Overview
The javelin was a common weapon in ancient Near Eastern warfare, typically a spear that could be thrown or thrust. In Scripture, it appears most memorably when King Saul, filled with a distressing spirit, attempted to kill the young David with a javelin as he played the harp.
Key Scriptures
"Now there was a distressing spirit from the Lord upon Saul, and it came to pass, as David was playing music on the harp, that Saul took a spear and said, 'I will pin David to the wall!' But David escaped his presence twice" (1 Samuel 19:9-10, NKJV).
This account illustrates how Saul's jealousy and spiritual rebellion manifested in violent attempts against David, God's chosen successor.
Application
We must guard our hearts against jealousy and envy, recognizing that such emotions can lead us to harm those God favors, and instead submit ourselves fully to God's sovereign plans.