10-11 The next day an ugly mood was sent by God to afflict Saul, who became quite beside himself, raving. David played his harp, as he usually did at such times. Saul had a spear in his hand. Suddenly Saul threw the spear, thinking, “I’ll nail David to the wall.” David ducked, and the spear missed. This happened twice.

12-16 Now Saul feared David. It was clear that God was with David and had left Saul. So, Saul got David out of his sight by making him an officer in the army. David was in combat frequently. Everything David did turned out well. Yes, God was with him. As Saul saw David becoming more successful, he himself grew more fearful. He could see the handwriting on the wall. But everyone else in Israel and Judah loved David. They loved watching him in action.

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10 The next day an evil[a] spirit(A) from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre,(B) as he usually(C) did. Saul had a spear(D) in his hand 11 and he hurled it, saying to himself,(E) “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded(F) him twice.(G)

12 Saul was afraid(H) of David, because the Lord(I) was with(J) David but had departed from(K) Saul.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 18:10 Or a harmful