saul's deteriorating character** with **David's unwavering faithfulness and trust in God**, even in the face of mortal danger. It also introduces the theme of **persecution of the anointed**, a motif that will recur throughout David's life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach ra'ah'_):** The Hebrew phrase רוּחַ רָעָה (_ruach ra'ah_) literally means "spirit of evil" or "evil spirit." In this context, coupled with the preceding "from God" (מֵאֵת יְהוָה, _me'et Yahweh_), it signifies a spirit permitted or sent by God as an instrument of divine judgment or affliction upon Saul. It is not an inherently evil spirit in the sense of being a demonic entity acting independently of God's will, but rather a spirit that brings distress, torment, and agitation, serving as a consequence of Saul's rebellion and the withdrawal of God's empowering Spirit. This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all spiritual forces.
* **Prophesied (Hebrew, _vayyitnabbe'_):** The Hebrew verb וַיִּתְנַבֵּא (_vayyitnabbe_), from the root _naba_, typically means "to prophesy" or "to speak under divine inspiration." However, the term can also describe ecstatic, frenzied, or even mad behavior, particularly when associated with a spirit (whether divine or otherwise) that brings about an altered state. Given the context of the "evil spirit" tormenting Saul, this "prophesying" is best understood not as speaking God's word, but as an uncontrolled, agitated, and possibly incoherent outburst, indicative of his disturbed mental and spiritual state. It reflects a manic or delirious episode rather than genuine prophetic utterance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul":** This opening clause establishes the immediate temporal connection to the events of [1 Samuel 18:6-9](/1_samuel/18-6 "1 Samuel 18:6-9 - Saul's Jealousy and David's Popularity"), highlighting that Saul's affliction was a swift consequence of his burgeoning jealousy. The "evil spirit from God" underscores God's sovereign hand in Saul's torment, which is a direct result of the Lord's Spirit having departed from Saul due to his disobedience ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")). This affliction is a divine judgment, permitted to torment Saul and further reveal his unsuitability for kingship.
* **"and he prophesied in the midst of the house":** As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, this "prophesying" is not a sign of divine inspiration but rather a manifestation of Saul's tormented state. It describes a frenzied, uncontrollable outburst, possibly involving incoherent speech or agitated movements, occurring publicly within his own royal residence. This public display of his disturbed state further illustrates his spiritual and mental deterioration.
* **"and David played with his hand, as at other times":** This clause highlights David's continued faithfulness and innocence. He was fulfilling his established role as a musician to soothe Saul, as he had done previously ([1 Samuel 16:23](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David Soothes Saul with Music")). This demonstrates David's unwavering commitment to his service and his trust in God, even when placed in a volatile and dangerous environment. His calm, customary act stands in stark contrast to Saul's agitated state.
* **"and [there was] a javelin in Saul's hand":** This final, ominous detail introduces the immediate physical threat. The javelin, a weapon of war and a symbol of royal authority, is now in Saul's hand, transformed into an instrument of murderous intent against David. This detail immediately foreshadows Saul's subsequent attempts to kill David with the javelin, making the scene intensely dramatic and revealing the depth of Saul's murderous rage.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Samuel 18:10](/1_samuel/18-10 "1 Samuel 18:10 - Saul's Attempt on David's Life") employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting Saul's frenzied, tormented state with David's calm, customary act of playing the lyre. This highlights their diverging spiritual conditions and characters. The presence of the javelin in Saul's hand serves as potent **Symbolism**, representing not only Saul's murderous intent but also the perversion of his royal authority, which should protect but now seeks to destroy. This scene also functions as clear **Foreshadowing**, signaling the beginning of Saul's active persecution of David, which will define their relationship for years to come. The phrase "evil spirit from God" can be seen as a form of **Divine Irony**, where God, who once empowered Saul, now uses an affliction to bring about his downfall and clear the way for David, His chosen king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 18:10 profoundly illustrates the severe consequences of spiritual rebellion and unchecked sin, particularly jealousy. Saul's persistent disobedience led to the withdrawal of God's empowering Spirit and the subsequent torment by an "evil spirit," demonstrating that God's judgment can manifest in psychological and spiritual affliction. This passage reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty, showing that even negative events are under God's ultimate control and serve His purposes, in this case, clearing the path for David's rise. It also highlights the stark contrast between a king who has forfeited God's favor and the one who remains faithful, even in the face of mortal danger.

