Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 18 - Verse 15

The verse "Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him" from the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible tells the story of David, a shepherd boy who quickly gained favor with King Saul through his courage, humility, and skill in battle. Saul initially welcomed David into his court and even made him a captain in his army. However, as David continued to show his wisdom and ability, Saul became envious and fearful of him. Saul's fear of David eventually led to a deep jealousy that would ultimately drive him to seek David's demise. This verse highlights the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of envy and insecurity. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting jealousy consume one's heart, leading to destructive actions and a loss of trust and loyalty.

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see Saul's reaction to David's wise behavior. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the ongoing struggle between Saul and David, which ultimately leads to Saul's jealousy and fear of David. The word "wisely" in this verse comes from the Hebrew word "sakal," which means to be circumspect, wise, or prudent. This shows that David's actions were not just clever or shrewd, but rooted in wisdom and discernment. Saul's fear of David is a reflection of his own insecurity and recognition of David's growing influence. This verse highlights the contrast between Saul's erratic and impulsive behavior and David's wise and measured actions.