1 Samuel 19:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the evil {H7451} spirit {H7307} from the LORD {H3068} was upon Saul {H7586}, as he sat {H3427} in his house {H1004} with his javelin {H2595} in his hand {H3027}: and David {H1732} played {H5059} with his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then an evil spirit from ADONAI came upon Sha'ul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. David was playing his lyre,

Berean Standard Bible

But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp,

American Standard Version

And an evil spirit from Jehovah was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and David was playing with his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 19:9 vividly portrays a moment of escalating tension and danger in the relationship between King Saul and David. As David faithfully served by playing his harp to soothe the king, Saul, consumed by a tormenting spirit permitted by the Lord and fueled by intense jealousy, once again attempted to murder David by hurling a javelin. This incident underscores Saul's deteriorating mental and spiritual state, his deep-seated animosity towards David, and David's perilous position within the royal court.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical phase of Saul's reign, marked by his rejection by God and the subsequent anointing of David. It immediately follows a similar, earlier attempt on David's life by Saul with a javelin in [1 Samuel 18:10-11](/1_samuel/18-10 "1 Samuel 18:10-11 - Saul's First Javelin Attempt"). The repetition of this murderous act emphasizes the escalating nature of Saul's madness and his unwavering desire to eliminate David. This particular incident serves as a direct precursor to David's eventual flight from Saul's court, initiating a prolonged period of pursuit and exile that dominates the subsequent chapters of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of David and Fall of Saul"). It highlights the profound spiritual and political conflict at the heart of the narrative: the divinely appointed successor being persecuted by the rejected king.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, kingship was understood as a divinely sanctioned office, yet Saul's disobedience led to God's withdrawal of His blessing and the allowance of a "distressing spirit" (often translated "evil spirit") to torment him, as first mentioned in [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Evil Spirit from the Lord Afflicts Saul"). This was not a demonic spirit sent by God to do evil, but rather a spirit of distress or agitation that God permitted as a consequence of Saul's rebellion and as a form of divine judgment, stripping him of peace and stability. Music, specifically the harp, was a recognized therapeutic tool in ancient courts, believed to calm troubled minds, which explains David's initial role. The javelin (`chanith`) was a common military weapon, often carried by kings as a symbol of their authority and power. That Saul wields it in a fit of rage against his loyal servant tragically symbolizes his corrupted kingship and the perversion of his divinely granted authority.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** is evident in the phrase "the evil spirit from the LORD," underscoring God's ultimate control over all forces, even those that bring affliction, as a means of divine discipline or judgment against Saul's persistent disobedience (cf. [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience")). Secondly, the **Destructive Power of Unchecked Sin, particularly Jealousy and Paranoia**, is starkly displayed in Saul's descent into irrational, murderous rage. His envy of David's success and popularity (as seen in [1 Samuel 18:7-9](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7-9 - Women Sing of David's Victories")) transformed into a consuming madness, leading him to repeatedly attempt murder. Thirdly, **David's Faithfulness and Trust in God Amidst Persecution** is a prominent theme. Despite the clear and present danger, David continued to serve Saul, playing music in an attempt to alleviate the king's distress. This demonstrates David's steadfast character, his anointing by God (cf. [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")), and his implicit trust in God's protection, even when facing mortal threats from his own sovereign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil spirit (Hebrew, _ruach ra'ah'_):** This phrase, "ruach ra'ah me'eth Yahweh" (spirit of evil from the LORD), is crucial. It does not imply that God creates or is the author of evil in a moral sense. Rather, in the Old Testament worldview, God is sovereign over all things, including the spiritual realm. This "evil spirit" is better understood as a "distressing," "tormenting," or "calamitous" spirit, permitted or sent by God as a form of judgment or discipline upon Saul for his disobedience and rebellion against divine commands. It stripped Saul of his peace and stability, making him volatile and paranoid, thus serving God's purpose in removing him from the throne.
* **Javelin (Hebrew, _chanith'_):** The `chanith` was a heavy spear or javelin, often associated with military leaders and kings, symbolizing their authority and power. In Saul's hand, it becomes a terrifying instrument of his personal rage and a perversion of his royal power. The fact that he held it "in his hand" while sitting in his "house" suggests a constant state of readiness for violence, indicating his deep-seated paranoia and murderous intent towards David.
* **Played with his hand (Hebrew, _menāgēn b'yado'_):** The verb `menāgēn` describes David's action of playing a stringed instrument, likely a lyre or harp, with his hand. This highlights David's role as a musician, brought in to calm Saul's tormented spirit. The phrase emphasizes David's vulnerability and innocence in the face of Saul's aggression; he is engaged in an act of service and worship, not aggression, when he is attacked. It also subtly underscores David's reliance on his skill and God's protection, as his only "weapon" is his music.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul,"**: This clause reiterates the divine judgment upon Saul, emphasizing that his erratic and violent behavior is not merely a psychological affliction but a spiritual consequence of his rebellion against God. The spirit's presence signifies God's active disfavor and the withdrawal of the peace and stability that comes from His presence.
* **"as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand:"**: This paints a vivid picture of Saul's paranoia and readiness for violence. His "house" should be a place of security, but for David, it has become a place of extreme danger. The javelin, a symbol of royal authority, is now clutched in his hand, ready to be used against his loyal servant, demonstrating the king's distorted state and the perversion of his power.
* **"and David played with [his] hand."**: This final clause starkly contrasts David's peaceful, worshipful act with Saul's murderous intent. David, innocently performing his duty to soothe the king, is completely vulnerable. This highlights David's unwavering faithfulness and trust in God, even when facing mortal danger from the very person he is serving.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. **Irony** is prominent: David, brought in to soothe Saul with music, becomes the target of his violent rage. The very act meant to bring peace incites a murderous attack. There is also a strong sense of **foreshadowing**, as this repeated attempt on David's life by Saul hints at the prolonged period of persecution David will endure, ultimately leading to Saul's downfall and David's ascension to the throne. **Contrast** is effectively used to highlight the spiritual and moral chasm between the two men: Saul, consumed by a spirit of distress and murderous jealousy, versus David, faithful, innocent, and relying on God's protection. The **symbolism** of the javelin is also significant; it represents Saul's corrupted royal authority, turned from an instrument of justice or defense into a weapon of personal malice and irrational hatred.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident profoundly illustrates the consequences of rejecting divine authority and succumbing to sin. Saul's unchecked jealousy and paranoia, stemming from his initial disobedience, transformed him into a tormented and murderous individual, demonstrating how sin, when nurtured, can lead to spiritual and psychological decay. The presence of "the evil spirit from the LORD" underscores God's active sovereignty, even over the forces of affliction, using them as instruments of judgment or to advance His divine purposes. It also highlights the stark contrast between human kingship, prone to corruption and self-interest, and God's perfect plan for leadership. David's continued faithfulness and vulnerability in the face of such danger point to God's protection of His chosen, even amidst severe trials, and foreshadow the path of the true King who would suffer innocently.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")
* [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Evil Spirit from the Lord Afflicts Saul")
* [1 Samuel 18:11](/1_samuel/18-11 "1 Samuel 18:11 - Saul's First Javelin Attempt on David's Life")
* [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Samuel 19:9 serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of unchecked sin, particularly jealousy, bitterness, and a refusal to submit to God's will. Saul's tragic descent illustrates how these internal poisons can consume an individual, leading to irrational behavior, violence, and profound inner torment. For us today, it is a call to vigilant self-examination and prompt repentance, to address the roots of sin before they manifest in destructive actions and relationships. Furthermore, David's response—continuing to serve faithfully despite mortal danger—offers a powerful example of trust in divine protection and perseverance in the face of hostility. It reminds us that even when facing unjust opposition or volatile environments, our ultimate security rests in God's sovereign hand, and our call is to maintain integrity and faithfulness, trusting Him to deliver or sustain us according to His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might unchecked jealousy or bitterness manifest in my own life or relationships, and how can I address these destructive emotions biblically?**
* **How does David's faithfulness in the face of Saul's hostility challenge my own responses to difficult or dangerous situations, particularly when dealing with authority figures?**
* **What does the concept of "the evil spirit from the LORD" teach me about God's sovereignty, even over affliction and judgment, and how does this shape my understanding of suffering?**

