22: An evil spirit & God’s spirit upon Saul ( 1Samuel 19:1 – 24)

Saul keeps seeking to eliminate David. But this is a part of God’s plan.

👉 Read 1Samuel 19:1 - 24


Q1. (1 – 7) When Jonathan spoke on David’s behalf to his father Saul, what was Saul’s response? 

“As surely as the Lord lives, he will not be put to death.”


Q2. (8 – 10) What do you think led Saul to attempt to kill David again? (8,9)

An evil spirit from the Lord & envy

Several verses state that the evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul. (16:14, 23; 18:10; 19:9)

Would the Lord be responsible if Saul were to kill David, given that he was instigated by an evil spirit from the Lord?

Since David’s anointing, Saul has become an instrument in the Lord’s hand to discipline David. He was merely a tool in God's sovereign plan. However, this does not absolve Saul of guilt because his hostility toward David stems from his jealousy and envy. 

His heart was filled with envy and jealousy, which provided a habitat for the evil spirit. We should repent and cleanse our hearts with Jesus’ blood so that evil spirits would not come in.



Q3. (11 – 17) How did Michal help David? (three, 11-12, 13-14, 17)

She made him flee during the night.

She made up the shape of David to deceive Saul’s servants.

She lied to her father that David threatened her.

This passage shows that David did not flee on his own initiative, as he was unaware of Saul’s hostility at the time. Rather, it was the Lord who orchestrated everything, ensuring that David could escape.



Q4. (18 – 24) What happened to the three messenger bands and Saul when they came to capture David?

They prophesied, and Saul also prophesied—even to the point of stripping off his garments and lying naked. 

This unusual event demonstrated God’s power over Saul, humbling him and preventing him from harming David. It was a clear sign that, despite Saul’s hostility, the Lord remained in control.




God’s Spirit has the power to subdue the hostility and will in Saul’s heart and make him prophesy, yet He allows an evil spirit to stir up Saul’s own sinful nature, leading him to attempt to kill David. In this, Saul ultimately served as the Lord’s instrument for David’s benefit, shaping him through trials and preparing him for his future role.

We must humble ourselves before God, who might override or strengthen our will and thoughts and use us according to His sovereign will. He sends both evil spirits or His spirit according to His divine plan. Cleanse your heart with the blood of Jesus, and prepare yourself to be used for God's good purpose. It is an incredible blessing..


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