Useful Bible Studies > 1 Samuel Commentary > chapter 19
Probably, Saul kept a spear with him at all times. It was important for the king to be able to protect himself. A spear was a long pole with a sharp metal head.
Saul had tried to kill David with that spear on a previous occasion (18:10-11). Now, however, Saul had made a promise not to kill David (19:6). David believed that he was safe.
David was playing sacred music on his harp in order to comfort Saul. An evil spirit often disturbed Saul but David was usually able to bring him relief (16:23). The harp is a musical instrument with strings, which makes a soft sound
Then suddenly Saul tried to kill David with his spear. David moved quickly to avoid it, and then he went back to his house.
David did not yet realise how dangerous the situation was. It did not surprise him if the evil spirit caused Saul sometimes to act in a sudden, angry manner. David expected that Saul would soon become calm again. David certainly did not expect Saul to send men to kill him at his home.
It was Michal, David’s wife, who saw the danger. Perhaps, as Saul’s youngest daughter, Michal understood Saul’s character better than anyone else. Or perhaps she just saw the men who were watching David’s house that night.
Michal insisted that David must escape that night. Otherwise, Saul’s men would catch David and kill him in the morning.
Saul had now made a definite decision that he would kill David. This was not, as on previous occasions, a sudden reaction to angry or jealous feelings. It was not even the desire that Saul’s enemies would kill David. Now, Saul had decided on purpose to murder David.
Next part: Michal saves David’s life (1 Samuel 19:12-14)
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© 2014, Keith Simons.