1 Samuel 19 9

1 Samuel 19:9 kjv

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.

1 Samuel 19:9 nkjv

Now the distressing spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing music with his hand.

1 Samuel 19:9 niv

But an evil spirit from the LORD came on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the lyre,

1 Samuel 19:9 esv

Then a harmful spirit from the LORD came upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing the lyre.

1 Samuel 19:9 nlt

But one day when Saul was sitting at home, with spear in hand, the tormenting spirit from the LORD suddenly came upon him again. As David played his harp,

1 Samuel 19 verses

1 Samuel 19 9 Meaning

The verse describes another instance where an oppressive spirit, permitted by the LORD as a judgment upon King Saul, overcame him. While Saul sat in his house with his royal spear in hand, symbolizing his authority and dangerous intent, David was attempting to soothe him by playing the harp. This incident highlights Saul's continuing spiritual decline, God's sovereign allowance of affliction as a consequence of disobedience, and the grave danger David faced despite his faithful service. It further establishes the profound opposition between God's chosen King David and the rejected King Saul.

1 Samuel 19 9 Context

1 Samuel chapter 19 is pivotal, marking a major escalation in King Saul's attempts on David's life and forcing David to flee. The narrative shifts from subtle hostility to outright pursuit. Before this verse, Saul had sworn to kill David, but Jonathan, Saul's son, interceded for David, reminding Saul of David's loyalty and services (1 Sam 19:1-5). Saul momentarily relented, promising not to kill David (1 Sam 19:6). However, the Spirit from the LORD, having departed from Saul due to his disobedience, left him vulnerable to a tormenting evil spirit. David's continuing military success and growing popularity reignited Saul's pathological jealousy. This incident of the spear marks a breaking point, showing Saul's deep-seated malice and his inability to truly repent or control his violent urges, despite his earlier promise. It sets the stage for David's flight from the court and the prolonged period of pursuit. Historically, the spear (חֲנִית, chanith) was a symbol of the king's authority and often placed beside him as he held court, indicating both royal power and readiness for combat. Its presence in Saul's hand during such a private and violent episode underscores his perverted use of kingly power against an innocent subject, whom he should have protected.

1 Samuel 19 9 Word analysis

• Now (וַיְהִי, wa-y'hi): This conjunction indicates sequence and transition, connecting this event directly to the preceding narrative and highlighting its immediate occurrence following David's return and success.
• the evil spirit (רוּחַ רָעָה, ruach ra'ah): "Ruach" means "wind," "breath," or "spirit." "Ra'ah" means "bad," "evil," or "wicked." This refers to a malevolent, tormenting spiritual influence. It's significant because it contrasts sharply with "ruach Yahweh" (Spirit of the LORD) which empowered Saul earlier (1 Sam 10:6, 11:6) and was upon David (1 Sam 16:13). Its presence indicates spiritual darkness and inner turmoil, a consequence of Saul's rejection by God.
• from the LORD (מֵאֵת יְהוָה, me'et Yahweh): This phrase highlights God's ultimate sovereignty. It does not imply that God directly creates evil or is the source of its nature, but rather that He permits or dispatches such spirits for His divine purposes, often as judgment or a consequence for rebellion. It signifies divine agency in judgment, not complicity in evil's essence. This points to God's ultimate control over all spiritual forces, even malevolent ones, to achieve His righteous will.
• came upon (צָלְחָה עַל, tsalach al): Implies an overpowering or successful advance; the spirit forcefully seized or overwhelmed Saul, indicating a loss of self-control. It suggests a strong, almost physical manifestation of the spirit's influence, taking over Saul's faculties.
• Saul (שָׁאוּל, Sha'ul): The king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience (1 Sam 13:13-14, 15:23). His name means "asked of God." This recurring affliction underscores his deep spiritual pathology and God's judgment upon him.
• as he was sitting (בֵּיתוֹ יוֹשֵׁב, yoshev beito): "Sitting in his house." This seemingly calm posture ironically precedes his violent outburst. It indicates he was in a state of repose, or at least stationary, within what should be a secure, private setting, but even here, he harbors deadly intent. It contrasts with an open battlefield or court where anger might be expected.
• in his house (בְּבֵיתוֹ, be-veito): Points to the private, intimate setting where the king's madness erupts, transforming a place of safety into a place of mortal danger for David.
• with his spear (וַחֲנִיתוֹ, va-chanito): The spear (chanith) was a personal weapon, a symbol of royal authority, strength, and battle readiness in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. Its presence in his hand signifies not just casual possession but an immediate availability and readiness for aggression, even in his own home. It becomes an instrument of malice rather than protection.
• in his hand (בְּיָדוֹ, be-yado): Direct possession and control, indicating immediate intent and the potential for violence. It shows Saul's state of armed readiness, reflecting his inner paranoia and hatred towards David.
• while David (וְדָוִד, ve-David): The object of Saul's escalating jealousy and divine protection. David is innocently and faithfully performing his duty. His name means "beloved."
• was playing the harp (מְנַגֵּן בְּיָדוֹ, menaggen be-yado): "Playing" (menaggen) the "harp" (kinnor). This was David's customary act to soothe Saul (1 Sam 16:23), suggesting his faithful attempt to bring peace and relief. The irony is stark: an act of intended healing and solace becomes the very context for a deadly attack. This illustrates David's consistent dedication despite personal peril.

