“And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.”
This verse is a part of the narrative in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, which details the events surrounding the rise of David, the future king of Israel, and the decline of King Saul’s reign. Let’s explore the context and themes of this verse.
Context:Prior to verse 11, we see that David had gained favour in the eyes of Saul due to his victory over Goliath and his subsequent service to Saul. However, Saul’s jealousy and fear of David’s popularity begin to manifest. In verse 10, an evil spirit from God troubles Saul, leading him to throw a spear at David, intending to kill him. Verse 11 continues this account, stating that Saul cast the javelin, aiming to strike David even to the wall. However, David manages to escape Saul’s presence twice.
Jealousy and Fear:Saul’s actions in this verse are driven by jealousy and fear. Saul, as the current king, feels threatened by David’s growing popularity among the people and his military successes. Saul’s desire to strike David even to the wall represents his intense animosity towards David, as he seeks to eliminate any perceived threat to his kingship. This incident serves as an early indication of the deteriorating relationship between Saul and David.
David’s Avoidance:The verse highlights David’s quick thinking and ability to avoid danger. Despite the risk to his life, David manages to evade Saul’s attacks on two occasions. This demonstrates David’s reliance on God’s protection and his ability to discern the need to remove himself from a harmful situation without resorting to retaliation.
Lessons to Learn:
- Handling Jealousy:Saul’s jealousy serves as a cautionary example of how envy can lead to destructive behaviour. As followers of God, we should guard against allowing jealousy to consume us, but instead, cultivate a heart of contentment, recognising that God has a unique plan for each person.
- Trusting in God’s Protection:David’s actions teach us the importance of trusting in God’s provision and protection during times of adversity. David sought refuge in God, knowing that his life was ultimately in God’s hands. We too can find comfort in the knowledge that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
- Responding Wisely:David’s avoidance of Saul’s attacks rather than retaliating with violence demonstrates wisdom and self-control. It is crucial for us to respond to challenging situations with godly discernment and to seek peaceful resolutions, even when faced with hostility.
In summary, 1 Samuel 18:11 presents a glimpse into the deteriorating relationship between Saul and David. It highlights Saul’s jealousy and David’s ability to avoid danger. Through this passage, we can learn valuable lessons about handling jealousy, trusting in God’s protection, and responding wisely in difficult circumstances.
