1 Samuel 19:10

KJV

And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} sought {H1245} to smite {H5221} David {H1732} even to the wall {H7023} with the javelin {H2595}; but he slipped away {H6362} out of Saul's {H7586} presence {H6440}, and he smote {H5221} the javelin {H2595} into the wall {H7023}: and David {H1732} fled {H5127}, and escaped {H4422} that night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

when Sha'ul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear. But he dodged it and moved out of Sha'ul's way, so that the spear stuck in the wall. David fled, so that night he escaped.

Berean Standard Bible

Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But the spear struck the wall and David eluded him, ran away, and escaped that night.

American Standard Version

And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he smote the spear into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 19:10 vividly recounts King Saul's second murderous attempt on David's life, driven by intense jealousy and an oppressive evil spirit. As David played the harp, Saul hurled a javelin, intending to pin him to the wall, but David miraculously evaded the attack, and the javelin struck the wall instead. This dramatic escape marks a critical turning point, forcing David into a prolonged period of flight and highlighting God's providential protection over His anointed servant amidst escalating royal animosity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger narrative detailing the tragic decline of King Saul and the rise of David, God's chosen successor. It immediately follows Jonathan's successful, albeit temporary, reconciliation between Saul and David in [1 Samuel 19:1-7](/1_samuel/19-1 "Jonathan's Plea for David"). Despite Jonathan's earnest plea and Saul's oath not to harm David, the king's volatile nature, exacerbated by an "evil spirit from the Lord" (as mentioned in [1 Samuel 19:9](/1_samuel/19-9 "The Evil Spirit Returns to Saul")), quickly resurfaces. This incident mirrors an earlier attempt by Saul to kill David with a javelin recorded in [1 Samuel 18:10-11](/1_samuel/18-10 "Saul's First Attempt to Kill David"), underscoring the cyclical and increasingly desperate nature of Saul's jealousy. David's escape here directly precipitates his flight from Saul's court, initiating a long period of exile and testing that spans many subsequent chapters, beginning with [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "David's Flight and Jonathan's Loyalty").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the king held absolute power, and his word was law. The javelin (or spear) was a common weapon, often associated with royalty and military leadership, making Saul's use of it a direct and personal act of royal authority turned to murder. The mention of an "evil spirit from the Lord" reflects the ancient Israelite understanding that all events, good or bad, ultimately originated from God's sovereign will, even if mediated by spiritual forces. This does not imply God is evil, but rather that He permits or sends such spirits as judgment or for His purposes, as seen in [1 Kings 22:23](/1_kings/22-23 "The Lying Spirit in the Mouth of the Prophets"). David's role as a harpist was common in royal courts, providing solace and entertainment, but also placing him in close proximity to the king, making him vulnerable. The act of "smiting to the wall" indicates a desire for a swift, decisive, and inescapable kill, characteristic of a king's rage.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal moment contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Saul's Destructive Jealousy and Rejection of God's Will**. His repeated attempts to murder David, despite divine favor on David and Jonathan's intercession, demonstrate his spiritual decline and his inability to accept God's choice for the kingship, a theme established earlier in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Protection and Providence**. David's miraculous escape from such a close and sudden attack is not attributed to his own skill alone but implicitly to God's watchful care over His anointed, foreshadowing the many instances of God delivering David from Saul's hand throughout his fugitive years (e.g., [1 Samuel 23:14](/1_samuel/23-14 "Saul Seeks David in the Wilderness")). Thirdly, this incident marks the **Beginning of David's Training for Kingship through Suffering**. His flight from Saul's presence initiates a prolonged period of hardship, testing, and dependence on God, which ultimately refines his character and prepares him for his future role as Israel's greatest king, echoing the principle that God often prepares His chosen leaders through adversity, as seen in the life of Joseph in [Genesis 37-50](/genesis/37 "Joseph's Story").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sought to smite (Hebrew, _biqqēš ləhakkōṯ_):** The verb "sought" (בקש, _biqqēš_) implies a deliberate, active intention and pursuit, not a mere impulsive act. Coupled with "to smite" (להכות, _ləhakkōṯ_), which means to strike, beat, or kill, it emphasizes Saul's murderous intent. This is not an accidental outburst but a focused effort to end David's life, reflecting the depth of his malice.
* **Slipped away (Hebrew, _ḥālāp̄_):** The verb חָלַף (_ḥālāp̄_) literally means "to pass over, pass through, or slip by." In this context, it conveys a sense of swift, agile movement, a sudden evasion. It suggests David's quick reflexes, but more profoundly, it implies a providential swiftness that allowed him to escape an otherwise inescapable situation, hinting at divine intervention.