### FAQ
**What does "the evil spirit from the LORD" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "the evil spirit from the LORD" (Hebrew: `ruach ra'ah me'eth Yahweh`) does not imply that God is the source or creator of moral evil. Instead, in the Old Testament, it signifies God's sovereignty over all spiritual forces and His ability to permit or send a spirit of distress, torment, or calamity as a form of divine judgment or discipline. In Saul's case, this spirit was a consequence of his persistent disobedience and rejection of God's commands (as detailed in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). It served to strip Saul of his peace and stability, making him volatile and paranoid, thereby contributing to his eventual downfall and the advancement of God's plan for David's kingship. This concept can be seen elsewhere in scripture where God permits or sends agents of affliction for His purposes, such as the "lying spirit" in [1 Kings 22:23](/1_kings/22-23 "1 Kings 22:23 - A Lying Spirit from the Lord") or the permission given to Satan to test Job in [Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - Satan Permitted to Afflict Job").

**Why did David continue to play for Saul despite the repeated attempts on his life?**

Answer: David's continued service to Saul, even after multiple attempts on his life, speaks volumes about his character, his anointing, and his trust in God. Firstly, David was an anointed servant of the Lord (see [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")), and he likely saw his role in Saul's court as a divine appointment. He was fulfilling his duty as a loyal subject and musician, perhaps hoping to genuinely alleviate Saul's torment. Secondly, David consistently demonstrated a profound trust in God's protection and timing. He knew he was God's chosen king, and he would not take matters into his own hands or prematurely seize the throne. His patient endurance and refusal to retaliate against "the LORD's anointed" (as seen later in [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul's Life")) exemplify his deep reverence for God's sovereignty and his commitment to God's will above his own safety or ambition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Saul's jealous rage and murderous pursuit of David finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the suffering and rejection of Jesus, the true Son of David. Saul, the reigning king, sought to destroy the divinely appointed successor, much as the established religious and political authorities of Israel sought to eliminate Jesus, the rightful King of Israel (see [Matthew 2:1-4](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1-4 - Herod's Fear of the New King")). While Saul's javelin was an instrument of his own corrupted power and sin-fueled madness, it foreshadows the ultimate instrument of human malice and divine purpose: the cross. Jesus, like David, was innocent and faithful, serving God perfectly, yet He was rejected and persecuted by those in power (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant Despised")). Unlike Saul, who was consumed by an evil spirit, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Jesus Has the Spirit Without Limit")), perfectly obedient even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). David's escape from Saul's javelin points to Christ's ultimate victory over death and sin, through which He establishes His eternal kingdom, not through earthly power and violence, but through sacrificial love and resurrection. He is the King who truly brings peace, not through music alone, but through His atoning work, conquering the ultimate "evil spirit" and delivering His people from the torment of sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")).

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 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 18:10

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.

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.