6 It happened as they were coming , when David returned from killing the Philistine , that the women came out of all the cities of Israel , singing and dancing , to meet King Saul , with tambourines , with joy and with musical instruments . 7 The women sang as they played , and said , " Saul has slain his thousands , And David his ten thousands ." 8 Then Saul became very angry , for this saying displeased e him; and he said , "They have ascribed to David ten thousands , but to me they have ascribed thousands . Now what more can he have but the kingdom ?" 9 Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on. 10 Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul , and he raved in the midst of the house , while David was playing the harp with his hand , as usual ; and a spear was in Saul's hand . 11 Saul hurled the spear for he thought , "I will pin David to the wall ." But David escaped from his presence twice .
12 Now Saul was afraid of David , for the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul . 13 Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand ; and he went out and came in before the people . 14 David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him. 15 When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly , he dreaded him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David , and he went out and came in before them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:6-16
Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:6-11
(Read 1 Samuel 18:6-11)
David's troubles not only immediately follow his triumphs, but arise from them; such is the vanity of that which seems greatest in this world. It is a sign that the Spirit of God is departed from men, if, like Saul, they are peevish, envious, suspicious, and ill-natured. Compare David, with his harp in his hand, aiming to serve Saul, and Saul, with his javelin in his hand, aiming to slay David; and observe the sweetness and usefulness of God's persecuted people, and the barbarity of their persecutors. But David's safety must be ascribed to God's providence.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:12-30
(Read 1 Samuel 18:12-30)
For a long time David was kept in continual apprehension of falling by the hand of Saul, yet he persevered in meek and respectful behaviour towards his persecutor. How uncommon is such prudence and discretion, especially under insults and provocations! Let us inquire if we imitate this part of the exemplary character before us. Are we behaving wisely in all our ways? Is there no sinful omission, no rashness of spirit, nothing wrong in our conduct? Opposition and perverseness in others, will not excuse wrong tempers in us, but should increase our care, and attention to the duties of our station. Consider Him that endured contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be weary and faint in your minds, Hebrews 12:3. If David magnified the honour of being son-in-law to king Saul, how should we magnify the honour of being sons to the King of kings!