TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
Complete Jewish Bible
and he threw the spear, thinking, "I will pin David to the wall!" But David dodged out of the way twice.
Berean Standard Bible
and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.
American Standard Version
and Saul cast the spear; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
World English Bible Messianic
and Saul threw the spear; for he said, “I will pin David even to the wall!” David escaped from his presence twice.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Saul tooke the speare, and sayd, I will smite Dauid through to the wall. But Dauid auoyded twise out of his presence.
Young's Literal Translation
and Saul casteth the javelin, and saith, `I smite through David, even through the wall;' and David turneth round out of his presence twice.
In the KJVVerse 7,688 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 18 verses 6–11
6 ¶ And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
10 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.
11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
Now begin David's troubles, and they not only tread on the heels of his triumphs, but take rise from them, such is the vanity of that in this world which seems greatest.
I. He was too much magnified by the common people. Some time after the victory Saul went a triumphant progress through the cities of Israel that lay next him, to receive the congratulations of the country. And, when he made his public entry into any place, the women were most forward to show him respect, as was usual then in public triumphs (Sa1 18:6), and they had got a song, it seems, which they sang in their dances (made by some poet or other, that was a great admirer of David's bravery, and was more just than wise, in giving his achievements in the late action the preference before Saul's), the burden of which was, Saul had slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. Such a difference as this Moses made between the numbers of Ephraim and Manasseh, Deu 33:17.
II. This mightily displeased Saul, and made him envy David, Sa1 18:8, Sa1 18:9. He ought to have considered that they referred only to this late action, and intended not to diminish any of Saul's former exploits; and that in the action now celebrated it was undeniably true that David, in killing Goliath, did in effect slay all the Philistines that were slain that day and defeated the whole army; so that they did but give David his due. It may be, he that composed the song only used a poetic liberty, and intended not any invidious comparison between Saul and David; or, if he did, it was below the great mind of a prince to take notice of such a reflection upon his personal honour, when it appeared that the glory of the public was sincerely intended. But Saul was very wroth, and presently suspected some treasonable design at the bottom of it: What can he have more but the kingdom? This made him eye David as one he was jealous of and sought advantages against (Sa1 18:9): his countenance was not towards him as it had been. Proud men cannot endure to hear any praised but themselves, and think all their honour lost that goes by themselves. It is a sign that the Spirit of God has departed from men if they be peevish in their resentment of affronts, envious and suspicious of all about them, and ill-natured in their conduct; for the wisdom from above makes us quite otherwise.
III. In his fury he aimed to kill David, Sa1 18:10, Sa1 18:11. Jealousy is the rage of a man; it made Saul outrageous against David and impatient to get him out of the way. 1. His fits of frenzy returned upon him. The very next day after he conceived malice against David the evil spirit from God, that had formerly haunted him, seized him again. Those that indulge themselves in envy and uncharitableness give place to the devil, and prepare for the re-entry of the unclean spirit, with seven others more wicked. Where envy is there is confusion. Saul pretended a religious ecstasy: He prophesied in the midst of the house, that is, he had the gestures and motions of a prophet, and humoured the thing well enough to decoy David into a snare, and that he might be fearless of any danger and off his guard; and perhaps designing, if he could but kill him, to impute it to a divine impulse and to charge it upon the spirit of prophecy with which he seemed to be animated: but really it was a hellish fury that actuated him. 2. David, though advanced to a much higher post of honour, disdained not, for his master's service, to return to his harp: He played with his hand as at other times. Let not the highest think any thing below them whereby they may do good and be serviceable to those they are obliged to. 3. He took this opportunity to aim at the death of David. A sword in a madman's hand is a dangerous thing, especially such a madman as Saul was, that was mad with malice. Yet he had a javelin or dart in his hand, which he projected, endeavouring thereby to slay David, not in a sudden passion, but deliberately: I will smite David to the wall with it, with such a desperate force did he throw it. Justly does David complain of his enemies that they hated him with a cruel hatred, Psa 25:19. No life is thought too precious to be sacrificed to malice. If a grateful sense of the great service David had done to the public could not assuage Saul's fury, yet one would think he should have allowed himself to consider the kindness David was now doing him, in relieving him, as no one else could, against the worst of troubles. Those are possessed with a devilish spirit indeed that render evil for good. Compare David, with his harp in his hand, aiming to serve Saul, and Saul, with his javelin in his hand, aiming to slay David; and observe the meekness and usefulness of God's persecuted people and the brutishness and barbarity of their persecutors. The bloodthirsty hate the upright, but the just seek his soul, Pro 29:10. 4. David happily avoided the blow twice (namely, now, and afterwards, Pro 19:10); he did not throw the javelin at Saul again, but withdrew, not fighting but flying for his own preservation; though he had both strength and courage enough, and colour of right, to make resistance and revenge the injury, yet he did no more than secure himself, by getting out of the way of it. David, no doubt, had a watchful eye upon Saul's hand, and the javelin in it, and did as bravely in running from it as he did lately in running upon Goliath. Yet his safety must be ascribed to the watchful eye of God's providence upon him, saving his servant from the hurtful sword; and by this narrow escape it seemed he was designed for something extraordinary.