* [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")
* [Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "Judges 9:23 - An Evil Spirit Between Abimelech and the Men of Shechem")
* [1 Kings 22:23](/1_kings/22-23 "1 Kings 22:23 - The Lord Has Put a Lying Spirit in the Mouth of All These Your Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This chilling account of Saul's descent into madness and murderous rage serves as a profound cautionary tale for all believers. It reveals the destructive power of unchecked jealousy, envy, and an unrepentant heart. Saul's refusal to acknowledge his sin and his growing bitterness created an open door for spiritual torment and irrational, violent behavior. We are reminded that persistent disobedience and unaddressed sin can lead to profound spiritual and psychological distress, alienating us from God's peace and opening us to destructive influences. Conversely, David's calm faithfulness in the face of extreme danger offers a powerful example of trusting God's protection and remaining steadfast in our calling, even when those in authority act irrationally or hostilely. Our response to adversity and the character we display under pressure reveal the true state of our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "javelins" of jealousy or bitterness that I might be holding in my own heart, and how might they be affecting my relationships or spiritual well-being?**
* **How does Saul's "prophesying" in a state of torment challenge my understanding of spiritual manifestations, and what does it teach me about discerning true spiritual activity?**
* **In what ways can I emulate David's faithfulness and composure when faced with hostility or irrational behavior from others, especially those in authority?**

### FAQ
**What does "the evil spirit from God" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase does not imply that God is the author of evil, but rather that He is sovereign over all things, including spirits, and can use them as instruments of His divine purpose or judgment. In Saul's case, after the Spirit of the Lord departed from him due to his disobedience ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")), God permitted or sent a spirit that caused him distress and torment. This was a consequence of Saul's rebellion and a means by which God continued to work out His plan, ultimately leading to David's ascent to the throne. It highlights God's absolute control and His use of various means to achieve His righteous ends.

**What kind of "prophesying" was Saul doing in this context?**

Answer: Given the context of the "evil spirit" tormenting Saul, his "prophesying" (Hebrew: _vayyitnabbe'_) here does not refer to speaking divine revelation or inspired prophecy. Instead, it describes a frenzied, ecstatic, or even mad outburst, indicative of his disturbed mental and spiritual state. It suggests an agitated, uncontrollable behavior, possibly involving incoherent speech or unusual physical movements, rather than a divinely inspired message. This contrasts sharply with earlier instances where the Spirit of the Lord came upon him for good, as in [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - The Spirit of God Comes Upon Saul").

**Why did David continue to play for Saul despite the obvious danger?**

Answer: David's continued service, even with a javelin in Saul's hand, demonstrates his remarkable faithfulness, courage, and trust in God. He was fulfilling his assigned role to soothe the king, as he had done previously ([1 Samuel 16:23](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David Soothes Saul with Music")). David likely understood that his life was in God's hands and that his primary duty was to serve the anointed king, regardless of Saul's erratic behavior. This unwavering commitment to his responsibilities, even in the face of mortal threat, is a testament to David's character and his deep reliance on God's protection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 18:10, with its depiction of a king tormented by an evil spirit and seeking to destroy the one anointed to replace him, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate conflict between the kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of God, personified in Christ. Saul's failed kingship, marked by spiritual oppression and murderous intent, stands in stark contrast to the perfect and righteous reign of Jesus Christ. While David's music brought only temporary, limited relief to Saul's torment, Jesus, the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), possesses ultimate authority over all evil spirits. He casts out demons with a word ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")), delivers the oppressed from spiritual bondage ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), and ultimately triumphs over Satan and all his works ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Saul's javelin, aimed at David, symbolizes the world's hostility towards God's anointed, a hostility that culminated in the crucifixion of Christ. Yet, just as God preserved David for his kingly destiny, He raised Jesus from the dead, establishing Him as [Lord and Christ](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost"), the deliverer who sets us free from the power of sin and spiritual darkness ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 19:9

And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with [his] hand.

1 Kings 18:29

And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the [time] of the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that [there was] neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.

2 Thessalonians 2:11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

1 Samuel 16:14

¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

1 Samuel 16:16

Let our lord now command thy servants, [which are] before thee, to seek out a man, [who is] a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

1 Samuel 16:23

And it came to pass, when the [evil] spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

Acts 16:16

¶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: