Definition: And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with [his] hand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 19:9. It's a really significant and dramatic moment in the story of Samuel! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Saul is a King: The verse tells us about Saul, who was the king of Israel at this point. He had a serious problem – he was being plagued by an evil spirit from God. He's Sitting & Preparing to Strike: Saul was sitting in his house, holding a javelin (a spear) and preparing to strike someone. This suggests he’s feeling anxious and perhaps vulnerable. The Evil Spirit is Affecting Him: The “evil spirit” isn’t just a simple bad feeling; it's actively trying to harm him – controlling him and making him act aggressively. What’s Happening? It sounds like the evil spirit is influencing Saul’s thoughts and actions, causing him to become angry and aggressive. He's being manipulated! The Key Point - It's a Test: This verse is often interpreted as a test of Samuel’s faith and obedience to God. God was sending this challenge to show Saul that he needed to rely on Him completely and not try to do things his own way. In short, it's about a time when Saul was struggling with a powerful force trying to control him. Important Note: It’s important to remember that this story is part of a larger narrative about God’s protection and the importance of trusting Him. It highlights Saul’s struggle with his own pride and desire for revenge, which ultimately led to his downfall. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like a deeper explanation of what "evil spirit" means in this context?