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–11. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And David turned away from his face a second time. And Christ fled from the hearts of the impious, who never deserts pious hearts without resting in them. But it is not added in vain a second time. For at first David went away and returned to Saul, coming into battle against the Philistines, where afterwards, arriving, he alone quickly struck down the enemy whom all had long failed to subdue; and now he turned away from his face a second time, attempting to kill him. This corresponds to the mystical sense. For at first, as also explained above, to all mortals struggling against vices, the Lord appearing in the flesh conducted life free from this conflict in the world; but also, he miraculously helped those mortals laboring long in vain by the visitation of his grace. However, what must be remembered not without sorrow, not without groaning, many repel their vivifier and protector, by spurning his words and transgressing; and what we blame the Jews for not believing, we believers do not fear to do by living badly. David turns away from his face unwillingly a second time, so as not to save him with his harp from the enemy, from whom he previously returned willingly, so as not to fight with him against the enemy; for, owing to our merits, the Almighty Savior hides the light of his knowledge from us, removes the grace of his defense, so as not to protect us daily from the snares of enemies by the help of his cross, who deigned to take on flesh for our salvation, so that he might struggle for us who are frail, so that he might win for us who are holy. Therefore, when God dwelt with men, at first he withdrew from their company, so as not to struggle with them against the law of sin, which in no way opposed him. Secondly, and in this not from the company of all, but from that of the proud, he turned away, so as not to trust them with his gifts; for he resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (I Peter 5).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:11 powerfully depicts King Saul's first overt and murderous attempt on David's life, a direct consequence of his escalating jealousy, paranoia, and spiritual decline. As David ministered to him with music, Saul, consumed by an evil spirit, hurled his javelin with lethal intent, aiming to pin David to the wall. Yet, through divine intervention, David miraculously evaded the deadly projectile not once but twice, underscoring God's unwavering protection over His chosen servant amidst the escalating hostility of the reigning monarch.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Foreshadowing is prominently featured, as this incident serves as the inaugural event in a long series of attempts by Saul to kill David, thereby setting the stage for a prolonged period of intense persecution and David's subsequent flight. It also subtly foreshadows David's eventual kingship, as God's consistent protection here demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His chosen one. Irony is powerfully at play: the reigning king, who is divinely appointed to protect his people and uphold justice, perverts his royal authority and uses his symbolic weapon to murder a loyal servant who has just delivered the nation from its greatest enemy. Furthermore, the javelin itself functions as potent Symbolism, representing Saul's declining authority, his uncontrolled rage, and the perversion of his kingship; it is the instrument of his royal power turned into a weapon of madness and destruction. David's repeated ability to "avoid" the javelin "twice" can be interpreted as a clear instance of Divine Intervention, showcasing God's active and sovereign hand in preserving David for his destined role, making David's agility not merely a display of human reflexes but a manifestation of God's protective will.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 18:11 profoundly illustrates the destructive power of unchecked envy and the unwavering nature of divine protection. Saul's desperate descent into murderous rage, fueled by intense jealousy over David's popularity and success, serves as a stark biblical warning against the corrupting influence of sin, particularly when it takes root in the heart of a leader. It demonstrates how bitterness can blind one to reason and lead to irrational, violent, and ultimately self-destructive actions. Conversely, David's miraculous escape, not once but twice, powerfully testifies to God's sovereign care for His anointed. Even in the face of direct, lethal threats from the highest human authority, God's purposes for David could not be thwarted. This incident underscores that God is ultimately in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine plan, even through the chaotic and sinful actions of men, ensuring that His chosen instruments are preserved for His glory.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account of Saul's attempt on David's life offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of envy and unchecked anger. Saul's jealousy, initially a seed of discontent over David's success, festered into a consuming bitterness that led him to irrational, violent, and ultimately self-destructive actions. We are called to guard our hearts diligently against such destructive emotions, recognizing that comparison and covetousness can poison our relationships, corrupt our character, and lead us far from God's path. Secondly, David's repeated deliverance reminds us of God's unfailing protection over His children. In a world fraught with challenges, opposition, and even direct threats to our well-being or faith, this narrative instills profound confidence that God is indeed our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. His sovereign hand is always at work, preserving us for His divine purposes, even when circumstances seem dire or human power is arrayed against us. Finally, David's response—avoiding the attack rather than retaliating or engaging in self-defense at that moment—provides a model of wisdom and reliance on God rather than immediate human reaction. It teaches us to trust God's timing and methods for deliverance, especially when facing hostility or injustice, echoing the New Testament call to overcome evil with good and to leave vengeance to the Lord.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Saul try to kill David?
