King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 18:10 Mean?

1 Samuel 18:10 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the h... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.

1 Samuel 18:10 · KJV


Context

8

And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? displeased him: Heb. was evil in his eyes

9

And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

10

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.

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.

12

And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.

The evil spirit's return 'on the morrow' suggests immediate consequence of Saul's jealous response. His prophesying (yithnabe) in this context indicates uncontrolled, frenzied utterance - possibly ravings associated with his tormented state. David's faithful music ministry continued despite the toxic environment. The jarring image of Saul with javelin in hand while David played reveals the tension between David's service and Saul's murderous intent.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Hebrew verb for 'prophesy' covers a range of ecstatic behavior, from genuine Spirit-inspired utterance to frenzied ranting. Saul's episodes may have resembled what surrounding cultures attributed to demonic possession. The javelin was both weapon and symbol of royal authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you continue faithful service when those you serve respond with hostility?
  2. What does the coexistence of David's ministry and Saul's malice teach about persevering through opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִֽמָּחֳרָ֗ת2 of 19

And it came to pass on the morrow

H4283

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

וַתִּצְלַ֣ח3 of 19

came

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

רוּחַ֩4 of 19

spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אֱלֹהִ֨ים׀5 of 19

from God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

רָעָ֤ה׀6 of 19

that the evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֶל7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁאֽוּל׃8 of 19

in Saul's

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיִּתְנַבֵּ֣א9 of 19

and he prophesied

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

בְתוֹךְ10 of 19

in the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַבַּ֔יִת11 of 19

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְדָוִ֛ד12 of 19

and David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מְנַגֵּ֥ן13 of 19

played

H5059

properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music

בְּיַד14 of 19

hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בְּי֑וֹם15 of 19

as at other times

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּי֑וֹם16 of 19

as at other times

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְהַֽחֲנִ֖ית17 of 19

and there was a javelin

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

בְּיַד18 of 19

hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שָׁאֽוּל׃19 of 19

in Saul's

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 18:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 18:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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