1 Samuel 19:10
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.
1 Samuel 19:10 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible depicts a dramatic event in the relationship between Saul and David. Saul, who was the king of Israel at the time, became jealous of David's popularity and began to fear that David would replace him as king. In a fit of rage, Saul attempted to kill David with a javelin, throwing it at him in an attempt to strike him. However, David managed to evade the attack and escape from Saul's grasp. The act of David slipping away from Saul's presence and the javelin being struck into the wall symbolizes the tension and danger in their relationship. It marks the beginning of David's period of fleeing and hiding from Saul, as he feared for his life. This event serves as a crucial turning point in the story of David, showcasing the challenges he faced as he navigated his way to becoming a great leader in Israel.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse is the theme of divine protection and guidance. Despite Saul's attempts to harm David, God intervenes to ensure David's safety and enable his escape. This highlights God's sovereignty and care for his chosen people, even in the face of human opposition. The word "wall" in this verse can also be significant in a theological context, symbolizing barriers or obstacles that God can help us overcome. By slipping away from Saul and smiting the javelin into the wall, David demonstrates his resourcefulness and trust in God's deliverance. The actions of both Saul and David in this verse serve as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battles present in our lives, and the importance of relying on God for strength and protection. In essence, this verse serves as a powerful illustration of God's faithfulness and provision in the midst of adversity.
1 Samuel 19:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the spear into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.
World English Bible
Saul sought to pin David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he stuck the spear into the wall. David fled, and escaped that night.
Douay-Rheims
And Saul endeavoured to nail David to the wall with his spear. And David slipt away out of the presence of Saul: and the spear missed him, and was fastened in the wall, and David fled, and escaped that night.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Saul intended to smite Dauid to the wall with the speare: but hee turned aside out of Sauls presence, and he smote the speare against the wall: but Dauid fled, and escaped the same night.