1 Samuel 19:9
1 Samuel 19:9 in Multiple Translations
But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp,
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.
And an evil spirit from Jehovah was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and David was playing with his hand.
And an evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul, when he was seated in his house with his spear in his hand; and David made music for him.
A while later an evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul while he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. As David played the lyre,
And the euill spirit of the Lord was vpon Saul, as hee sate in his house hauing his speare in his hand, and Dauid played with his hand.
And a spirit of sadness [from] Jehovah is unto Saul, and he is sitting in his house, and his javelin in his hand, and David is playing with the hand,
An evil spirit from the LORD was on Saul as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and David was playing music with his hand.
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.
And the evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul, and he sat in his house, and held a spear in his hand: and David played with his hand.
But one day when sitting in his house, an evil spirit sent from Yahweh suddenly came upon Saul. While David was playing his harp for Saul,
Then David went back to Saul’s place, to work for him again, and God sent a bad spirit to Saul again. David played the guitar as before. At that time, Saul was holding a spear in his hand,
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 19:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 19:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּהִי֩
ר֨וּחַ
יְהוָ֤ה
רָעָה֙
אֶל
שָׁא֔וּל
וְ/הוּא֙
בְּ/בֵית֣/וֹ
יוֹשֵׁ֔ב
וַ/חֲנִית֖/וֹ
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
מְנַגֵּ֥ן
בְּ/יָֽד
וַ/תְּהִי֩
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
ר֨וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
רָעָה֙
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וְ/הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
בְּ/בֵית֣/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יוֹשֵׁ֔ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
וַ/חֲנִית֖/וֹ
chănîyth
H2595
spear
Conj | N-fs | Suff
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Conj | N-proper
מְנַגֵּ֥ן
nâgan
H5059
to play
V-Piel
בְּ/יָֽד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 19:9
וַ/תְּהִי֩
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ר֨וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
רָעָה֙
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וְ/הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְּ/בֵית֣/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יוֹשֵׁ֔ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
וַ/חֲנִית֖/וֹ
chănîyth
H2595
"spear"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a spear or lance used for thrusting, like a tent pole. It appears in the stories of Saul and Jonathan, where they use spears in battle. The word is also used to describe a shaft or spear-head.
Definition: 1) spear 1a) spear 1a1) shaft of a spear 1a2) spear-head
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: javelin, spear. See also: 1 Samuel 13:19; 2 Samuel 21:19; Psalms 35:3.
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Conj | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
מְנַגֵּ֥ן
nâgan
H5059
"to play"
V-Piel
This word means to play a musical instrument, especially a stringed one. In the Bible, it is used to describe musicians who play instruments, such as harps or lyres, to make music or sing songs.
Definition: 1) to play or strike strings, play a stringed instrument 1a) (Qal) 1a1) player (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to play 1b1a) player, minstrel (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: player on instruments, sing to the stringed instruments, melody, ministrel, play(-er, -ing). See also: 1 Samuel 16:16; 2 Kings 3:15; Psalms 33:3.
בְּ/יָֽד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 19:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 19:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 19:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 19:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:9
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 19:9
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 19:9
Context — Saul Tries to Kill David
7So Jonathan summoned David and told him all these things. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul, and David was with Saul as before.
8When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.
9But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp,
10Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. 11Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 16:14 | After the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him. |
| 2 | 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 played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 16:16 | Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.” |
1 Samuel 19:9 Summary
This verse shows how King Saul, who was once chosen by God, is now being tormented by a spirit of distress from the LORD, which is a result of his own disobedience and jealousy towards David. Meanwhile, David is using his gift of music to try and calm Saul down, just as he was previously instructed to do in 1 Samuel 16:14-23. This situation teaches us that God is always in control, even when things seem chaotic, and that we can trust in His presence and protection, as promised in Psalm 23:4. By examining this verse, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and to use our gifts and talents to serve and minister to others, even in difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a spirit of distress from the LORD to come upon someone?
This phrase indicates that God is allowing or sending a difficult circumstance or feeling to someone, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:9, to accomplish His purposes, similar to what is described in Judges 9:23 where God sent an evil spirit to Abimelech.
Why was David playing the harp for Saul?
David was playing the harp to soothe and calm Saul, as previously commanded by Saul in 1 Samuel 16:14-23, where it is noted that David's music had a calming effect on the king.
Is it possible for a Christian to be under spiritual distress?
Yes, as a Christian, one can experience spiritual distress, but it is important to remember that God is always in control, as seen in Psalm 23:4, where it says 'even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me'
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the chapter, as it shows Saul's increasing instability and jealousy towards David, which ultimately leads to David's escape, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:10-11, and is a fulfillment of the warning given to David by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 19:7-8
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God may be using difficult circumstances in my life to accomplish His purposes?
- How can I, like David, use my gifts and talents to serve and minister to others, even in challenging situations?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertainty or danger?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's presence and protection, as seen in Psalm 23:4, to my own life and circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 19:9
And the evil spirit from the Lord was upon Saul,.... His melancholy and frantic disorder returned upon those victories of David, and he grew envious, jealous, spiteful, and malicious: as he sat in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 19:9
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:9
David’ s successes against the Philistines, which should have cheered his heart, made him sad, and the devil watched the opportunity to improve his melancholy, as before he bad done.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:9
1 Samuel 19:9 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.Ver. 9. With his javelin in his hand.] This he would not be without, as being ever in fear. The great Turk, that tyrant, hath always as he sitteth in his throne, lying at hand ready by him a target, a scimitar, an iron mace, with bow and arrows, for his defence. Our Richard III had always his naked sword stuck by his bedside. Turk. Hist. Daniel
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:9
(9) And the evil spirit . . . was upon Saul.—Again the terrible malady was upon the king—not unlikely brought on by the wild storm of jealous fury which Saul allowed to sweep unchecked across his soul. Once more— “Out of the black mid-tent’s silence, a space of three days, Not a sound hath escaped to thy servants of prayer nor of praise, To betoken that Saul and the spirit have ended their strife, And that, faint in his triumph, the monarch sinks back upon life.” : Saul. But the time when the skilled musician with his Divine strains had roused him into life again was passed (see 1 Samuel 16:21-23), not now as in old days, when, to use the words the great poet put into David’s mouth— “—I looked up to know If the best I could do had brought solace: he spoke not, but slow Lifted up the hand slack at his side, till he laid it with care, Soft and grave, but in mild settled will, on my brow; through my hair The large fingers were pushed, and he bent back my head. with kind power— All my face back, intent to peruse it as men do a flower. Thus held he me there, with his great eye that scrutinized mine, And oh, all my heart how it loved him! . . .” : Saul. This time, seizing the tall spear which was ever by his side, he hurled it with deadly intent at the sorrow-stricken, loving face, and David fled in hot haste from the doomed presence for ever. The LXX. was offended at the statement “evil spirit of (or from) Jehovah,” and cuts the knot by leaving out “Jehovah.” It is, no doubt, a hard saying, and no human expositor has ever yet been able fully to explain it. To the expression Ruach Jehovah, “Spirit of Jehovah” (for “of” is more accurate than “from”), and the equivalent phrase, Ruach Elohim, “Spirit of God” (1 Samuel 16:14-15), the epithet “evil” is added. We cannot attempt to fathom the mysteries of the spirit world—we have absolutely no data—we simply possess in the sacred book a few scattered notices, which indicate the existence of evil spirits. To suppose that these malignant or evil beings were part of the heavenly host employed by the Eternal is a supposition utterly at variance with our conception of the All-Father. We may, however, safely grant (1) the existence of evil spirits—probably beings fallen through sin and disobedience from their high estate; and (2) we may suppose that these evil spirits—all, of course, belonging to the Eternal, even in their deep degradation (so though “evil,” still “spirits of God, or Jehovah,”)—receive occasional permission, for some wise—though to us unknown—reasons, to tempt and plague for a season the souls of certain men.
The introduction to the Book of Job (Job 1:6; Job 2:1-7), and the circumstance which led to the death of King Ahab before Ramoth Gilead (1 Kings 22:19-22), at least favour this hypothesis.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:9
Verse 9. And the evil spirit from the Lord] His envy and jealousy again returned, producing distraction of mind, which was exacerbated by diabolic influence. See on 1 Samuel 16:14.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 19:9
9. the evil spirit] See on 1 Samuel 16:14. as he sat, &c.] Now he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, and David was playing with his hand. These words are a parenthesis picturing the circumstances under which Saul attempted to murder David. On Saul’s spear see at 1 Samuel 18:10.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 19:9
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(1 Samuel) How to Not Fight Back by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David playing the harp for King Saul. He highlights the stark contrast between David's submission to God and Saul's violent natur |
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A Leaders Worst Nightmare by Alan Stewart | Alan Stewart delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Leader's Worst Nightmare,' reflecting on the life of King Saul as a cautionary tale for leaders in ministry. He emphasizes the imp |
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Is the Lord Really With You? by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the Lord's presence in our lives, drawing examples from Joshua, Samson, and Saul who faced defeat when the Lord wasn't with them. It |
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Four Ways to Lose the Lord's Presence by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the story of Samson and Delilah, emphasizing the danger of losing the secret of consecration, as seen in Samson's downfall due to revealing his source o |
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Laying Aside of All Carnal Affection by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of holiness in every aspect of a believer's life, both in body and spirit. He contrasts the characteristics of those who are truly believe |
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Human Anodynes by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar reflects on the tragic decline of Saul, who began his reign with promise but fell into disobedience, leading to his rejection by God. He emphasizes that Saul's sin w |
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A Time to Do Nothing by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of waiting on God through the story of Saul, who, despite being anointed and blessed by God, fell into disobedience and despair when faced |