So Saul was afraid of David
Saul's fear of David is rooted in the spiritual and political dynamics of Israel at the time. Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26). David, on the other hand, was anointed by Samuel to be the next king (1 Samuel 16:13). Saul's fear is not just personal jealousy but a recognition of the divine favor shifting from him to David. This fear is compounded by David's growing popularity and military success, which threatened Saul's reign (1 Samuel 18:7-9).

because the LORD was with David
The presence of the LORD with David signifies divine favor and blessing. This is a recurring theme in David's life, as seen in his victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17) and his success in various military campaigns. The LORD's presence with David is a fulfillment of the covenantal promises to Israel, where God would be with those who are faithful and obedient. This divine presence is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of God being with His people through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17).

but had departed from Saul
The departure of the LORD from Saul is a significant turning point in Saul's kingship. It reflects the consequences of Saul's disobedience and rejection of God's commands (1 Samuel 15:23). This departure is not just a loss of divine favor but also the removal of the Spirit of God, which had empowered Saul for leadership (1 Samuel 10:10). Theologically, this highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching on the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear fruit (John 15:4-5). Saul's spiritual decline serves as a warning of the dangers of pride and disobedience.

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by initial success but later marred by disobedience to God, leading to his rejection by God as king.

2. David
A young shepherd anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his faithfulness to God, David was a man after God's own heart and became a central figure in Israel's history.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is actively involved in the lives of His people. His presence with David signifies divine favor and guidance.

4. Israel
The nation over which Saul was king and David would eventually rule. Israel's history is deeply intertwined with God's covenant promises.

5. The Departure of the LORD's Spirit
A significant event where God's Spirit, which had empowered Saul, departed from him due to his disobedience, marking a turning point in Saul's reign.The Presence of God
The presence of the LORD with David is a source of strength and success. As believers, we should seek to live in a way that invites God's presence into our lives.

Fear and Insecurity
Saul's fear of David highlights how insecurity can arise when we are not aligned with God's will. Trusting in God's plan can help us overcome fear.

Obedience and Disobedience
Saul's disobedience led to the loss of God's favor. Obedience to God is crucial for maintaining His presence and blessing in our lives.

God's Sovereignty
God's choice of David over Saul demonstrates His sovereign will. We must trust in God's plans, even when they differ from our own.

Spiritual Leadership
The contrast between Saul and David underscores the importance of spiritual leadership that is rooted in a relationship with God.(12) And Saul was afraid of David.--Even after the scenes in the royal chamber just related, David remained at Court. He looked on such manifestations of bitter hatred as simple outbursts of a temporary insanity. His loyal nature would not believe in the enduring hate of one so great and noble as Saul; but we read here that even when the king recovered from the paroxysm, he feared David. Saul was conscious that his old vigour and ability were deserting him, and in David he recognised the presence of a power he knew had once been his. Not being able, even in his sane hours, to endure the presence of one whom he too surely felt would sooner or later take his place, the king dismissed him honourably from the Court, and invested him with an important military charge. Perhaps already the dark thought which some time later (see 1Samuel 18:17; 1Samuel 18:25) influenced the king had entered into his unhappy mind.

Verses 12-16. - Saul was afraid of David. new feeling. To his jealousy succeeded a sense of powerlessness, as knowing that a higher power was with David, while he had lost the Divine protection. This miserable feeling grew upon the unhappy king, till before the battle of Gilboa we find him with all his old heroic spirit gone, a miserable wreck, seeking for comfort at the hands of a woman of the most worthless kind (1 Samuel 28:5, 7, 20). In this despondent state of mind he dismisses David from attendance upon him, but in an honourable manner, giving him the command of a thousand men, at the head of whom he went out and came in before the people, i.e. in a public capacity, as an officer of state. As Saul seems entirely to have neglected the internal administration of the kingdom, this would refer to military expeditions (see on ver. 5); and in these David behaved himself wisely. Rather, "prospered" (see on ver. 5). His great success only increased Saul's fears; but both Israel and Judah loved David, now that in this higher command they had full opportunities for judging of his high qualities. Thus again his removal from his place in Saul's bodyguard only served to make him better known. The separate mention of Israel and Judah is an indication of the Books of Samuel having been written at a post-Solomonic date, though the distinction was a very old one (see on 1 Samuel 11:8). SAUL, UNDER PRETENCE OF A MARRIAGE WITH HIS DAUGHTER, PLOTS DAVID'S DEATH (vers. 17-30).

Parallel Commentaries ...


So Saul
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

was afraid
וַיִּרָ֥א (way·yi·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

of
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י (mil·lip̄·nê)
Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

David,
דָוִ֑ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

was
הָיָ֤ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with David
עִמּ֔וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

but
וּמֵעִ֥ם (ū·mê·‘im)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

had departed
סָֽר׃ (sār)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from Saul.
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites


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OT History: 1 Samuel 18:12 Saul was afraid of David because Yahweh (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)