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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Saul was then afraid of David, for the LORD was with David and had turned away from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him but had left Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Saul was afraid of David, for the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Saul was afraid of David, for the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Saul was afraid of David, for Yahweh was with him but had turned away from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul was afraid of David, because Jehovah was with him, and was departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was helping David and was no longer helping him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with David but had abandoned him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him and had departed from Saul. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Saul feared David, because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David, because Yahweh was with him, and had departed from Saul. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul is afraid of the presence of David, for YHWH has been with him, and He has turned aside from Saul;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Saul is afraid of the presence of David, for Jehovah hath been with him, and from Saul He hath turned aside;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul will be afraid from the face of David, for Jehovah was with him, and he departed from Saul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Saul feared David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Saul feared David, because the Lord was with him, but he had withdrawn from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Saul then began to fear David because the LORD was with him but had turned away from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul was afraid in David’s presence, because LORD JEHOVAH was with him and had departed from Shaul<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Saul was alarmed on account of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/18-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=5344" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Saul Envies David</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><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.">So Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yi·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">was afraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mil·lip̄·nê (Prep-m, Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with David</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ū·mê·‘im (Conj-w, Prep-m) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sār (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">had departed</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.">from Saul.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a></span><br />Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">1 Samuel 28:15-16</a></span><br />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.” / “Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel, “since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a></span><br />For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a></span><br />But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-18.htm">1 Samuel 28:18</a></span><br />Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a></span><br />So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20</a></span><br />Immediately Saul fell flat on the ground, terrified by the words of Samuel. And his strength was gone, because he had not eaten anything all that day and night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26</a></span><br />“I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-17.htm">1 Samuel 28:17</a></span><br />He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-13.htm">1 Samuel 13:13</a></span><br />“You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6</a></span><br />He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-11.htm">1 Samuel 15:11</a></span><br />“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">1 Samuel 28:19</a></span><br />Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.</p><p class="hdg">afraid</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-15.htm">1 Samuel 18:15,20,29</a></b></br> Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4</a></b></br> And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/48-3.htm">Psalm 48:3-6</a></b></br> God is known in her palaces for a refuge… </p><p class="hdg">the Lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13,18</a></b></br> Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-13.htm">1 Samuel 22:13</a></b></br> And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9</a></b></br> And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,</p><p class="hdg">departed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a></b></br> But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">1 Samuel 28:15</a></b></br> And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-11.htm">Psalm 51:11</a></b></br> Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-24.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/18-15.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-13.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-42.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-13.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-13.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-6.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Jonathan befriends David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Saul envies his praise</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">seeks to kill him in his fury</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">fears him for his good success</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">offers him his daughters for snare</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">Saul's hatred and David's glory increase</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>So Saul was afraid of David</b><br>Saul's fear of David is rooted in the spiritual and political dynamics of Israel at the time. Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience (<a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26</a>). David, on the other hand, was anointed by Samuel to be the next king (<a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a>). Saul's fear is not just personal jealousy but a recognition of the divine favor shifting from him to David. This fear is compounded by David's growing popularity and military success, which threatened Saul's reign (<a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">1 Samuel 18:7-9</a>).<p><b>because the LORD was with David</b><br>The presence of the LORD with David signifies divine favor and blessing. This is a recurring theme in David's life, as seen in his victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17) and his success in various military campaigns. The LORD's presence with David is a fulfillment of the covenantal promises to Israel, where God would be with those who are faithful and obedient. This divine presence is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of God being with His people through the Holy Spirit (<a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16-17</a>).