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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 18 - Verse 10

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.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see a significant moment between King Saul and David. Saul, who was chosen by God to be the first King of Israel, had been struggling with jealousy and insecurity due to David's popularity and success. As a result, an evil spirit from God came upon Saul, causing him to act irrationally. Despite this, David remained loyal and continued to play the harp, soothing Saul with his music. However, in a sudden turn of events, Saul's jealousy overcame him, and he attempted to harm David with a javelin. This verse highlights the complex relationship between Saul and David, as well as the internal struggles Saul faced as a leader. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of letting jealousy and insecurity cloud one's judgment and the importance of remaining faithful and steadfast in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse "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" highlights God's sovereignty over all things, even evil spirits. This verse demonstrates the complex relationship between God's control and human choices. Some theologians argue that the evil spirit from God could be seen as a divine judgement on Saul for his disobedience and rejection of God's commands. Others suggest that this event could serve as a test of Saul's character and loyalty to God. In terms of word studies, examining the Hebrew word for "evil spirit" and its connotations in other biblical passages can provide deeper insight into the nature of this supernatural occurrence. Additionally, analyzing the significance of David's presence and role in this situation can shed light on themes of divine protection and favor. Ultimately, this verse invites readers to contemplate the mysterious ways in which God works in the lives of His people, both in times of blessing and trial.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the morrow, that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as he did day by day. And Saul had his spear in his hand;
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