* **Javelin (Hebrew, _ḥănîṯ_):** The חנית (_ḥănîṯ_) was a spear or lance, a formidable weapon often associated with warriors and kings. Saul, as king and a man of war, would have been skilled in its use. The fact that he uses his personal weapon, a symbol of his authority and power, to attempt murder against his loyal servant underscores the perversion of his kingship and his descent into tyranny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin;":** This clause establishes the setting, the perpetrator (Saul), the victim (David), the weapon (javelin), and the extreme intent ("even to the wall"). Saul's aim was precise and deadly, intending to pin David against the wall, making escape impossible and ensuring a fatal blow. This highlights the severity of the threat and Saul's unbridled rage.
* **"but he slipped away out of Saul's presence,":** This "but" introduces a crucial counter-action. David's evasion is presented as a sudden, almost miraculous movement. "Out of Saul's presence" emphasizes the immediate danger and the narrowness of the escape, as David was in close proximity to the king. This quick departure signifies the commencement of David's life as a fugitive.
* **"and he smote the javelin into the wall:":** The javelin, instead of finding its human target, violently impacts the inanimate wall. This detail powerfully underscores the failure of Saul's murderous intent and the success of David's escape. It visually represents the futility of Saul's efforts against God's chosen one.
* **"and David fled, and escaped that night.":** This final clause confirms the immediate consequence of the attack. David's flight is not merely a retreat but a desperate escape for his life. "That night" suggests the urgency and secrecy of his departure, marking the definitive end of his peaceful tenure in Saul's court and the beginning of his arduous journey as a hunted man.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as this incident sets the stage for David's prolonged period of flight and persecution by Saul, which will dominate the subsequent chapters of 1 Samuel. There is a profound **Irony** in the king, who should be protecting his people and his anointed, attempting to murder his most loyal and successful servant. This subverts the very notion of righteous kingship. The **Symbolism** of the javelin is also significant; it represents Saul's kingship and power, now perverted and turned into an instrument of unrighteous violence. Its failure to strike David and instead hitting the wall symbolizes the futility of Saul's efforts against God's sovereign plan. Furthermore, the quick, successful evasion by David, despite the suddenness and proximity of the attack, strongly implies **Divine Intervention** or **Providence**, suggesting that God's hand was actively protecting His chosen one, ensuring his survival against overwhelming odds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident profoundly illustrates the clash between human will and divine purpose. Saul's escalating jealousy and murderous intent represent the futility of resisting God's sovereign plan. Despite Saul's power and determination, God's protection over David is absolute, ensuring that His chosen king will not be thwarted by human malice. This passage underscores the truth that God is the ultimate deliverer for those who trust in Him, even when facing seemingly insurmountable threats. It also serves as a stark warning against the destructive nature of unchecked envy and bitterness, which can consume an individual and lead to profound spiritual and moral decay.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "God as My Rock and Fortress")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")
* [Proverbs 14:30](/proverbs/14-30 "Envy rots the bones.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David's miraculous escape from Saul's javelin offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by hostility, injustice, and unexpected threats, this passage reminds us that our ultimate security rests not in our own abilities or circumstances, but in the unfailing protection of a sovereign God. Like David, we may face situations where human malice or unforeseen dangers threaten our well-being or even our lives. Yet, David's calm presence and swift evasion, undergirded by divine favor, teach us to remain alert, trust in God's provision, and not retaliate in kind. Furthermore, Saul's tragic example serves as a powerful cautionary tale against the corrosive power of envy. Unchecked jealousy can consume the soul, distort perception, and lead to destructive actions, ultimately isolating one from God and others. We are called to guard our hearts against such bitterness, cultivating contentment and celebrating the successes of others, knowing that true peace comes from aligning our will with God's.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's response to Saul's aggression (evading rather than retaliating) inform our approach to those who seek to harm us?**
* **In what areas of your life might unchecked jealousy or bitterness be taking root, and what steps can you take to address it?**
* **Can you recall a time when you experienced what felt like a "miraculous escape" or divine protection in a difficult situation? How did that strengthen your faith?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign protection over David encourage you when facing seemingly overwhelming challenges today?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul so jealous of David, especially after David's loyalty and success?**

