What does Saul's action reveal about his heart condition in 1 Samuel 18:11? The Verse in Focus “and he hurled it, thinking, ‘I will pin David to the wall.’ But David eluded him twice.” (1 Samuel 18:11) What the Spear-Throwing Reveals • Jealousy has taken root – v. 8 shows Saul’s anger at the women’s song; the spear is that jealousy in motion. • Fear of losing position – 1 Samuel 15:28 already promised the kingdom to another; insecurity now drives Saul’s hand. • A murderous spirit – 1 John 3:15: “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer.” The heart sin is exposed before the physical act succeeds. • Rebellion against God’s plan – David is the Lord’s anointed-to-be (1 Samuel 16:13). Fighting David is fighting God’s choice. • Control by an evil spirit – 1 Samuel 18:10 links Saul’s rage to “an evil spirit from God,” showing how far he has distanced himself from the Lord. Signs of a Diseased Heart in Saul 1. Envy replaces gratitude (Proverbs 14:30). 2. Comparison fuels bitterness (James 3:14–16). 3. Anger escalates to violence (Genesis 4:5–8; Cain and Abel). 4. Repeated sin without repentance—David “eluded him twice,” yet Saul keeps the spear close. 5. Loss of spiritual discernment—he attacks the very one who brought him relief through music (1 Samuel 16:23). Saul and David: A Heart Contrast • Saul grips a spear; David holds a harp. • Saul seeks to kill; David still serves. • Saul fears the future; David trusts the Lord. • Saul is void of the Spirit; David is full of the Spirit (1 Samuel 16:14). Lessons to Guard Our Own Hearts • Jealousy left unchecked turns deadly; confess early. • Surrender roles and titles to God—He alone secures them (Psalm 75:6-7). • Stay sensitive to conviction; repeated opportunities to repent are mercy, not license. • Keep spiritual disciplines vibrant; a vacant heart becomes a playground for evil influences (Ephesians 4:27). |
    |