Answer: Saul's murderous intent stemmed primarily from intense jealousy, paranoia, and a profound sense of insecurity regarding his kingship. Following David's triumphant victory over Goliath, the women of Israel publicly celebrated David's superior achievements, singing, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). This public acclamation deeply angered Saul, who perceived it as a direct threat to his throne and legacy. His fear was compounded by the fact that the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him and was now with David (1 Samuel 16:14), leading to a tormenting "evil spirit from the LORD" (1 Samuel 18:10) that brought him into fits of rage and irrational behavior, culminating in this violent attempt on David's life.
What does "evil spirit from the LORD" mean in this context?
Answer: The phrase "evil spirit from the LORD" (1 Samuel 18:10) is a theological statement, not necessarily implying that God directly causes evil in the way humans understand it. Rather, it signifies that God, in His sovereignty, allowed or sent a tormenting spirit to afflict Saul as a direct consequence of Saul's disobedience, rejection of God's commands, and ultimate rejection as king. It represents God's judgment and the withdrawal of His blessing and protective presence from Saul. This spiritual affliction manifested in Saul's mental instability, paranoia, and violent outbursts, leading him to act against God's will and His anointed, David. It highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, even in judgment, to fulfill His ultimate purposes and demonstrate the consequences of rebellion.
How did David avoid the javelin twice?
Answer: The text simply states that "David avoided out of his presence twice," implying a quick and agile movement on David's part. While human agility and quick reflexes certainly played a role, the repeated nature of David's escape and the broader context of God's overarching protection over him strongly suggest divine intervention. This was not merely luck or coincidence, but God's sovereign hand actively preserving David for his destined role as king. Throughout David's subsequent flight from Saul, God repeatedly protected him from various dangers and traps, underscoring His faithfulness to His chosen servant and His unwavering commitment to His divine plan (e.g., 1 Samuel 23:14).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate, murderous rage of King Saul against David in 1 Samuel 18:11 serves as a poignant and powerful foreshadowing of the world's hostility towards Christ, the ultimate Anointed One. Just as Saul, the reigning but disobedient king, sought to destroy David, the true king in God's eyes, so too did the powers of this world—represented by the religious and political authorities—conspire to eliminate Jesus, the rightful King of Kings. The repeated attempts on David's life by Saul find their ultimate parallel in the persistent, albeit ultimately futile, efforts of Satan and his earthly agents to thwart God's redemptive plan through His Son. From Herod's murderous attempt to kill the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:16) to the numerous plots against His life during His public ministry (John 7:30), Jesus, like David, repeatedly "avoided" the presence of His enemies because His hour had not yet come, and God's protective hand was upon Him. Yet, unlike David, who was preserved from death, Jesus willingly embraced the cross, allowing Himself to be "smitten" for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5), not by a javelin to a wall, but by the nails to the cross, fulfilling God's ultimate plan for salvation. His glorious resurrection, however, demonstrates that no earthly power, not even death itself, could ultimately hold Him, proving Him to be the true and eternal King, victorious over all opposition and triumphing over principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15).