You're quite correct, the accounts of Saul's recognition of David appears strange, since he had seen David & was even close to him. And King James had nothing to do with this apparent aberration.
Some reasons are given: that Saul in his first encounter with David was when he was in a state of an oppressing evil spirit. He called for David to minister to him with harp music so we know that in spite of this affliction, he recognized David. But when Saul saw David at a later occasion (during & after the victory he had with Goliath), that Saul failed to recognize David & Abner probably wasn't aware of him either. Maybe this had something to do with the effect of the evil spirit upon him which would disturb & rattle his mind & memory.
It's also suggested that David's appearance may have changed, whether in clothing (shepherd's gear or that of a warrior) or being a little older than when Saul first saw him & Saul couldn't easily discern who this young guy was. We can't be sure from the passages given, but we shouldn't assume some error in transmission as we simply don't have the full account of Saul's position & condition. We have to accept this account as given, as we have to do with so many other accounts in the Bible, & formulate an understanding based on what we know, yet we should not attempt giving a 'full' story which may be mixed with personal ideas.
Some reasons are given: that Saul in his first encounter with David was when he was in a state of an oppressing evil spirit. He called for David to minister to him with harp music so we know that in spite of this affliction, he recognized David. But when Saul saw David at a later occasion (during & after the victory he had with Goliath), that Saul failed to recognize David & Abner probably wasn't aware of him either. Maybe this had something to do with the effect of the evil spirit upon him which would disturb & rattle his mind & memory.
It's also suggested that David's appearance may have changed, whether in clothing (shepherd's gear or that of a warrior) or being a little older than when Saul first saw him & Saul couldn't easily discern who this young guy was. We can't be sure from the passages given, but we shouldn't assume some error in transmission as we simply don't have the full account of Saul's position & condition. We have to accept this account as given, as we have to do with so many other accounts in the Bible, & formulate an understanding based on what we know, yet we should not attempt giving a 'full' story which may be mixed with personal ideas.
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Please Sign In or Register to post comments...
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?