1 Samuel 19:9 Commentary
Saul's Jealousy and David's Deliverance
In 1 Samuel 19:9, we witness the culmination of King Saul's jealousy and paranoia towards David, which ultimately leads to David's narrow escape from Saul's wrath.
The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul
"But an evil spirit from the Lord was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and David was playing the lyre."_ (1 Samuel 19:9, NKJV)
In this verse, we see the manifestation of God's judgment upon Saul due to his disobedience and rebellion against the Lord (1 Samuel 13:13-14, 15:22-23). The evil spirit from the Lord is not a demon, but rather a divine influence that affects Saul's emotions and behavior, driving him to madness and irrationality.
The Lyre's Soothing Effect
The lyre, a musical instrument, has a calming effect on Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:23. However, on this occasion, David's music has no impact on Saul's turbulent state of mind. The evil spirit has taken hold of Saul, making him impervious to the soothing effects of the music.
Saul's Paranoia and Attempt on David's Life
Saul's jealousy and paranoia are in full bloom, and he becomes convinced that David is plotting against him. In a fit of rage, Saul attempts to pin David to the wall with his spear, just as he had done previously (1 Samuel 18:10-11). However, David narrowly escapes, leaving behind his garment, which Saul uses to further deceive himself that David is indeed a threat.
Reflection and Application
- The consequences of disobedience: Saul's rebellion against God leads to a downward spiral of jealousy, paranoia, and violence. This serves as a warning to us about the dangers of disobeying God's commands.
- The importance of humility: David's humility and willingness to flee from Saul's wrath demonstrate his trust in God's sovereignty. We, too, can learn from David's example, recognizing that our security lies in God's hands, not our own strength or abilities.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 19:9 highlights the devastating consequences of Saul's disobedience and the miraculous deliverance of David, who is protected by God's providence. May we learn from their examples, humbly submitting to God's will and trusting in His sovereignty over our lives.