<p><b>but had departed from Saul</b><br>The departure of the LORD from Saul is a significant turning point in Saul's kingship. It reflects the consequences of Saul's disobedience and rejection of God's commands (<a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a>). This departure is not just a loss of divine favor but also the removal of the Spirit of God, which had empowered Saul for leadership (<a href="/1_samuel/10-10.htm">1 Samuel 10:10</a>). Theologically, this highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching on the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear fruit (<a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4-5</a>). Saul's spiritual decline serves as a warning of the dangers of pride and disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by initial success but later marred by disobedience to God, leading to his rejection by God as king.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>A young shepherd anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his faithfulness to God, David was a man after God's own heart and became a central figure in Israel's history.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is actively involved in the lives of His people. His presence with David signifies divine favor and guidance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which Saul was king and David would eventually rule. Israel's history is deeply intertwined with God's covenant promises.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_departure_of_the_lord's_spirit.htm">The Departure of the LORD's Spirit</a></b><br>A significant event where God's Spirit, which had empowered Saul, departed from him due to his disobedience, marking a turning point in Saul's reign.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_presence_of_god.htm">The Presence of God</a></b><br>The presence of the LORD with David is a source of strength and success. As believers, we should seek to live in a way that invites God's presence into our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_insecurity.htm">Fear and Insecurity</a></b><br>Saul's fear of David highlights how insecurity can arise when we are not aligned with God's will. Trusting in God's plan can help us overcome fear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_and_disobedience.htm">Obedience and Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's disobedience led to the loss of God's favor. Obedience to God is crucial for maintaining His presence and blessing in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>God's choice of David over Saul demonstrates His sovereign will. We must trust in God's plans, even when they differ from our own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_leadership.htm">Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>The contrast between Saul and David underscores the importance of spiritual leadership that is rooted in a relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_sam_19_align_with_divine_protection.htm">How does 1 Samuel 19 reconcile with accounts in other sections of the Bible where David is portrayed as protected by divine power rather than subterfuge?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_use_the_ephod_for_guidance.htm">How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9–12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_saul_offer_michal_to_david.htm">1 Samuel 18:20-21: Why would Saul offer his daughter Michal to David if he intended to harm him, and does this suggest inconsistencies within the narrative?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_18_12_and_2_sam_8_13_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?</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>(12) <span class= "bld">And Saul was afraid of David.</span>--Even after the scenes in the royal chamber just related, David remained at Court. He looked on such manifestations of bitter hatred as simple outbursts of a temporary insanity. His loyal nature would not believe in the enduring hate of one so great and noble as Saul; but we read here that even when the king recovered from the paroxysm, he <span class= "ital">feared </span>David. Saul was conscious that his old vigour and ability were deserting him, and in David he recognised the presence of a power he knew had once been his. Not being able, even in his sane hours, to endure the presence of one whom he too surely felt would sooner or later take his place, the king dismissed him honourably from the Court, and invested him with an important military charge. Perhaps already the dark thought which some time later (see <a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm" title="And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give you to wife: only be you valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.">1Samuel 18:17</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm" title="And Saul said, Thus shall you say to David, The king desires not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.">1Samuel 18:25</a>) influenced the king had entered into his unhappy mind.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 12-16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Saul was afraid of David.</span> new feeling. To his jealousy succeeded a sense of powerlessness, as knowing that a higher power was with David, while he had lost the Divine protection. This miserable feeling grew upon the unhappy king, till before the battle of Gilboa we find him with all his old heroic spirit gone, a miserable wreck, seeking for comfort at the hands of a woman of the most worthless kind (<a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5, 7, 20</a>). In this despondent state of mind he dismisses David from attendance upon him, but in an honourable manner, giving him the command of a thousand men, at the head of whom <span class="cmt_word">he went out and came in before the people,</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in a public capacity, as an officer of state. As Saul seems entirely to have neglected the internal administration of the kingdom, this would refer to military expeditions (see on ver. 5); and in these <span class="cmt_word">David behaved himself wisely.</span> Rather, "prospered" (see on ver. 5). His great success only increased Saul's fears; but both <span class="cmt_word">Israel and Judah loved David,</span> now that in this higher command they had full opportunities for judging of his high qualities. Thus again his removal from his place in Saul's bodyguard only served to make him better known. The separate mention of Israel and Judah is an indication of the Books of Samuel having been written at a post-Solomonic date, though the distinction was a very old one (see on 1 Samuel 11:8). SAUL, UNDER PRETENCE OF A MARRIAGE WITH HIS DAUGHTER, PLOTS DAVID'S DEATH (vers. 17-30). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/18-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֖וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was afraid</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרָ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלִּפְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mil·lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָוִ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with David</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמּ֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֵעִ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mê·‘im)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had departed</span><br /><span class="heb">סָֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(sār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from Saul.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֖וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 18:12 Saul was afraid of David because Yahweh (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/18-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:13" /></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>