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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְבַקֵּ֨שׁ
sought
H1245
וַיְבַקֵּ֨שׁ
sought
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
1 of 18
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and he smote
H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and he smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
3 of 18
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וַיִּפְטַר֙
but he slipped away
H6362
וַיִּפְטַר֙
but he slipped away
Strong's:
H6362
Word #:
7 of 18
to cleave or burst through, i.e., (causatively) to emit, whether literal or figurative (gape)
מִפְּנֵ֣י
presence
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֣י
presence
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and he smote
H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and he smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
10 of 18
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחֲנִ֖ית
the javelin
H2595
הַחֲנִ֖ית
the javelin
Strong's:
H2595
Word #:
12 of 18
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
נָ֥ס
fled
H5127
נָ֥ס
fled
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
15 of 18
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖ט
and escaped
H4422
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖ט
and escaped
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:11And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.1 Samuel 20:33And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
Historical Context
Night flight provided cover for escape. David's departure marked transition from court servant to hunted fugitive. The years ahead would see David moving from place to place, always barely ahead of Saul's pursuit.
Questions for Reflection
- When has narrow escape demonstrated God's protective providence in your life?
- What does David's transition from honored servant to hunted fugitive teach about faithfully following God's path?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
Saul's second javelin attack, from which David 'slipped away' (parar, escaped), confirms his oath's worthlessness. The javelin striking the wall instead of David demonstrates divine protection. David's flight 'that night' began his fugitive years. The multiplication of escape narratives emphasizes God's sovereign preservation of His anointed through repeated dangers.