Topical Bible: Spear: Saul's

◄ Spear: Saul's ►

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The spear of King Saul is a significant symbol in the biblical narrative, representing both his authority as the first king of Israel and his personal struggles with jealousy and fear. Saul's spear is mentioned multiple times in the books of 1 Samuel, where it serves as a tool of war, a symbol of his kingship, and an instrument of his personal vendettas.

Symbol of Authority and Warfare

As the first king of Israel, Saul's spear is emblematic of his role as a leader in battle. In ancient times, a spear was a common weapon for warriors and kings, symbolizing strength and the ability to protect and lead one's people. Saul's possession of a spear underscores his position as the military leader of Israel, tasked with defending the nation against its enemies, such as the Philistines.

Instrument of Jealousy and Fear

Saul's spear also becomes a symbol of his inner turmoil, particularly his jealousy and fear of David, who was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel. Saul's growing paranoia and insecurity about David's rising popularity and success are vividly illustrated in several episodes where he attempts to kill David with his spear.

In 1 Samuel 18:10-11 , it is recorded: "The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David was playing the harp as usual. Saul was holding a spear, and he hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice." This passage highlights Saul's volatile state of mind and his willingness to use his spear as a weapon against an innocent man whom he perceived as a threat.

Again, in 1 Samuel 19:9-10 , Saul's spear is mentioned: "But one day an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in hand. As David played the harp, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with the spear, but David eluded him, and the spear struck the wall." These repeated attempts on David's life with the spear illustrate Saul's deepening obsession and the destructive power of unchecked jealousy.

Symbol of Saul's Decline

The spear also marks moments of Saul's decline and the erosion of his authority. In 1 Samuel 26, David has the opportunity to kill Saul while he is sleeping, but instead, he takes Saul's spear and water jug as evidence of his presence and his decision to spare the king's life. In 1 Samuel 26:12 , it is written: "So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them."

This act of taking Saul's spear without harming him demonstrates David's respect for Saul's position as the Lord's anointed, despite Saul's attempts on his life. It also signifies the transfer of divine favor from Saul to David, as David's restraint and righteousness stand in stark contrast to Saul's irrational aggression.

Conclusion

Saul's spear, therefore, is a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative. It represents his authority and role as king, his personal struggles with jealousy and fear, and ultimately, his decline and the rise of David. Through the episodes involving Saul's spear, the biblical text provides insight into the complexities of Saul's character and the unfolding of God's plan for Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:10,11
And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came on Saul, and he prophesied in the middle of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.
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How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ...
... came to the prophet Samuel to Ramah, and told him what snares the king had laid
for him, and how he was very near to death by Saul's throwing a spear at him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david upon.htm

Saul's Mean Jealousy
... Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but David slipped away so that
Saul drove the spear into the wall; and David fled and so escaped. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/sauls mean jealousy.htm

A Soldier who Spared his Enemy
... I have acted foolishly and have made a great mistake." David answered, "Here is
Saul's spear! Let one of the young men come over and take it. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a soldier who spared his.htm

David the Outcast.
... At night he took Abishai, one of his warriors, and went down from the cliffs to
Saul's camp, where Saul lay sleeping in a trench, and the spear stuck in the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxii david the outcast.htm

Love and Remorse
... So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat
them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

A Soul's Tragedy
... It has been suggested that Saul did not 'cast' his spear, but only brandished
it in his fierce threat to pin David to the wall. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a souls tragedy.htm

Faithful unto Death.
... The next day the evil spirit came upon Saul in the house, and David played on his
harp to quiet him, but Saul hurled a spear at David, hoping to fasten him to ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxi faithful unto death.htm

The Cost of a Lie
... Now Doeg, the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen, was there that day. And David
said to Ahimelech, "Have you not here at hand a spear or sword? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the cost of a lie.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... Saul liked David so well that he made him his armorbearer; and David carried the
shield and spear, and sword for Saul, when the king was before his army. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

David.
... He found Saul's army in great commotion, because Goliath, a mighty warrior of the ...
a covering of iron and brass, while he carried a monstrous spear and sword ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/david.htm