1 Samuel 19:10
And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even in this dramatic moment of attempted murder, notice how the text focuses on David's skillful evasion, showing God's hand at work not just in his escape, but in his very ability to get away. This wasn't just luck; it was David's quick thinking and God's enabling grace allowing him to slip right through Saul's deadly grasp.
Saul, consumed by jealousy and fear of David's popularity, attempts to murder him with his own spear in a fit of rage. David narrowly escapes this assassination attempt, and this event marks the beginning of his desperate flight from Saul's relentless pursuit, forcing him into hiding and a life on the run.
Ever felt like someone powerful is out to get you? King Saul, filled with jealousy, literally tried to kill David with a spear. Yet, David survived.
This passage shows us that even when those in authority, or people we should be able to trust, become our enemies, God can and does protect us. Saul's attempt was deadly, but David's ability to 'elude' him speaks of divine intervention.
King Saul's actions weren't just impulsive; they were rooted in a destructive emotion. His jealousy blinded him to the point of murder.
This event is a stark reminder of how jealousy can corrupt even a king. Saul's insecurity about his own status led him to try and eliminate David, the very man God had chosen and empowered.
Understand the original words
shamet · Hebrew Verb
The act of escaping or physically avoiding a trap or impending harm. In a spiritual sense, it often highlights God's providential care in protecting His chosen servant from the wrath of the wicked.
This event highlights the intense personal danger David faced due to King Saul's escalating paranoia and murderous jealousy, forcing David into a period of desperate flight and hiding.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel, God's prophet, anoints Saul of the tribe of Benjamin as the first king of Israel, marking a significant shift from a period of judges to monarchy.
c. 1065 BC
David Anointed Secretly
While Saul is king, the prophet Samuel secretly anoints young David, a shepherd from Bethlehem, as the future king of Israel, setting the stage for future conflict.
c. 1060 BC
David Slays Goliath
David, as a youth, courageously defeats the Philistine giant Goliath in single combat, earning widespread fame and the admiration of the people, but also the jealousy of King Saul.
c. 1055 BC
Saul's Jealousy Grows
Following David's military successes and the people's praise, Saul's envy intensifies. He sees David as a threat to his throne and begins plotting against him.
c. 1054 BC
This psalm is directly linked to this event in its title, showing David's desperate prayer for deliverance from Saul's murderous intent.
1 Samuel 18:10-11This passage describes a previous, similar attempt by Saul to kill David with a spear, highlighting a pattern of jealousy and violence.
John 15:18-25Jesus speaks of the world's hatred towards His followers, just as they hated Him without cause, which echoes Saul's irrational hatred towards David.
Psalm 3:7David's triumphant declaration to rise against his enemies reflects the hope and faith that sustained him through dangerous moments like this one.
Even in this dramatic moment of attempted murder, notice how the text focuses on David's skillful evasion, showing God's hand at work not just in his escape, but in his very ability to get away. This wasn't just luck; it was David's quick thinking and God's enabling grace allowing him to slip right through Saul's deadly grasp.
Saul, consumed by jealousy and fear of David's popularity, attempts to murder him with his own spear in a fit of rage. David narrowly escapes this assassination attempt, and this event marks the beginning of his desperate flight from Saul's relentless pursuit, forcing him into hiding and a life on the run.
Saul, consumed by jealousy and fear of David's popularity, attempts to murder him with his own spear in a fit of rage. David narrowly escapes this assassination attempt, and this event marks the beginning of his desperate flight from Saul's relentless pursuit, forcing him into hiding and a life on the run.
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Saul Attempts to Kill David
King Saul makes a direct, violent attempt on David's life during a royal gathering by trying to spear him. David narrowly escapes this assassination attempt.
c. 1053 BC
David Flees and Hides
After multiple assassination attempts by Saul, David is forced to flee for his life, living as a fugitive in the wilderness and seeking refuge in various places, including Philistine territory.
"And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night." — Even in this dramatic moment of attempted murder, notice how the text focuses on David's skillful evasion, showing God's hand at work not just in his escape, but in his very ability to get away. Th…
