King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 19:10 Mean?

1 Samuel 19:10 in the King James Version says “And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smo... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

1 Samuel 19:10 · KJV


Context

8

And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him. him: Heb. his face

9

And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.

10

And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

11

Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.

12

So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

Saul's second javelin attack, from which David 'slipped away' (parar, escaped), confirms his oath's worthlessness. The javelin striking the wall instead of David demonstrates divine protection. David's flight 'that night' began his fugitive years. The multiplication of escape narratives emphasizes God's sovereign preservation of His anointed through repeated dangers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Night flight provided cover for escape. David's departure marked transition from court servant to hunted fugitive. The years ahead would see David moving from place to place, always barely ahead of Saul's pursuit.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has narrow escape demonstrated God's protective providence in your life?
  2. What does David's transition from honored servant to hunted fugitive teach about faithfully following God's path?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיְבַקֵּ֨שׁ1 of 18

sought

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

שָׁא֔וּל2 of 18

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיַּ֥ךְ3 of 18

and he smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הַחֲנִ֖ית4 of 18

the javelin

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

וְדָוִ֛ד5 of 18

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בַּקִּ֑יר6 of 18

even to the wall

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וַיִּפְטַר֙7 of 18

but he slipped away

H6362

to cleave or burst through, i.e., (causatively) to emit, whether literal or figurative (gape)

מִפְּנֵ֣י8 of 18

presence

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

שָׁא֔וּל9 of 18

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיַּ֥ךְ10 of 18

and he smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶֽת11 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַחֲנִ֖ית12 of 18

the javelin

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

בַּקִּ֑יר13 of 18

even to the wall

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וְדָוִ֛ד14 of 18

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

נָ֥ס15 of 18

fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

וַיִּמָּלֵ֖ט16 of 18

and escaped

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

בַּלַּ֥יְלָה17 of 18

that night

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

הֽוּא׃18 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo


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 19:10 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 19:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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