CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 18:10 The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/18-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/09_1Sa_18_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 18:10 - Saul Envies David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/18-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/18-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/18-9.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:9">◄</a> 1 Samuel 18:10 <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18.htm">New International Version</a> The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did each day. But Saul had a spear in his hand, <a href="/esv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a> And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul’s hand. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul&#8217s hand. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul’s hand. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house. Now David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul’s hand. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came forcefully on Saul, and he raved [madly] inside his house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and there was a spear in Saul’s hand. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The next day an evil spirit sent from God came powerfully on Saul, and he began to rave inside the palace. David was playing the lyre as usual, but Saul was holding a spear, <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The next day an evil spirit sent from God took control of Saul, and he began to rave inside the palace. David was playing the lyre as usual, but Saul was holding a spear, <a href="/asv/1_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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; <a href="/cev/1_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The next day the LORD let an evil spirit take control of Saul, and he began acting like a crazy man inside his house. David came to play the harp for Saul as usual, but this time Saul had a spear in his hand. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The next day an evil spirit from God seized Saul. He began to prophesy in his house while David strummed a tune on the lyre as he did every day. Now, Saul had a spear in his hand. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> The next day an evil spirit from God suddenly took control of Saul, and he raved in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did every day, and Saul was holding a spear. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> The next day, while David was playing the lyre as he had before, the evil spirit from the LORD attacked Saul, and he began to rave inside the house with a spear in his hand. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, <a href="/net/1_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a> The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul and he prophesied within his house. Now David was playing the lyre that day. There was a spear in Saul's hand, <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened on the next day, that a harmful spirit from God came mightily on Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house. David played with his hand, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand; <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/1_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a> On the next day, an evil spirit from God came mightily on Saul, and he prophesied in the middle of the house. David played with his hand, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass, on the next day, that the spirit of sadness [from] God prospers over Saul, and he prophesies in the midst of the house, and David is playing with his hand, as [he did] day by day, and the javelin [is] in the hand of Saul, <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass, on the morrow, that the spirit of sadness from God prospereth over Saul, and he prophesieth in the midst of the house, and David is playing with his hand, as day by day, and the javelin is in the hand of Saul, <a href="/slt/1_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be on the morrow, and the evil spirit of God will fall upon Saul, and he will prophesy in the midst of the house: and David playing with his hand as the day to day: and a spear in Saul's hand.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the day after the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of his house. And David played with his hand as at other times. And Saul held a spear in his hand, <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then, on the next day, the evil spirit from God assailed Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of his house. And David played with his hand, just as at every other time. And Saul held a lance in his hand. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a> The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raged in his house. David was in attendance, playing the harp as at other times, while Saul was holding his spear. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass after some days that an evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of his house, and David was playing music in his presence, as at other times; and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was after some days and the evil spirit of God was opened up on Shaul, and he prophesied within his house, and David played before him as every day, and a spear was in the hand of Shaul<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass on the morrow, that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved 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. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/18-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=5323" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Saul Envies David</a> …9And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. 10<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4283.htm" title="4283: mim·mā·ḥo·rāṯ (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- The morrow. Or mochoratham; feminine from the same as machar; the morrow or tomorrow.">The next day</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">a spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">of distress</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">sent from God</a> <a href="/hebrew/6743.htm" title="6743: wat·tiṣ·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To push forward. Or tsaleach; a primitive root; to push forward, in various senses.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">upon</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5012.htm" title="5012: way·yiṯ·nab·bê (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To prophesy. A primitive root; to prophesy, i.e. Speak by inspiration.">and he prophesied</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: ḇə·ṯō·wḵ- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">inside the</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: hab·ba·yiṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">house</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: wə·ḏā·wiḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">while David</a> <a href="/hebrew/5059.htm" title="5059: mə·nag·gên (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to thrum, i.e. Beat a tune with the fingers; expec. To play on a stringed instrument; hence, to make music.">played the harp</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: kə·yō·wm (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bə·yō·wm (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">as usual.