the evil spirit: 1Sa 16:14, 1Sa 16:15, 1Sa 19:9, 1Sa 26:19 and he prophesied: Wyyithnabbai, rather, "and he pretended to prophesy; for the verb is in Hithpael, the signification of which conjugation is not only reflex action, but also affectation of the action: Jer 29:26, Jer 29:27. The meaning seems to be, that Saul, influenced by the evil spirit, feigned to be prophesying, the better to conceal his murderous intentions, and to render David unsuspicious. 1Sa 19:24, 1Ki 18:29, 1Ki 22:12, 1Ki 22:20-23, Jer 28:2-4, Jer 28:11, Zec 13:2-5, Act 16:16, 2Th 2:11 played: 1Sa 16:16, 1Sa 16:23 and there was: Wehachanith beyad Shaool, rather, "and the javelin was in the hand of Saul;" for the javelin or spear was the emblem of regal authority; and kings had it always in their hand, as may be seen represented on ancient monuments. In ancient times, says Justin, kings used a spear instead of a sceptre. Reciprocal: Num 25:7 - a javelin Num 35:20 - by laying Jdg 9:23 - God 1Sa 19:7 - in times past 1Sa 22:6 - spear 2Ki 3:15 - bring me