Day 27 – 1 Samuel 18:10-16

Scripture Review

1 Samuel 18:10-16

"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 18:10)

This happens "on the morrow." This connects directly to the song of the women. Jealousy did not sit dormant. It moved quickly. The "evil spirit from God" is not God creating evil. It is God permitting judgment. I saw this already mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:14 that the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul.

“He prophesied” here is not presented as faithful preaching or proof of a converted heart. The context remains one of judgment: Saul is still violent and determined to kill David.

I find David doing the same thing he did before, serving, playing the harp to soothe Saul. David is faithful even while Saul is unstable. And there is a javelin in Saul's hand. When jealousy is entertained, it does not stay in the heart. It eventually picks up a weapon.

"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."

(1 Samuel 18:11)

Saul throws the javelin with intent to kill. Notice the internal statement: "I will smite David even to the wall." This was not accidental rage. It was deliberate. And David avoids it. Twice. The word "avoided" implies turning aside, slipping away. God preserved him. David does not retaliate. He does not throw something back. He does not argue. He simply moves out of the way. I heard a preacher once say, "A wise preacher once said that when God has anointed you, no javelin can shorten your appointed time."

"And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul."

(1 Samuel 18:12)

This verse explains a lot. Saul's fear was spiritual awareness. He knew something was different. "The LORD was with him." That phrase has been repeated concerning David. It was not talent. It was not personality. It was the presence of God.

That presence "was departed from Saul." This is the real tragedy. Saul does not fear David's skill. He fears God's favor. Jealousy often hides insecurity about our own spiritual condition.

The question that comes to my mind is, when I see someone walking closely with God, does it inspire me, or does it convict me?

I definitely get convicted.

"Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people."

(1 Samuel 18:13)

Saul distances David. "Removed him" suggests pushing him away. But the funny thing is, in pushing him away Saul promotes him. He makes him captain over a thousand. I imagine this was probably meant to be strategic. Saul was probably hoping David would fall in battle. But God turns it into further exposure and favor.

"Went out and came in" is a Hebrew expression for leadership in warfare. Saul tries to sideline him. God expands him.

This is a reminder to me that when someone intends harm, God can use the situation for positioning.

"And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him."

(1 Samuel 18:14)

This verse is the anchor. David behaved wisely. Not sometimes. Not occasionally. "In all his ways." That consistency stands out. And again we find "the LORD was with him."

Wisdom and divine presence are linked. David did not allow Saul's instability to destabilize him. He showed maturity.

"Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him."

(1 Samuel 18:15)

Saul sees it clearly now. David's wisdom increases. David's favor increases. And Saul's fear increases.

My Bible notes this progression:

Jealousy → Anger → Attempted murder → Fear → Obsession.

It is amazing how sin never regresses but progresses. And the more David prospers, the more Saul trembles. Saul is fighting what God is building, and it is exhausting.

"But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them."

(1 Samuel 18:16)

While Saul grows fearful, the nation grows affectionate. "All Israel and Judah loved David." Why? Because he led them, served them, and went before them.

He did not isolate himself. He did not manipulate the people. He led the only way he knew how, faithfully.

My commentary says that "Leadership that serves earns love." David's influence grows through consistency.

Throughout this verse I see two different spirts at work. Saul's spirit becomes combative. David remains thoughtful. Saul grips a javelin. David grips a harp. Two men moving in opposite directions. Did I say that already? God reminded me several times.