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Now Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">was holding</a> <a href="/hebrew/2595.htm" title="2595: wə·ha·ḥă·nîṯ (Conj-w, Art:: N-fs) -- A spear. From chanah; a lance.">a spear,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ- (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> 11and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a> Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him. <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9-10</a> But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. <a href="/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23</a> God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully, <a href="/1_kings/22-22.htm">1 Kings 22:22</a> And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ <a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23</a> And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him. <a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1</a> Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, <a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33</a> Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">1 Samuel 28:15</a> Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.” <a href="/2_kings/3-15.htm">2 Kings 3:15</a> But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha <a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">1 Chronicles 21:1</a> Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7</a> or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. <a href="/luke/22-3.htm">Luke 22:3</a> Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. <a href="/john/13-27.htm">John 13:27</a> And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” <a href="/acts/19-15.htm">Acts 19:15-16</a> But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” / Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. The attack was so violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded. <a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Ephesians 4:26-27</a> “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came on Saul, and he prophesied in the middle of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.the evil spirit<a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14,15</a> But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him… <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9</a> And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.<a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm">1 Samuel 26:19</a> Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.and he prophesied.<a href="/jeremiah/29-26.htm">Jeremiah 29:26,27</a> The LORD hath made thee priest in the stead of Jehoiada the priest, that ye should be officers in the house of the LORD, for every man that is mad, and maketh himself a prophet, that thou shouldest put him in prison, and in the stocks… <a href="/1_samuel/19-24.htm">1 Samuel 19:24</a> And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?<a href="/1_kings/18-29.htm">1 Kings 18:29</a> And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.<a href="/1_kings/22-12.htm">1 Kings 22:12,20-23</a> And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king's hand… played<a href="/1_samuel/16-16.htm">1 Samuel 16:16</a> Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/18-9.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-57.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">Javelin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">Played</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">Playing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-11.htm">Prophesied</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-29.htm">Raved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-19.htm">Rushed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-9.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-9.htm">Times</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-23.htm">Usual</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Javelin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-25.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-25.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Played</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Playing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-20.htm">Prophesied</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-29.htm">Raved</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-17.htm">Rushed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-7.htm">Times</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Usual</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 18</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Jonathan befriends David</a> 5. <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Saul envies his praise</a> 10. <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">seeks to kill him in his fury</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">fears him for his good success</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">offers him his daughters for snare</a> 23. <a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law, </a> 25. <a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry</a> 28. <a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">Saul's hatred and David's glory increase</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The next day This phrase indicates a continuation from the previous events, where David had been gaining favor and success, causing Saul to become increasingly jealous. The timing suggests an immediate consequence of Saul's growing animosity towards David.a spirit of distress sent from God This spirit is understood as a divine judgment upon Saul for his disobedience and rejection as king. It reflects the Old Testament understanding of God's sovereignty over all spirits, both good and evil. This distressing spirit contrasts with the Holy Spirit, who had departed from Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a>). It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commands.came upon Saul The phrase indicates a sudden and overpowering influence, suggesting that Saul was not in control of his actions. This aligns with other instances in Scripture where individuals are overtaken by a spirit, such as the prophets who are moved by the Holy Spirit to speak God's words.and he prophesied inside the house The act of prophesying here is not in the sense of delivering divine messages, but rather an ecstatic, uncontrolled behavior. This is similar to the frenzied state seen in <a href="/1_samuel/10-10.htm">1 Samuel 10:10</a> when Saul first encountered the prophets. The setting "inside the house" suggests a private, possibly domestic environment, contrasting with public prophetic acts.while David played the harp as usual David's role as a musician was to soothe Saul's troubled spirit, a task he had performed since being brought to Saul's court (<a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23</a>). The harp, a common instrument in ancient Israel, was used in worship and to calm the mind. David's consistent service highlights his faithfulness and contrasts with Saul's instability.Now Saul was holding a spear The spear is a symbol of Saul's authority and warrior status, but it also foreshadows his violent intentions towards David. This detail sets the stage for Saul's subsequent attempts to harm David, illustrating the growing tension and danger in their relationship. The spear becomes a recurring motif in Saul's pursuit of David, representing his descent into paranoia and aggression.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is experiencing distress and jealousy, particularly towards David. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> A young shepherd who has been anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel. He is known for his musical skills and bravery, having recently defeated Goliath. 3. <a href="/topical/s/spirit_of_distress.htm">Spirit of Distress</a> A troubling spirit sent by God to Saul, causing him emotional and mental turmoil. This spirit is a divine judgment reflecting Saul's disobedience and rejection by God. 4. <a href="/topical/p/prophesying.htm">Prophesying</a> In this context, it refers to Saul's erratic behavior under the influence of the distressing spirit, not necessarily delivering messages from God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_house.htm">The House</a> Likely refers to Saul's residence or palace where David was serving him by playing the harp to soothe his troubled spirit.