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It happened on the next day, that an evil spirit from God came mightily on Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand;

Verse Takeaways

1

A Counterfeit Prophecy

When the verse says Saul "prophesied," it doesn't mean he was speaking for God. Commentators explain that this was a frenzied, uncontrolled state caused by the "evil spirit." One scholar points out that the original Hebrew word used here is different from the one used for genuine prophecy, indicating it was a spurious imitation. Saul was acting like a man possessed, not a true prophet of God.

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Book Overview

1 Samuel

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Commentaries

7

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 1 Samuel 18:10

18th Century

Theologian

He prophesied - This, as the effect of the evil spirit coming upon him, is unique to Saul but is supported by what we read in [Reference 1 K…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 1 Samuel 18:10

19th Century

Bishop

The evil spirit. The evil spirit now comes over the unhappy king in quite a new form. Previously, when the dark hour came upon Sau…

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On 1 Samuel 18:10

19th Century

Preacher

And it came to pass on the next day, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house:

Pro…

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John Gill

John Gill

On 1 Samuel 18:10

17th Century

Pastor

And it came to pass on the morrow
After the women had met him with their music and dancing, and when returned home:<…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 1 Samuel 18:6–11

17th Century

Minister

David's troubles not only immediately follow his triumphs but also arise from them; such is the vanity of what seems greatest in this world. It is …