1 Samuel 19:10 Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But the spear struck the wall and David eluded him, ran away, and escaped that night.

Bible > 1 Samuel > Chapter 19 > Verse 10

◄ 1 Samuel 19:10 ►

New International Version
Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.

New Living Translation
Saul hurled his spear at David. But David dodged out of the way, and leaving the spear stuck in the wall, he fled and escaped into the night.

English Standard Version
And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

Berean Standard Bible
Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

King James Bible
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

New King James Version
Then Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away from Saul’s presence; and he drove the spear into the wall. So David fled and escaped that night.

New American Standard Bible
And Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he escaped from Saul’s presence, so that he stuck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

NASB 1995
Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, so that he stuck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

NASB 1977
And Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, so that he stuck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, so that he stuck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

Amplified Bible
Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he escaped from Saul’s presence, so that Saul only stuck the spear into the wall. Then David fled and escaped that night.

Christian Standard Bible
and Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear. As the spear struck the wall, David eluded Saul, ran away, and escaped that night.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear. As the spear struck the wall, David eluded Saul, ran away, and escaped that night.

American Standard Version
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the spear into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

English Revised Version
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the spear into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul tried to nail David to the wall with his spear. But David dodged it, and Saul's spear struck the wall. David fled, escaping [from Saul] that night.

Good News Translation
Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear, but David dodged, and the spear stuck in the wall. David ran away and escaped.

International Standard Version
Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he jumped away from Saul and the spear stuck in the wall. That night David escaped and fled.

Majority Standard Bible
Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

NET Bible
Saul tried to nail David to the wall with the spear, but he escaped from Saul's presence and the spear drove into the wall. David escaped quickly that night.

New Heart English Bible
Saul sought to pin David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he stuck the spear into the wall. David fled, and escaped that night.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away from Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

World English Bible
Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence; and he stuck the spear into the wall. David fled and escaped that night.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and Saul seeks to strike with the javelin through David, and through the wall, and he frees himself from the presence of Saul, and he strikes the javelin through the wall; and David has fled and escapes during that night.

Young's Literal Translation
and Saul seeketh to smite with the javelin through David, and through the wall, and he freeth himself from the presence of Saul, and he smiteth the javelin through the wall; and David hath fled and escapeth during that night.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will seek to strike the spear into David and even into the wall: and he will slip away from the face of Saul, and he will strike the spear into the wall: and David fled, and he will escape in that night.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul endeavoured to nail David to the wall with his spear. And David slipt away out of the presence of Saul: and the spear missed him, and was fastened in the wall, and David fled and escaped that night.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul attempted to fix David to the wall with the lance. But David turned aside from the face of Saul. And the lance failed to wound him, and it became fixed in the wall. And David fled, and so he was saved that night.

New American Bible
Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but David eluded Saul, and the spear struck only the wall, while David got away safely.

New Revised Standard Version
Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear; but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. David fled and escaped that night.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the javelin; but he fled from Saul's presence, and Saul stuck the javelin into the wall; and David fled, and escaped that night.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul sought to strike the spear into David and into the wall, and he fled from before Shaul and struck the spear into the wall, and David fled and was delivered that night

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the spear into the wall; and David fled, and escaped that night.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul sought to smite David with the spear; and David withdrew suddenly from the presence of Saul; and he drove the spear into the wall; and David retreated and escaped.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Saul Attempts to Kill David
…9But 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, 10Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But the spear struck the wall and David eluded him, ran away, and escaped that night.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 18:11
and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

1 Samuel 20:33
Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.

1 Samuel 23:14-15
And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand. / While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.

1 Samuel 24:2-3
So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. / Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave.

1 Samuel 25:29
And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling.

1 Samuel 26:2
So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.

1 Samuel 27:1
David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.”

2 Samuel 5:10
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

2 Samuel 22:1
And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

Psalm 18:17
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me.

Psalm 59:1-4
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. ...

Psalm 144:10
to Him who gives victory to kings, who frees His servant David from the deadly sword.

Matthew 2:13
When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”

Matthew 12:14
But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

Luke 4:29-30
They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff. / But Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way.