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Saul's distressing spirit is a direct result of his disobedience to God. This serves as a warning about the spiritual and emotional consequences of turning away from God's commands. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_music_in_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Role of Music in Spiritual Warfare</a> David's harp playing is a form of ministry to Saul, illustrating how music can be used to calm and bring peace in times of spiritual distress. <a href="/topical/j/jealousy_and_its_dangers.htm">Jealousy and Its Dangers</a> Saul's jealousy towards David leads to irrational behavior and attempts on David's life. This highlights the destructive nature of envy and the importance of guarding our hearts against it. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> The distressing spirit is sent by God, reminding us of His ultimate control over all circumstances, including the discipline of His people. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Discernment</a> Understanding the spiritual dynamics at play in our lives requires discernment, as seen in the interactions between Saul, David, and the distressing spirit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18</a> <a href="/q/1_sam_18_10__how_can_god_send_an_evil_spirit.htm">1 Samuel 18:10: How can an “evil spirit from God” coexist with the belief in a loving deity, and does this contradict other scriptural portrayals of God? </a> <a href="/q/is_david_truly_the_author_of_psalm_140.htm">If Psalm 140 is attributed to David, is there concrete evidence supporting his authorship, or could it be someone else? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_saul's_rage_at_jonathan_so_extreme.htm">Why does Saul’s sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30–33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized? </a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_schizophrenia.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on schizophrenia?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) The evil spirit.--The evil spirit comes now over the unhappy king in quite a new form. Hitherto, when the dark hour came upon Saul the madness showed itself in the form of a dull torpor, a hopeless melancholia, an entire indifference to everything connected with life, as well in the lower as in the higher forms. This earlier phase of the soul's malady has been exquisitely pictured by Browning in his poem of "Saul." Now the madness assumes a new phase, and the king is consumed with a murderous jealousy, that fills his whole soul, and drives him now to open deeds of ruffianly violence--now to devise dark plots against the life of the bated one. What a fall for the hero- king of Israel, the anointed of the Lord, whose reign had begun so brilliantly and successfully!And he prophesied.--In his wild phrenzy--under the control of a power higher than himself, had he not by his breaking off all communion with God, left his soul defenceless and prepared for the presence of the evil spirit?--in his wild phrenzy we read "Saul prophesied." The Dean of Canterbury well calls attention here to the conjugation employed in the original Hebrew of the word rendered "prophesied"--the Hith-pael, which is never used by an Old Testament writer of real true prophecy, this being always expressed by the Niphal conjugation. This of Saul's was but a bastard imitation.Saul was in a state of phrenzy, unable to master himself, speaking words of which he knew not the meaning, and acting like a man possessed. In all this there was something akin to the powerful emotions which agitated the true prophet: only it was not a holy influence, but one springing from violent) passions.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 10, 11. - It came to pass on the morrow. The day had been a time of public triumph, and yet one of the chief actors goes home to a sleepless couch, because he thinks that another has received higher honour than himself. His melancholy deepens till a fit of insanity comes on. For the evil spirit from God came upon Saul. Literally, " an evil spirit (breath) of God descended mightily upon Saul" (see <a href="/1_samuel/16-15.htm">1 Samuel 16:15</a>). Just as all mighty enthusiasms for good come from God, so do strong influences for evil, but in a different way. In all noble acts men are fellow workers with God; when evil carries them away it is of God, because he it is who has made and still maintains the laws of our moral nature; but it is by the working of general laws, and not by any special gift or grace bestowed by him. Saul had brooded over his disappointment, and cherished feelings of discontent at his own lot and of envy at the good of others to such an extent that his mind gave way before the diseased workings of his imagination. And so he lost all control over himself, and prophesied. The conjugation employed here (Hithpahel) is never used of real, true prophecy (which is always the Niphal), but of a bastard imitation of it. Really Saul was in a state of frenzy, unable to master himself, speaking words of which he knew not the meaning, and acting like a man possessed. In all this there was something akin to the powerful emotions which agitated the true prophet, only it was not a holy influence, but one springing from violent passions and a disturbed state of the mind. In order to soothe him David played with his hand, as at other times, but without the desired effect. On the contrary, Saul brandished the javelin, which he carried as a sort of sceptre in his hand, with such violence that David twice had to escape from this threat of injury by flight. It is not certain that Saul actually threw the javelin. Had he done so it would be difficult to account for David escaping from it twice. After such an act of violence he would scarcely have trusted himself a second time in Saul's presence. Instead of Saul cast the javelin, the Septuagint in the Alexandrian codex and the Chaldee render lifted, i.e. retaining the same consonants, they put vowels which refer the verb to another root. But even with the present vowels it may mean "made as though he would cast," or aimed "the javelin." On a later occasion Saul actually threw the javelin, and struck the wall where David had been sitting (<a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">1 Samuel 19:10</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/18-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The next day מִֽמָּחֳרָ֗ת (mim·mā·ḥo·rāṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4283.htm">Strong's 4283: </a> The morrow, tomorrow a spirit רוּחַ֩ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit of distress רָעָ֤ה ׀ (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil sent from God אֱלֹהִ֨ים ׀ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative came וַתִּצְלַ֣ח (wat·tiṣ·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6743.htm">Strong's 6743: </a> To push forward upon אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Saul, שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites and he prophesied וַיִּתְנַבֵּ֣א (way·yiṯ·nab·bê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5012.htm">Strong's 5012: </a> To prophesy, speak, by inspiration inside the בְתוֹךְ־ (ḇə·ṯō·wḵ-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> A bisection, the centre house הַבַּ֔יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house while David וְדָוִ֛ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse played [the harp] מְנַגֵּ֥ן (mə·nag·gên) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5059.htm">Strong's 5059: </a> To touch or play a stringed instrument as usual. בְּי֑וֹם (bə·yō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day Now Saul שָׁאֽוּל׃ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites was holding בְּיָד֖וֹ (bə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand a spear, וְהַחֲנִ֖ית (wə·ha·ḥă·nîṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2595.htm">Strong's 2595: </a> A lance <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 18:10 It happened on the next day that (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/18-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>