Chapter 7: The Spear in the Night

Jealousy was not the only thing troubling Saul. A tormenting spirit had taken hold of him - dark moods that left him raving in his own house.

One day, as David played the harp to soothe him, Saul sat with a spear in his hand. The music that once brought him peace now stirred something darker. Without warning, he hurled the spear across the room.

David saw it coming. He dodged - and the spear struck the wall behind him.

It was not the last time. Twice Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear. Twice David escaped.

David looked at Saul and saw the truth: he would never be safe here again.

Saul sent men to surround David's house. They would strike him down by morning. But Michal, David's wife and Saul's own daughter, discovered the plan. She came to David in the darkness.

MICHAL“If you do not escape tonight, tomorrow you will be gone forever.”— 1 Samuel 19:11

Michal lowered David through a window, and he escaped.

David fled first to the prophet Samuel and told him everything. But he could not leave without seeing Jonathan.

The two friends met in secret. David told Jonathan that Saul was determined to kill him. But Jonathan could not believe it - his father had never spoken of such a thing to him.

JONATHAN“Whatever you need, I will do it for you.”— 1 Samuel 20:4

So they devised a plan. David would not appear at the king's table for the new moon feast. His empty seat would force Saul to reveal his true intentions.

When Saul noticed David's absence, Jonathan made an excuse for him - and Saul's rage exploded.

SAUL“You son of a perverse woman! Do you think I don't know you have chosen Jesse's son over your own kingdom? As long as he lives, you will never be king! Bring him to me - he must die!”— 1 Samuel 20:30-31

Jonathan pleaded for David's life. Saul hurled his spear at his own son. Now Jonathan knew the truth. His father's rage was murder, fixed and final.

The next morning, Jonathan went to the field where David was hiding. He brought a young servant to gather arrows. Jonathan shot an arrow beyond the boy and called out: "The arrow is beyond you! Hurry, do not delay!"

The servant knew nothing. But David, hidden nearby, understood. It was the signal. He must flee.

When they were alone, David came out. The two men embraced and wept.

JONATHAN“Go in peace. The Lord will be between me and you, and between my children and your children, forever.”— 1 Samuel 20:42

They kissed each other and said goodbye.

David disappeared into the wilderness. He would not see Jonathan again for a long time - and never again in peace.