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Translation
King James Version
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)
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.
World English Bible Messianic
Saul sought to pin David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he stuck the spear into the wall. David fled, and escaped that night.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Saul intended to smite Dauid to the wall with the speare: but hee turned aside out of Sauls presence, and he smote the speare against the wall: but Dauid fled, and escaped the same night.
Young's Literal Translation
and Saul seeketh to smite with the javelin through David, and through the wall, and he freeth himself from the presence of Saul, and he smiteth the javelin through the wall; and David hath fled and escapeth during that night.
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 19 verses 8–10
8 ¶ And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.
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.
10 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.
Here I. David continues his good services to his king and country. Though Saul had requited him evil for good, and even his usefulness was the very thing for which Saul envied him, yet he did not therefore retire in sullenness and decline public service. Those that are ill paid for doing good, yet must not be weary of well doing, remembering what a bountiful benefactor our heavenly Father is, even to the froward and unthankful. Notwithstanding the many affronts Saul had given to David, yet we find him, 1. As bold as ever in using his sword for the service of his country, Sa1 19:8. The war broke out again with the Philistines, which gave David occasion again to signalize himself. It was a great deal of bravery that he charged them; and he came off victorious, slaying many and putting the rest to flight. 2. As cheerful as ever in using his harp for the service of the prince. When Saul was disturbed with his former fits of melancholy David played with his hand, Sa1 19:9. He might have pleaded that this was a piece of service now below him; but a humble man will think nothing below him by which he may do good. He might have objected the danger he was in the last time he performed this service for Saul, Sa1 18:10. But he had learned to render good for evil, and to trust God with his safety in the way of his duty. See how David was affected when his enemy was sick (Psa 35:13, Psa 35:14), which perhaps refers to Saul's sickness.
II. Saul continues his malice against David. He that but the other day had sworn by his Maker that David should not be slain now endeavors to slay him himself. So implacable, so incurable, is the enmity of the serpent against that of the woman, so deceitful and desperately wicked is the heart of man without the grace of God, Jer 17:9. The fresh honours David had won in this last war with the Philistines, instead of extinguishing Saul's ill-will to him, and confirming his reconciliation, revived his envy and exasperated him yet more. And, when he indulged this wicked passion, no marvel that the evil spirit came upon him (Sa1 19:9), for when we let the sun go down upon our wrath we give place to the devil (Eph 4:26, Eph 4:27), we make room for him and invite him. Discomposures of mind, though helped forward by the agency of Satan, commonly owe their origin to men's own sins and follies. Saul's fear and jealousy made him a torment to himself, so that he could not sit in his house without a javelin in his hand, pretending it was for his preservation, but designing it for David's destruction; for he endeavored to nail him to the wall, running at him so violently that he struck the javelin into the wall (Sa1 19:10), so strong was the devil in him, so strong his own rage and passion. Perhaps he thought that, if he killed David now, he would be excusable before God and man, as being non compos mentis - not in his right mind, and that it would be imputed to his distraction. But God cannot be deceived by pretences, whatever men may be.
III. God continues his care of David and still watches over him for good. Saul missed his blow. David was too quick for him and fled, and by a kind providence escaped that night. To these preservations, among others, David often refers in his Psalms, when he speaks of God's being his shield and buckler, his rock and fortress, and delivering his soul from death.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–10. Public domain.
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Gregory of NyssaAD 395
ON THE INSCRIPTIONS OF THE PSALMS 2.16.269-70
Now it is certainly obvious what the sequence is looking to through the figures of the story. The one of David is predicted by means of David, and the one who was anointed signifies the Christ. And the lyre is a human instrument, but the song which comes from it is the Word which has been made manifest to us through the one who was made flesh, whose work is to destroy the derangement that comes from demons so that “the gods of the nations” may no longer be “demons.”That king, however, who had the demons in himself, when the spirits withdrew at the song of him who adapted his instrument to this purpose, smote him with his spear (now a spear is wood which has been equipped with iron), but the wall received the spear instead of him. And we think that the wall is the earthly building, by which we understand the body, in relation to which we see the wood of the cross and the iron. But that David, who is both Christ and king, is without suffering. For the deity does not experience the cross and the nails.
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON ROMANS 28
As also, on the other hand, if we have no works, the Spirit flies away. But if we are deserted by the Spirit, we shall also halt in our works. For when this has gone, the unclean one comes. This is plain from Saul. For what if he does not choke us as he did him, still he strangles us in some other way by wicked works. We have need then of the harp of David, that we may charm our souls with the divine songs, both these, and those from good actions. Since if we do the one only, and while we listen to the charm, war with the charmer by our actions, as he did of old, the remedy will even turn to judgment to us, and the madness become the more furious. For before we heard, the wicked demon was afraid lest we should hear it and recover. But even when after hearing it, we continue the same as we were, this is the very thing to rid him of his fear. Let us sing then the psalm of good deeds, that we may cast out the sin that is worse than the demon.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And Saul attempted to pin David with a spear, etc. The Jews attempted to kill entirely in the flesh of Christ, who is God both soul and flesh. But he, commending his spirit into the hands of the Father, bowed his head and gave it up. Yet the wound of death touched the body alone; he fled the body, and his soul was saved from the sword, and his soul was saved from the hand of the dog (Psalm 21), by the darkness of their own treachery, with the executioners lowered.
