1 Samuel 18:11

and he hurled it, thinking, "I will pin David to the wall." But David eluded him twice.

Study Bible

And he hurled it
The phrase "And he hurled it" refers to King Saul's action of throwing a spear. The Hebrew root for "hurled" is "שָׁלַךְ" (shalach), which means to throw or cast. This action is not just physical but symbolic of Saul's growing animosity and jealousy towards David. In the historical context, the act of throwing a spear was a common method of attack or execution, indicating Saul's intent to harm David. This moment marks a significant escalation in Saul's hostility, driven by fear and envy of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him.

thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.'
The word "thinking" reveals Saul's internal motivation and premeditated intent. The Hebrew word "אָמַר" (amar) often translates to "said" or "thought," indicating a deliberate decision. Saul's thought, "I will pin David to the wall," shows his desire to eliminate David as a threat. The imagery of pinning to the wall suggests a violent and final act, reflecting Saul's desperation and loss of control. Historically, walls in ancient Israelite homes were made of stone or mud-brick, making the act of pinning someone to a wall a forceful and deadly intention.

But David eluded him twice
The phrase "But David eluded him twice" highlights David's agility and God's providential protection over him. The Hebrew root for "eluded" is "סָבַב" (sabab), meaning to turn or go around, suggesting David's quick reflexes and awareness. The fact that David eluded Saul "twice" emphasizes the repeated nature of Saul's attempts and David's consistent ability to escape. This not only underscores David's physical prowess but also God's intervention in preserving David's life. Scripturally, this moment foreshadows the ongoing conflict between Saul and David, where David's reliance on God continually delivers him from harm.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is increasingly consumed by jealousy and fear of David, who is gaining favor with the people and the Lord.

2. David
A young shepherd who has been anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his victory over Goliath. David is serving in Saul's court and has become a successful military leader.

3. The Spear
A weapon used by Saul in an attempt to kill David. This act symbolizes Saul's growing hostility and paranoia.

4. The Wall
Represents the physical space of Saul's court where David serves. It also symbolizes the barrier between Saul's intentions and God's protection over David.

5. Elusion
David's ability to escape Saul's attempts on his life, demonstrating God's providential care and David's wisdom in navigating dangerous situations.

Teaching Points

Jealousy and Its Consequences
Saul's jealousy leads to destructive behavior. Believers are encouraged to guard their hearts against jealousy, which can lead to sin and broken relationships.

God's Protection
Despite Saul's attempts to harm David, God protects him. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His people from harm.

Responding to Hostility
David's response to Saul's aggression is marked by restraint and wisdom. Believers can learn to respond to hostility with grace and trust in God's justice.

The Danger of Unchecked Emotions
Saul's unchecked anger and fear lead to irrational actions. Christians are called to submit their emotions to the Holy Spirit for guidance and control.

Faithfulness in Adversity
David remains faithful to God and his duties despite Saul's hostility. This teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith during trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's jealousy of David reflect the dangers of allowing envy to take root in our hearts, and what steps can we take to prevent this in our own lives?

2. In what ways does God's protection of David encourage us to trust in His sovereignty over our own circumstances?

3. How can David's response to Saul's aggression inform our approach to dealing with difficult relationships or hostile environments?

4. What are some practical ways we can submit our emotions to the Holy Spirit to avoid the destructive consequences seen in Saul's life?

5. How can we remain faithful to God and our responsibilities when facing adversity, as David did in Saul's court? Consider other biblical examples of faithfulness in trials.

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16:14
This verse describes how the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit tormented him, setting the stage for his erratic behavior towards David.

Psalm 59
Traditionally attributed to David during this period of his life, this psalm reflects his trust in God's deliverance from his enemies.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, which can be seen in David's later interactions with Saul, where he refrains from harming him.