Answer: Saul's jealousy stemmed from a combination of factors. Primarily, it was a spiritual issue: God's Spirit had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit tormented him ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")). This spiritual vulnerability made him susceptible to irrational fears and paranoia. Humanly, Saul was deeply insecure about his kingship, especially after God had rejected him ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). David's immense popularity after defeating Goliath ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "Women Sing of David's Victory")), his military successes, and the favor of the people and God upon him, directly threatened Saul's perceived authority and legacy. Saul saw David not as a loyal servant but as a rival for the throne, leading to a deep-seated, irrational hatred fueled by envy and fear.

**Was David's escape purely accidental, or was it divine intervention?**

Answer: While David's agility and quick reflexes certainly played a part, the narrative strongly implies divine intervention. The repeated instances of David escaping Saul's attempts on his life, often against great odds, point to God's providential hand at work. The phrase "he slipped away" (Hebrew _ḥālāp̄_) suggests a swift, almost supernatural evasion. Given that David was God's anointed successor, it is consistent with biblical theology that God would actively protect him from harm to ensure His divine plan for the kingship of Israel would unfold as intended. This escape is one of many examples demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises and His chosen instruments, as seen throughout David's life, for instance, in [1 Samuel 23:14](/1_samuel/23-14 "Saul Seeks David in the Wilderness") where Saul could not capture David because "God did not give him into his hand."

**What does this incident reveal about Saul's spiritual state?**

Answer: This incident reveals the tragic depth of Saul's spiritual decline and moral decay. His repeated attempts to murder David, despite David's loyalty and his own son Jonathan's pleas, demonstrate a king who has completely lost his moral compass and is no longer acting under divine guidance. The text explicitly states that an "evil spirit from the Lord" came upon Saul ([1 Samuel 19:9](/1_samuel/19-9 "The Evil Spirit Returns to Saul")), indicating that God had withdrawn His Spirit from Saul as a consequence of his disobedience ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")). Saul's actions are characterized by paranoia, irrational rage, and a desperate resistance to God's will, ultimately leading to his own destruction and the loss of his kingdom. He represents a ruler consumed by self-interest rather than God's glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic escape of David from Saul's murderous javelin in 1 Samuel 19:10 serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's experience and ultimate triumph. David, as God's anointed (Messiah), was unjustly persecuted by the reigning authority, King Saul, who sought his life out of envy and fear of losing his throne. Similarly, Jesus, the true Anointed One, was relentlessly pursued and ultimately crucified by the religious and political authorities of His day, who were driven by envy and a desire to maintain their power ([Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Pilate Knew It Was Envy")). Just as David "slipped away" from Saul's javelin, miraculously preserved by God for his future reign, so too did Jesus escape numerous attempts on His life before His appointed time, demonstrating divine protection (e.g., [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "Jesus Hides Himself")). David's suffering and flight were a necessary part of his preparation for kingship, ultimately leading him to the throne. In a far greater way, Christ's suffering, rejection, and death were not the end, but the very means by which He secured His eternal kingdom and ascended to His rightful throne at the right hand of the Father ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). David's escape ensured his earthly reign, but Christ's ultimate "escape" from death through resurrection guarantees His cosmic reign and the salvation of all who believe in Him, fulfilling the promise of a King who would suffer before reigning ([Luke 24:26](/luke/24-26 "Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?")).

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 18:11

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.

1 Samuel 20:33

And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Luke 11:24

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

Luke 11:26

Then goeth he, and taketh [to him] seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first.

John 10:39

¶ Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

1 Samuel 19:6

And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, [As] the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.