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 19:10 powerfully narrates King Saul's second desperate attempt to murder David, fueled by an intensifying jealousy and the oppressive influence of an evil spirit. As David ministered to the king through music, Saul violently hurled a javelin, aiming to pin David fatally to the wall. Yet, through a swift and providential evasion, David narrowly escaped the deadly projectile, which instead struck the wall. This dramatic incident not only highlights the depth of Saul's irrational malice but also marks a critical turning point, forcing David into a prolonged period of flight and revealing God's unwavering, sovereign protection over His anointed servant amidst escalating royal animosity.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within the unfolding tragedy of King Saul's reign and the providential ascent of David, God's chosen successor. It immediately follows a brief, fragile period of reconciliation between Saul and David, orchestrated by Jonathan's heartfelt intercession in 1 Samuel 19:1-7. Despite Saul's solemn oath not to harm David, his volatile nature, exacerbated by the return of an "evil spirit from the Lord" as noted in 1 Samuel 19:9, quickly resurfaces. This javelin attack is a chilling echo of an earlier, similar attempt by Saul to kill David, recorded in 1 Samuel 18:10-11, underscoring the cyclical, escalating, and deeply rooted nature of Saul's destructive jealousy. David's narrow escape in this verse directly precipitates his immediate flight from Saul's court, initiating a prolonged and arduous period of exile, testing, and dependence on God that spans many subsequent chapters, beginning with the detailed account in 1 Samuel 20.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern world, the king held immense, often absolute, authority, and his word was law. The javelin or spear was a common and potent weapon, frequently associated with royal power and military leadership, making Saul's use of it a direct, personal, and highly symbolic act of royal authority perverted into attempted murder. The biblical narrative's mention of an "evil spirit from the Lord" reflects the ancient Israelite theological understanding that all events, whether perceived as good or bad, ultimately occurred within the framework of God's sovereign will, even if mediated by spiritual forces. This does not imply divine malevolence but rather God's permission or dispatch of such spirits for His purposes, often as judgment or to fulfill His divine plan, as seen in 1 Kings 22:23. David's role as a harpist was a common fixture in royal courts, providing solace, entertainment, and even spiritual relief, but it also placed him in dangerously close proximity to the king. The specific intent to "smite David even to the wall" signifies a desire for a swift, decisive, and inescapable kill, characteristic of a king's unbridled rage and determination to eliminate a perceived threat.
Key Themes: This pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 19:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Saul's Destructive Jealousy and Rejection of God's Will. His repeated, murderous attempts on David's life, despite clear divine favor upon David and the earnest intercession of his own son Jonathan, vividly demonstrate his tragic spiritual decline and his stubborn refusal to accept God's sovereign choice for the kingship, a theme firmly established earlier in 1 Samuel 15. Secondly, the verse highlights Divine Protection and Providence. David's miraculous escape from such a sudden, close-range, and deadly attack is not attributed solely to his own agility but implicitly to God's watchful and active care over His anointed. This foreshadows the numerous instances of God delivering David from Saul's relentless pursuit throughout his years as a fugitive, such as in 1 Samuel 23:14. Thirdly, this incident marks the Beginning of David's Training for Kingship through Suffering. His forced flight from Saul's presence initiates a prolonged period of intense hardship, testing, and profound dependence on God. This crucible of adversity ultimately refines David's character, deepens his faith, and prepares him for his future role as Israel's greatest king, echoing the biblical principle that God often prepares His chosen leaders through trials and tribulations, as exemplified in the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Foreshadowing is prominently evident, as this incident serves as a crucial catalyst, setting the stage for David's prolonged period of flight, persecution, and exile by Saul, which will dominate the subsequent narratives of 1 Samuel. There is a profound Irony in the king, who is divinely appointed to protect his people and uphold justice, attempting to murder his most loyal, successful, and God-favored servant. This act fundamentally subverts the very notion of righteous kingship and highlights Saul's tragic moral decay. The Symbolism of the javelin is also significant; it represents Saul's kingship, power, and military might, now perverted and turned into an instrument of unrighteous violence. Its failure to strike David and its subsequent impact into the wall powerfully symbolizes the futility of Saul's efforts against God's sovereign plan and the divine protection over David. Furthermore, David's swift and successful evasion, 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 and deadly odds.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident profoundly illustrates the irreconcilable clash between human will, driven by sin and pride, and God's sovereign, unyielding purpose. Saul's escalating jealousy and murderous intent represent the ultimate futility of resisting God's divine plan for the future of His people. Despite Saul's kingly power, military prowess, and unwavering determination, God's protective hand over David is absolute, ensuring that His chosen king will not be thwarted by human malice or political machinations. This passage powerfully underscores the truth that God is the ultimate Deliverer for those who trust in Him, even when facing seemingly insurmountable threats and dangers. It also serves as a stark and sobering warning against the destructive and corrosive nature of unchecked envy, bitterness, and spiritual rebellion, which can consume an individual, distort their perception, and ultimately lead to profound spiritual and moral decay, isolating them from both God and others.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic narrative of David's miraculous escape from Saul's javelin offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by hostility, injustice, unexpected threats, and spiritual warfare, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate security and peace rest not in our own abilities, resources, or favorable circumstances, but in the unfailing, sovereign protection of an all-powerful God. Like David, we may encounter situations where human malice, unforeseen dangers, or spiritual attacks threaten our well-being, our reputation, or even our lives. Yet, David's calm presence, quick reflexes, and providential evasion, clearly undergirded by divine favor, teach us to remain alert, to trust implicitly in God's provision, and to resist the urge to retaliate in kind. Furthermore, Saul's tragic example stands as a potent cautionary tale against the corrosive and soul-destroying power of envy. Unchecked jealousy can consume the soul, distort perception, breed paranoia, and lead to profoundly destructive actions, ultimately isolating one from God's blessing and from healthy relationships. We are called to diligently guard our hearts against such bitterness, cultivating contentment, gratitude, and celebrating the successes and gifts of others, knowing that true peace and fulfillment come from humbly aligning our will with God's perfect plan.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Saul so jealous of David, especially after David's loyalty and success?
