1 Samuel 18:11
And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Saul's motive wasn't just anger; it was a calculated attempt to publicly humiliate and "pin" David, essentially trapping him. David's evasion isn't just quickness; it's a clear, repeated demonstration of God's protection even when directly and violently targeted.
This moment happens shortly after David has slain Goliath, earning immense popularity and praise from the people, which sparks intense jealousy and fear in King Saul. The verses leading up to this show Saul trying to appease David with promotions, but his fear and envy escalate, leading him to attempt a direct, violent attack on David in his own house. This incident marks the beginning of Saul's violent pursuit of David, setting the stage for David's years on the run.
Envy can twist even a king's heart into a violent rage. What happens when success, not our own, becomes the trigger for our anger?
Saul's action here is a stark picture of how envy corrodes the soul. It doesn't just make us unhappy; it makes us dangerous.
A King's Descent
Saul was the first king of Israel, chosen by God. But as David's popularity grew, so did Saul's insecurity and jealousy. Instead of celebrating David's victories and God's favor on him, Saul saw David as a threat.
The Impulse to Destroy
His thought – "I will pin David to the wall" – reveals a raw, violent impulse. Envy wants to neutralize, to destroy, to eliminate the source of its own discomfort and perceived shame. It bypasses reason and aims for harm.
When the world tries to attack you, does God have your back? See how even a king's deadly intent is no match for God's watchful care.
This moment isn't just about Saul's evil; it's about God's powerful, quiet protection of David.
Evading the Spear
'But David evaded him twice.' This isn't just a description of David's agility; it's a testament to God's intervention. Twice, a deadly spear intended to end David's life missed its mark.
God's Sovereign Hand
Even when rulers or circumstances conspire against God's chosen, His hand can preserve them. David was destined for the throne, and Saul's envy couldn't alter God's plan. This shows that our safety and our ultimate purpose are held securely in God's hands, not subject to the whims of hostile people.
Understand the original words
ṭûl · Hebrew Verb
In a biblical context, this term often describes a violent, impulsive act of malice or aggression, frequently used to express an intent to harm or kill.
ḥănît · Hebrew Noun
A sharp weapon used for thrusting or throwing; symbolically, it can represent threats, persecution, or the sudden violence of an enemy.
This moment captures the terrifying turning point where Saul's consuming jealousy, stoked by David's popularity, leads him to attempt murder, setting David on a long path of fugitive survival.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a significant shift from a system of judges to monarchy.
c. 1050 BC
David Slays Goliath
A young shepherd named David defeats the Philistine giant Goliath, becoming an instant hero and a symbol of hope for Israel.
c. 1050 BC
David Joins Saul's Court
Following his victory, David is brought into Saul's service, playing the lyre to soothe the troubled king and leading troops in battle.
c. 1050 BC— this verse
Saul's Jealousy Ignites
The people's songs celebrating David's victories over Saul's enemies ('Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands') fuel Saul's growing envy and paranoia.
c. 1050 BC
This passage shows Saul's violent obsession continuing, as he again tries to kill David with a spear while David is present, demonstrating the persistent danger David faced from the king.
Psalm 11:1-2This Psalm reflects David's cry to God for help when surrounded by enemies who try to ensnare him, mirroring the life-threatening situations Saul created for him.
1 Samuel 20:33Here, Saul's rage boils over into an attempt to kill his own son, Jonathan, simply for defending David, highlighting the destructive and irrational nature of Saul's murderous intent.
Matthew 5:25Jesus’ teaching here about settling disputes quickly before you end up in court, and potentially in prison, echoes the constant need for vigilance and escape that David experienced with Saul.
Saul's motive wasn't just anger; it was a calculated attempt to publicly humiliate and "pin" David, essentially trapping him. David's evasion isn't just quickness; it's a clear, repeated demonstration of God's protection even when directly and violently targeted.
This moment happens shortly after David has slain Goliath, earning immense popularity and praise from the people, which sparks intense jealousy and fear in King Saul. The verses leading up to this show Saul trying to appease David with promotions, but his fear and envy escalate, leading him to attempt a direct, violent attack on David in his own house. This incident marks the beginning of Saul's violent pursuit of David, setting the stage for David's years on the run.
This moment happens shortly after David has slain Goliath, earning immense popularity and praise from the people, which sparks intense jealousy and fear in King Saul. The verses leading up to this show Saul trying to appease David with promotions, but his fear and envy escalate, leading him to attempt a direct, violent attack on David in his own house. This incident marks the beginning of Saul's violent pursuit of David, setting the stage for David's years on the run.
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David Flees from Saul
Realizing his life is in danger due to Saul's murderous intent, David begins a period of exile and evasion, living as a fugitive.
c. 1040 BC
David Spares Saul's Life
Twice during his flight, David has opportunities to kill Saul but refuses, showing respect for God's anointed king, even in Saul's fallen state.
"And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice." — Saul's motive wasn't just anger; it was a calculated attempt to publicly humiliate and "pin" David, essentially trapping him. David's evasion isn't just quickness; it's a clear, repeated demonstratio…