• "the evil spirit from the LORD": This phrase groups the source and nature of the spiritual affliction. It powerfully conveys the idea that God is in ultimate control, even of forces that appear to be negative. It underscores the severity of Saul's judgment and the consequences of disobedience, as God withdraws His blessing and permits a spirit of torment to take its place. This is not arbitrary divine malice, but divine justice responding to Saul's rejection of God's command.
• "came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand": This cluster of words vividly paints the scene and reveals Saul's state. It shows Saul, the king, the one meant to uphold justice and protect his subjects, ready for murder in his own home, reflecting deep paranoia and malice. The spear symbolizes his twisted authority.
• "while David was playing the harp": This juxtaposes Saul's murderous intent with David's humble service and innocent occupation. David, performing an act of service, becomes the target of violence, highlighting his blamelessness and Saul's unprovoked aggression. The image of the musical instrument meant to bring peace standing in stark contrast to the weapon of war underscores the perversion of Saul's mind.

1 Samuel 19 9 Bonus section

• The incident illustrates a key theological concept in the Old Testament: God's sovereignty extends over all creation, including what humans perceive as "evil spirits." He does not create evil, but He can use or permit its activity for His righteous judgments or redemptive purposes, especially when humanity persists in rebellion.
• The escalating attempts on David's life—from subtle hints (1 Sam 18:17, marriage to Merab) to open warfare (1 Sam 18:25, dowry of foreskins) to direct murder attempts (1 Sam 18:10, 19:9)—reveal the depth of Saul's irrational hatred fueled by the tormenting spirit and his own spiritual state.
• David's consistent response of loyal service and music, even in the face of mortal danger, contrasts sharply with Saul's deteriorating state. It portrays David's character as a man dependent on God, even amidst severe trials, setting a precedent for his future role as king.
• This verse indirectly sets up a theological tension for later biblical books: how could an "evil spirit" be "from the LORD"? Biblical scholars emphasize God's absolute control over all things, meaning that nothing happens outside of His knowledge and ultimate permission. For those who reject Him, God may allow them to be consumed by their own evil desires or deliver them over to external evil influences. This highlights divine judgment rather than divine instigation of evil itself.
• The repeated pattern of "evil spirit...from the LORD...Saul with spear...David playing harp" is critical to understand the narrative progression. It indicates a fixed, debilitating pattern in Saul's life, and highlights the ongoing peril and divine protection over David.

1 Samuel 19 9 Commentary

1 Samuel 19:9 marks a critical turning point, highlighting the intensifying spiritual decay of Saul and the escalating threat to David. The repetition of "evil spirit from the LORD" (cf. 1 Sam 16:14, 18:10) is not redundancy but emphasis, underscoring that Saul's affliction was divinely sanctioned as a consequence of his persistent disobedience and rebellion. God's allowance of this torment serves His larger purpose: to demonstrate Saul's unfitness to rule and to clear the path for David, His chosen king. Saul's posture—sitting in his home with his spear—paints a disturbing picture. The domestic setting, which should be a sanctuary, becomes a scene of potential murder. The spear, typically an implement of war or royal authority for defense, is perverted into a tool of personal vengeance, reflecting Saul's internal corruption. David's role is poignant; he, the innocent servant, endeavors to soothe his afflicted king with music, fulfilling his earlier duty (1 Sam 16:23). Yet, this time, his peaceful act serves only to provide an opportune moment for Saul's irrational rage to erupt. This shows that the music could not overcome the depth of the spiritual darkness allowed by God upon Saul. This instance underscores God's active involvement in the unfolding of history, even allowing or directing events through means that appear malevolent, all to fulfill His divine plan and ensure the preservation and ascendancy of His anointed one, David.