1 Samuel 18:29
And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֹּ֣אסֶף
was yet the more
H3254
וַיֹּ֣אסֶף
was yet the more
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 13
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
מִפְּנֵ֥י
of
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֥י
of
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
ע֑וֹד
H5750
ע֑וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The term 'enemy' carried legal and covenant implications in ancient Israel. David would later refuse to harm Saul despite this enmity, demonstrating the higher standard of God's kingdom. Saul's enmity would dominate his remaining years.
Questions for Reflection
- How does unchecked sin progress from attitude to action to settled disposition?
- What does Saul's trajectory warn about the importance of early repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.
Saul's perpetual enmity ('oyev) toward David had become settled disposition rather than passing emotion. The Hebrew indicates permanent hostile status - 'enemy continually' marks the relationship's sad deterioration. What began as appreciation (16:21) degraded to jealousy, then fear, then murder attempts, finally settling into implacable opposition. Sin's trajectory is ever downward without divine intervention.