1 Samuel 18:29
ESV
Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David 's enemy continually.
NIV
Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.
NASB
then Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.
CSB
and he became even more afraid of David. As a result, Saul was David’s enemy from then on.
NLT
Saul became even more afraid of him, and he remained David’s enemy for the rest of his life.
KJV
And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.
NKJV
and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David’s enemy continually.
What does 1 Samuel 18:29 mean?
The difference between Saul and David becomes ever starker as their stories continue. David lives boldly because of his deep faith and confidence in the Lord. Saul acts out one scheme after another because of his deep fear of losing what he has. David volunteers to fight the giant because of his indignation at Goliath's mockery of God, relying on a conviction that the Lord would prevail (1 Samuel 17:36–37). Saul refuses to fight the giant, measuring his chances of success only on human terms and without putting any hope in the power of God to give the victory.When God first chose Saul to be king, Saul was so intimidated that he hid in luggage (1 Samuel 10:22). With God's help, Saul became a mighty military leader who protected God's people from their enemies. But Saul took arrogant advantage of his empowerment, rather than following the One who enabled his success. Saul disobeyed God and tried to force God's help. So, God promised to take the throne away (1 Samuel 13:8–15). Saul started making foolish decisions and lost control of his army (1 Samuel 14:24–35). He feared his soldiers more than his God and lost even the guidance of Samuel (1 Samuel 15).
Now the king realizes that the Lord has rejected him as king and has already selected a replacement (1 Samuel 15:26–28). Saul can only see David as a threat instead of a powerful ally in the battle against the Philistines. His plots against the young man have all come to nothing (1 Samuel 18:28). Saul is left only with fear and a lifelong commitment to destroying Israel's greatest warrior. Saul was David's enemy, but he was also his own enemy.
