1 Samuel 18:12
And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּרָ֥א
was afraid
H3372
וַיִּרָ֥א
was afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
1 of 11
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י
of
H6440
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י
of
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיָ֤ה
H1961
הָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְהוָה֙
because the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
because the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עִמּ֔וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
8 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וּמֵעִ֥ם
H5973
וּמֵעִ֥ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
9 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:15Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.1 Samuel 18:29And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.1 Samuel 28:15And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.1 Samuel 16:18Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.Psalms 51:11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings typically claimed divine favor as legitimization of their rule. Saul's recognition of God's presence with David implicitly acknowledged his own loss of divine sanction. This awareness made David's success threatening rather than encouraging.
Questions for Reflection
- What does fearing Spirit-filled people reveal about one's own spiritual condition?
- How does Saul's sad awareness contrast with those who recognize God's work and rejoice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
Saul's fear of David arose precisely 'because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.' The Hebrew syntax emphasizes the contrast: divine presence with David, divine absence from Saul. Fear of those God empowers often indicates awareness of one's own spiritual poverty. Saul's condition had become tragically clear: unable to destroy David, unable to ignore his own rejection, unable to repent.