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1 Samuel 18:12

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 18:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Saul was afraid of David, because Jehovah was with him, and was departed from Saul.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Saul was afraid of David, because Jehovah was with him, and was departed from Saul.
1 Samuel 18:12 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
10And it came to pass on the morrow, that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as he did day by day. And Saul had his spear in his hand;
11and Saul cast the spear; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
12And Saul was afraid of David, because Jehovah was with him, and was departed from Saul.
13Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
14And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and Jehovah was with him.
15And when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he stood in awe of him.
← 1 Samuel 18:111 Samuel 18:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, etc.] Protecting and preserving him, prospering and succeeding him, giving him victory over his enemies, and favour among the people; the Targum is, “the Word of the Lord was for his help.” Procopius Gazaeus interprets it of the Holy Ghost, whose grace was vouchsafed unto him: he might be afraid in his melancholy fits, that as he had attempted to take away the life of David, that David would contrive and seek an opportunity, and take away his life, and seize the kingdom which God had given him, and his being with him strengthened these fears: and was departed from Saul; so that he was destitute of courage, and greatness of mind,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Afraid - Lest as he had gained the favour of God and of all the people, he should also take away his kingdom. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 18:13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“18:12 the Lord . . . had turned away from Saul as king as punishment for his disobedience. Saul’s kingship would fail, and David’s would succeed (18:14).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“afraid: Sa1 18:15, Sa1 18:20, Sa1 18:29, Sa1 16:4; Psa 48:3-6, Psa 53:5; Mar 6:20; Luk 8:37; Act 24:25 the Lord: Sa1 16:13, Sa1 16:18, Sa1 22:13; Act 7:9 departed: Sa1 16:14, Sa1 28:15; Psa 51:11; Hos 9:12; Mat 25:41 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 18:13”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Samuel 18 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification