The javelin, a weapon often associated with ancient warfare, plays a significant role in the biblical narrative of King Saul, the first king of Israel. In the context of Saul's reign, the javelin is not merely a tool of war but also a symbol of his turbulent relationship with David, the future king of Israel.

Biblical References:

The javelin is mentioned several times in the accounts of Saul's interactions with David. One of the most notable instances occurs in 1 Samuel 18:10-11 : "The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David was playing the harp as usual. Saul had a spear in his hand, and he hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice."

This passage highlights Saul's growing jealousy and paranoia towards David, who had found favor in the eyes of the people and the Lord. The javelin, in this instance, becomes an instrument of Saul's wrath and his attempt to eliminate David, whom he perceived as a threat to his throne.

Another significant mention is found in 1 Samuel 19:9-10 : "But an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in hand. As David played the harp, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with the spear, but David eluded him, and the spear struck the wall. David fled and escaped that night."

Here, the javelin again serves as a physical manifestation of Saul's inner turmoil and his inability to control his emotions. Despite his repeated attempts, Saul is unable to harm David, indicating divine protection over David's life and mission.

Symbolism and Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the javelin represents more than just a weapon; it symbolizes Saul's declining mental state and his estrangement from God's favor. Saul's repeated attempts to kill David with the javelin underscore his desperation and the futility of opposing God's chosen servant. The javelin episodes illustrate the broader theme of divine providence and protection over those whom God has anointed.

The javelin also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the loss of divine favor. Saul's initial anointing as king was marked by promise and potential, but his failure to fully obey God's commands led to his downfall. The javelin incidents are a poignant illustration of how far Saul had fallen from his original calling.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the javelin was a common weapon used by warriors and soldiers. It was typically a lightweight spear designed for throwing, allowing the wielder to attack from a distance. The use of the javelin by Saul, a king and warrior, aligns with the practices of the time, where leaders often led their troops into battle and were skilled in the use of various weapons.

The repeated mention of Saul holding a javelin while in his house suggests that he was constantly on edge, even in his own home, reflecting his deep-seated insecurity and fear of losing his kingdom. This detail adds to the narrative's tension and highlights the personal and political turmoil that characterized Saul's reign.

Conclusion:

The javelin episodes in the life of Saul serve as a powerful narrative device, illustrating the tragic decline of Israel's first king and the rise of David, a man after God's own heart. Through these accounts, the biblical text conveys themes of divine sovereignty, protection, and the consequences of turning away from God's commands.1 Samuel 18:11
And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 19:9,10
And the evil spirit from the LORD was on Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.
Nave's Topical Index

David's victory Over the Giant
... So he said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, for I am not used to them ... answered the
Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and spear and javelin, but I ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

A Soul's Tragedy
... And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite ... answering bands, one of which
rang out, 'Saul hath slain ... stripling was bitter enough, but to be used as a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a souls tragedy.htm

The victory of Unarmed Faith
... other his sling, both familiar and often used, and by ... hampered, and all but smothered,
in Saul's harness. ... quarters, spear to thrust with, and javelin to fling ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the victory of unarmed faith.htm

Watching the Horizon
... fleeing and hiding for his life from the javelin of Saul. ... Kinsman, Jesus, whom they
crucified, that is used by the ... the whole nation as it was with Saul on the ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/viii watching the horizon.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... desperation of his anger he even hurled a javelin at him ... Was not David persecuted
by Saul, Daniel by the Persian ... I think it was Erskine who used to say, "Lord ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

Sleep Not
... not wise, and were as foolish as we used to be ... of war who ought to have watched at
Saul's bed head ... easily that strong hand with that sharp javelin would have ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... for a time a pious affection prevailed in Saul, disposing him ... this, that the term
faith is often used as equivalent ... by the violent blow of a javelin, a soldier ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... The sword of him is [used] in vain that lays at a Christian, when he is in ... at a distance
from the place, at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul, that they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... epic of the history of the first two kings; the one dealing with Saul, for instance ...
trust to the best uses; in times of extreme distress the king used to borrow ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... God," where the more expressive Greek word poikiles, ie, varied, is used. ... David had
numerous other wives, and afterwards received Michal, Saul's daughter, whom ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

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