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 .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:6-11
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.