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In the KJVVerse 7,686 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
Therefore Saul did not look with right eyes at David, etc. The Jewish people did not accept the words of the Gospel with right understanding, from the time when inflamed with fires of envy, they began to hate its teachers or hearers, fearing namely that their law's glory being diminished, its fame and faith would rather reign throughout the world.
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 18:9 marks a chilling and pivotal moment in the narrative of King Saul and David, signifying the dramatic shift from Saul's initial favor toward David to a deep-seated, permanent animosity. Following David's monumental victory over Goliath and the subsequent public adoration expressed through the women's celebratory song, Saul's heart, already troubled and insecure, became consumed by intense jealousy and envy. This verse encapsulates the immediate and lasting consequence of that envy, portraying Saul's fixed, malevolent gaze upon David, which initiated a prolonged period of persecution and set the stage for Saul's tragic decline and David's eventual ascent to the throne.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. Foreshadowing is prominent, as Saul's fixed, hostile gaze immediately signals the impending conflict and relentless persecution that will dominate the narrative for chapters to come, ultimately leading to Saul's tragic downfall. There is a profound Irony at play: the very victory David secured for Saul and Israel becomes the catalyst for Saul's destruction, as his insecurity and envy turn against the one who saved his kingdom. The "eye" itself functions as Symbolism, representing not just physical sight but the internal state of the soul—Saul's corrupted heart, consumed by jealousy and malice. This symbolic gaze is a powerful visual metaphor for his fixed, malevolent intent. Finally, the verse contributes to the Pathos of Saul's character, illustrating his tragic decline from a divinely appointed king to a man consumed by envy, setting him on a self-destructive course.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Saul's "eyeing" of David serves as a profound theological warning about the destructive power of sin, particularly the insidious nature of jealousy and envy. Saul's inability to rejoice in David's success stemmed from his own insecurity, his loss of God's favor, and his human desire to cling to power rather than submit to God's sovereign plan. This highlights the danger of allowing bitterness and resentment to take root in the heart, as they inevitably lead to destructive actions and spiritual decline. The contrast between Saul's human-centered fear and David's God-centered trust is stark, underscoring the biblical principle that true security and blessing come from aligning one's heart with God's will, not from human achievement or position.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's "eyeing" of David is a stark mirror for us to examine the condition of our own hearts. It compels us to confront the reality of jealousy and envy, emotions that, if unchecked, can corrupt our relationships, distort our perception of others, and lead us away from God's path. We are called to cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude, genuinely celebrating the successes and blessings of others, rather than allowing comparison and insecurity to breed resentment. This verse challenges us to trust in God's sovereign plan for our lives, recognizing that His favor is not a finite resource to be competed for, but an abundant grace freely given. True spiritual maturity involves rejoicing with those who rejoice and guarding our hearts against the corrosive power of envy, choosing instead to walk in love and contentment, knowing that our identity and worth are found not in human praise or position, but in our secure relationship with God through Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Saul so threatened by David, despite David's loyalty and service?
Answer: Saul was deeply threatened by David for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, he was already insecure and troubled, having been rejected by God as king due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:28). This rejection left him vulnerable to fear and paranoia. Secondly, David's immense popularity, especially after slaying Goliath, was seen as a direct challenge to Saul's authority. The women's song, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7), explicitly elevated David above Saul in the public eye, fueling Saul's envy (1 Samuel 18:8). Saul's fear was not just of losing his throne, but of losing his legacy and honor, especially when he perceived God's favor shifting from himself to David (1 Samuel 16:7).
What does "eyed David" truly imply beyond a simple look?
Answer: The phrase "eyed David" (from the Hebrew verb עָוַן, ʻâvan) implies a much deeper and more sinister meaning than mere observation. It signifies a sustained, hostile, and malevolent gaze. This is not a look of admiration or even curiosity, but one of suspicion, resentment, and ill intent. It suggests that Saul was constantly scrutinizing David, looking for any flaw or opportunity to justify harm or removal. In biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts, such a "fixed eye" often conveyed deep-seated malice, envy, and even the plotting of evil. It indicates a heart consumed by jealousy, where the outward gaze reflects an inward desire to harm or destroy the object of one's envy.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Saul's "eyeing" of David, driven by envy and a fear of losing his earthly throne, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human kingship and the reign of God's Anointed One. David, the "man after God's own heart," foreshadows Christ, the true and eternal King, whose kingdom is not of this world and whose reign is marked by humility, sacrifice, and perfect love, rather than insecurity and jealousy. While Saul "eyed" David with hostility, seeking to destroy him out of fear and envy, God "eyed" humanity with boundless love and compassion, sending His Son, Jesus, not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Philippians 2:5-8). Jesus, the Lamb of God, was similarly "eyed" with hostility by the religious and political leaders of His day, who, like Saul, were consumed by envy and a fear of losing their power and influence (Matthew 27:18). Yet, unlike Saul's destructive gaze, Christ's gaze is one of perfect understanding and redemptive love, even towards His enemies. He did not cling to power but willingly laid down His life, thereby establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken, where true authority is found in humble service and self-giving love, fulfilling the ultimate promise of a King who would reign in righteousness forever (Hebrews 4:15).