“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.”
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the relationship between Saul, the first king of Israel, and David, who would later become the second king. It provides us with insight into the tensions and struggles that arose between these two individuals.
The Evil Spirit from God:In this verse, it mentions that an evil spirit from God came upon Saul. It’s important to note that the phrase “evil spirit from God” does not imply that God Himself was the source of evil, but rather that He permitted or allowed this spirit to afflict Saul. It is a reminder of God’s sovereignty and how He sometimes allows certain events or circumstances to unfold for His purposes. In Saul’s case, it could be seen as a consequence of his disobedience and rejection of God’s instructions (1 Samuel 15:23).
Saul’s Prophesying:When the evil spirit came upon Saul, he began to prophesy in the midst of the house. This event might seem contradictory since Saul was experiencing a spiritual affliction, yet he engaged in a prophetic act. However, the prophesying here refers to an ecstatic state or a form of frenzied behavior rather than genuine prophetic utterances inspired by the Holy Spirit. Saul’s prophesying in this instance was not a positive or divinely inspired act but rather a manifestation of the influence of the evil spirit upon him.
David’s Response:As Saul was prophesying, David, who was known for his musical skills and was already serving in Saul’s court, played with his hand as he had done on previous occasions. David’s playing of the harp was a means to bring comfort and relief to Saul in times of distress. David’s musical talent served as a soothing presence amidst the torment caused by the evil spirit.
Saul’s Reaction:Despite David’s efforts to bring solace through his music, Saul’s response was to have a javelin in his hand. This detail shows the intensity of Saul’s inner struggle and the dangerous path his jealousy and fear were leading him towards. Saul threw the javelin at David, revealing his growing hostility and resentment towards him.
This verse serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, highlighting the contrasting characters of Saul and David. Saul’s actions display his descent into darkness and the deterioration of his relationship with David, while David’s response demonstrates his loyalty, humility, and ability to bring comfort even in challenging circumstances.
Overall, this verse provides valuable insights into the complexities of human nature, the consequences of disobedience, and the power of music and humility in the face of adversity. It also serves as a precursor to the events that would unfold in the subsequent chapters of 1 Samuel.