Treasury of Scripture

And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin: but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

sought

1 Samuel 19:6
And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.

Hosea 6:4
O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

Matthew 12:43-45
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none…

he slipped

1 Samuel 20:33
And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

Job 5:14,15
They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night…

Psalm 18:17
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.

and escaped

Psalm 124:7
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

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David Drove Eluded Escaped Escapeth Javelin Night Pin Pinning Presence Saul Saul's Seeketh Slipped Smite Smiteth Smote Sought Spear Strike Struck Stuck Tried Wall

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David Drove Eluded Escaped Escapeth Javelin Night Pin Pinning Presence Saul Saul's Seeketh Slipped Smite Smiteth Smote Sought Spear Strike Struck Stuck Tried Wall

1 Samuel 19

1. Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh
4. He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah
9. Hannah in grief prays for a child
12. Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her
19. Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned
24. She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord

Berean Study Bible

So Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear
The phrase "tried to pin" indicates Saul's intent to harm David, reflecting a heart consumed by jealousy and rage. The Hebrew root for "pin" (נכה, nakah) often implies a violent strike or blow, underscoring Saul's aggressive intent. Historically, Saul's repeated attempts on David's life highlight the spiritual and moral decline of a king once chosen by God. The "spear" symbolizes Saul's authority and power, which he misuses in his attempt to kill David, God's anointed. This act of aggression is a stark contrast to the divine protection surrounding David, illustrating the theme of God's sovereignty over human intentions.

but David eluded him
The word "eluded" suggests a divine intervention and protection over David. In Hebrew, the root word (מלט, malat) can mean to escape or deliver, often used in contexts where God provides a way out of danger. David's ability to evade Saul's attack is not merely a testament to his agility but also to God's providential care. This moment foreshadows David's future as a king who, despite facing numerous adversities, remains under God's protection and guidance.

and Saul drove the spear into the wall
The imagery of the "spear into the wall" serves as a powerful metaphor for Saul's futile efforts against God's plan. The wall, a symbol of stability and permanence, contrasts with Saul's unstable and destructive behavior. This act of violence against an inanimate object further illustrates Saul's irrationality and the self-destructive nature of sin. It also serves as a physical manifestation of Saul's inner turmoil and separation from God's will.

That night David fled and escaped
The phrase "fled and escaped" emphasizes David's immediate response to the threat on his life. The Hebrew word for "fled" (ברח, barach) conveys urgency and necessity, highlighting David's wisdom in recognizing the danger and acting swiftly. This escape marks a pivotal moment in David's life, as he transitions from serving in Saul's court to becoming a fugitive. It is a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering His chosen ones from peril, setting the stage for David's eventual rise to kingship. The narrative encourages believers to trust in God's timing and protection, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10) The javelin.--This is the great spear, which in so many of the scenes in the First Book of Samuel is represented as in the hand of Saul or by his side.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 10-12. - Saul sought to smite David. The verb used here is not that rendered cast in 1 Samuel 18:11, where probably we had the record of a purpose threatened, but not carried out. Here Saul actually threw his javelin at David with such violence that it was fixed into the wall. But David, though playing some instrument of music at the time, was on his guard, and slipped away. And David fled, and escaped that night. As usual, the historian gives the ultimate results of Saul's violence first, and then returns and gives the particulars; for plainly David first went home, and it was only when he found that the house was surrounded by Saul's emissaries that he fled away to find refuge with Samuel. Saul also sent messengers. As is often the case, this outbreak of violence on Saul's part broke down all the former restraints of upright feeling and conscience. He had lost his self-respect, was openly a murderer as regards everything but the success of his attempt, and he determined that that should not be long wanting. He sends persons, therefore, to watch David's house, with orders that when in the morning he came out, suspecting no danger, they should fall upon him and slay him. But Michal in some way or other became aware of her husband's danger. Possibly she had been at her father's house in the afternoon, and with quick observation had noticed that more than usual was going on, and seeing that her own house was the object of these preparations, had divined their intent; or possibly Jonathan may have given her information, and so she warned David of his danger. As the entrance was guarded, he was let down through a window, like St. Paul afterwards, and so began the weary life of wandering which lasted through so many troubled years.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Saul
שָׁא֜וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

tried
וַיְבַקֵּ֨שׁ (way·ḇaq·qêš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

to pin
לְהַכּ֤וֹת (lə·hak·kō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5221: To strike

him
בְּדָוִ֣ד (bə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

to the wall
וּבַקִּ֔יר (ū·ḇaq·qîr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7023: A wall

with his spear.
בַּֽחֲנִית֙ (ba·ḥă·nîṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

But the spear
הַחֲנִ֖ית (ha·ḥă·nîṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

struck
וַיַּ֥ךְ (way·yaḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

the wall
בַּקִּ֑יר (baq·qîr)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7023: A wall

and David
וְדָוִ֛ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

eluded
וַיִּפְטַר֙ (way·yip̄·ṭar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6362: To cleave, burst through, to emit

[him],
שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

ran away,
נָ֥ס (nās)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

and escaped
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖ט (way·yim·mā·lêṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks

that
הֽוּא׃ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

night.
בַּלַּ֥יְלָה (bal·lay·lāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

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OT History: 1 Samuel 19:10 Saul sought to strike David even (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)