Answer: Saul's intense jealousy stemmed from a complex interplay of spiritual and human factors. Primarily, it was a spiritual issue: God's Spirit had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit tormented him, as explicitly stated in 1 Samuel 16:14. This spiritual vulnerability made him susceptible to irrational fears, paranoia, and a deep-seated insecurity. Humanly, Saul was deeply insecure about his kingship, especially after God had unequivocally rejected him as king due to his disobedience, as recorded in 1 Samuel 15:23. David's immense popularity after defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 18:7), his consistent military successes, and the visible favor of both the people and God upon him, directly threatened Saul's perceived authority, legacy, and self-worth. Saul began to see David not as a loyal servant but as a divinely favored rival for the throne, leading to a profound, irrational hatred fueled by envy and fear that consumed him.
Was David's escape purely accidental, or was it divine intervention?
Answer: While David's agility and quick reflexes undoubtedly played a part in his evasion, the biblical narrative strongly implies divine intervention and providential protection. The repeated instances of David escaping Saul's numerous attempts on his life, often against seemingly insurmountable odds and in highly perilous situations, consistently point to God's active, providential hand at work. The Hebrew verb for "slipped away" (pâṭar) suggests a swift, almost supernatural evasion, hinting at more than mere human dexterity. Given that David was God's anointed successor, it is entirely consistent with biblical theology that God would actively protect him from harm to ensure His divine plan for the kingship of Israel would unfold precisely as intended. This escape is one of many examples demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His chosen instruments, as seen throughout David's life, for instance, in 1 Samuel 23:14 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 tragically reveals the profound depth of Saul's spiritual decline and moral decay. His repeated, murderous attempts on David's life, despite David's unwavering loyalty, his own son Jonathan's heartfelt pleas, and the clear evidence of God's favor on David, 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), indicating that God had withdrawn His Spirit from Saul as a direct consequence of his persistent disobedience and rebellion (1 Samuel 16:14). Saul's actions are characterized by intense paranoia, irrational rage, a desperate clinging to power, and a stubborn resistance to God's sovereign will. Ultimately, his spiritual state is one of profound rebellion and self-destruction, leading to the loss of his kingdom and his own tragic end. He represents a ruler consumed by self-interest and pride rather than devoted to God's glory and the welfare of His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic escape of David from Saul's murderous javelin in 1 Samuel 19:10 serves as a profound and multi-layered foreshadowing of Christ's experience and ultimate triumph. David, as God's anointed king (Messiah), was unjustly persecuted and relentlessly pursued by the reigning authority, King Saul, who sought his life out of envy, fear of losing his throne, and a deep spiritual rebellion. In a far greater and more cosmic sense, Jesus, the true Anointed One and King of kings, was likewise relentlessly pursued, rejected, and ultimately crucified by the religious and political authorities of His day, who were driven by envy, a desire to maintain their power, and a profound misunderstanding of God's kingdom (Matthew 27:18). Just as David "slipped away" from Saul's deadly javelin, miraculously preserved by God for his future reign, so too did Jesus miraculously escape numerous attempts on His life before His divinely appointed time, demonstrating absolute divine protection (e.g., John 8:59). David's suffering, rejection, and period of flight were a necessary part of his preparation for kingship, ultimately leading him to the throne of Israel. In a far more profound and salvific way, Christ's suffering, rejection, and sacrificial 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). David's escape ensured his earthly reign, but Christ's ultimate "escape" from death through His glorious resurrection guarantees His cosmic, eternal reign and the salvation of all who believe in Him, fulfilling the ancient promise of a Suffering Servant who would first endure rejection before entering into His glory as King (Luke 24:26).