1 Samuel 19:1-13 ▼

1 Then Saul (desired) ordered his son Jonathan (YHWH has given) and all his servants to kill David (beloved). But Jonathan delighted greatly in David,

2 so he (YHWH has given) warned David (beloved), saying, “My father Saul (desired) intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.

3 I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, so I can ask about you. And if I find out anything, I will tell you.”

4 Then Jonathan (YHWH has given) spoke well of David (beloved) to his father Saul (desired) and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you.

5 He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine (immigrants), and the LORD {YHWH} worked a great salvation for all Israel (he wrestles with God). You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David (beloved) for no reason?”

6 Saul (desired) listened to the voice of Jonathan (YHWH has given) and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD {YHWH} lives, David will not be put to death.”

7 So Jonathan (YHWH has given) summoned David (beloved) and told him all these things. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul (desired), and David was with Saul as before.

8 When war broke out again, David (beloved) went out and fought the Philistines (immigrants) and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.

9 But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit {ruach} of distress (a harmful spirit) from the LORD {YHWH} came upon him (desired). While David (beloved) was playing the harp,

10 Saul (desired) tried to pin him (beloved) to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

11 Then Saul (desired) sent messengers to David’s (beloved) house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal (who is like God) warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!”

12 So Michal (who is like God) lowered David (beloved) from the window, and he ran away and escaped.

13 Then Michal (who is like God) took a household idol (a household god) and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment.