1 samuel 18:11 - and Saul threw the spear, for he said, “I will pin David even to the wall!” David escaped from his presence twice.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 18:11

What does "1 samuel 18:11" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 18:11 describes a pivotal moment in the deteriorating relationship between King Saul and David. Let's break it down:

"and Saul threw the spear...": This is a literal act of aggression. Saul, the King, is attempting to harm David, a young man who had previously served him loyally and brought him great victory.

"...for he said, “I will pin David even to the wall!”": This reveals Saul's intent: to kill David. The imagery is violent and direct. Saul wants to impale David against the wall with his spear. This shows the depth of his animosity and the danger David is in.

"David escaped from his presence twice.": This highlights David's agility, alertness, and divine protection. He managed to evade Saul's deadly attacks not once, but twice. It underscores the growing tension and conflict between the two men. It also foreshadows David's destiny and God's intention to protect him.

Overall Meaning

The verse is significant for several reasons:

Saul's Jealousy and Fear: The verse is a direct consequence of Saul's growing jealousy and fear of David's popularity and success. Saul fears that David will usurp his throne.
Attempted Murder: Saul's action is a clear attempt to murder David. This marks a turning point in their relationship and establishes Saul as a direct threat to David's life.
David's Escape: David's escape emphasizes his ability to survive despite Saul's efforts, hinting at a larger purpose for him.
Loss of Divine Favor: Saul's violent act demonstrates his growing desperation and loss of divine favor, which ultimately contributes to his downfall.
Foreshadowing: The verse foreshadows the long and difficult journey David will face as he flees from Saul, waiting for God's timing to ascend to the throne.

In short, 1 Samuel 18:11 is a dramatic verse that encapsulates the jealousy, paranoia, and violence that characterize the relationship between Saul and David, setting the stage for the ongoing conflict that shapes the narrative of 1 Samuel.