For many viewers, House of David on Prime Video has introduced a biblical adventure they may not have known before. The show tells the story of young David (Michael Iskander) before he becomes King of Israel and also shows the decline of King Saul’s rule.
The first episode, A Shepherd and a King, ends with the prophet Samuel (Stephen Lang) rejecting King Saul (Ali Suliman) as ruler. This moment is shocking for those unfamiliar with the story from the Old Testament.
However, the series takes an even more dramatic turn when Saul is consumed by a strange and haunting experience. He soon changes into a much more furious and unpredictable man.
So, what exactly is happening to King Saul? The answer lies in his rejection by God, a decision that sets him on a path of spiritual and mental torment.
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King Saul Loses God’s Favor and His Right to Rule
Queen Ahinoam (Ayelet Zurer) stands by her husband, King Saul, but even she cannot change the truth. Saul has lost God’s favor, and this means his rule over Israel will come to an end. His downfall begins when he disobeys a direct command from God during a battle against the Amalekites.
The prophet Samuel instructs Saul to destroy everything, including King Agag (Jeremy Xido), but Saul does not follow through. Instead of eliminating Agag and all the spoils of war, Saul keeps the Amalekite king as a prisoner and allows his men to take valuables for themselves.
Samuel arrives at Saul’s victory celebration and immediately condemns him. Though Samuel once saw Saul as a son, he now sorrowfully tells him that God has rejected him as king. The rejection is not just symbolic—Saul will also face deep suffering because of his actions.
The Loss of Divine Protection Leaves Saul Vulnerable
Before Jesus Christ’s arrival in the New Testament, certain people in the Old Testament received special power from God’s Spirit, also known as the Holy Spirit. These chosen individuals included prophets, warriors, judges, and kings. Saul was one of them when he was anointed as Israel’s first king. With God’s presence within him, Saul became a strong leader and won many battles.
However, Saul’s refusal to obey God’s command to destroy King Agag and avoid taking spoils from the Amalekites is seen as open defiance. This act, combined with his unwillingness to admit his mistake, causes God’s Spirit to leave him. Once that protection is gone, Saul becomes exposed to something far worse—spiritual attacks that lead to his torment.
An Evil Spirit Begins to Torment Saul
The show House of David does not directly explain what happens to Saul after he loses God’s favor, but it is clear that something changes within him. At first, it seems like he is going through a mental or emotional breakdown. However, according to 1 Samuel 16:14, Saul is actually being tormented by an evil spirit. The passage states:
“Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him.”
This means that after God removes His Spirit, another presence takes its place—one that brings suffering instead of strength. It is unclear whether this evil spirit is Satan himself or another dark force, but the effect is the same. Saul begins to lose control of his thoughts, and his anger grows.
After Samuel leaves, Saul is left in a strange, dreamlike state that resembles visions from The Lord of the Rings when Frodo puts on the One Ring. However, unlike Frodo—who simply sees another side of his world—Saul’s torment is inside his own mind. Samuel had warned him that his punishment would be severe, and now the consequences have begun.
Over the next two episodes, Saul’s visions become more intense. He can no longer tell what is real. His personality changes, and he becomes more aggressive. Even his wife, Queen Ahinoam, and his children barely recognize him.
In the third episode, The Anointing, Saul’s condition worsens. He flies into a rage and kills one of his own servants while trapped in a terrifying vision. The once-wise and powerful ruler is now a man consumed by fury and fear.
David’s Music Becomes the Only Cure for Saul’s Suffering
The evil spirit that haunts Saul is mentioned multiple times in 1 Samuel. However, the very next verse in the story also provides a possible solution. In 1 Samuel 16:15-16, Saul’s servants recognize his suffering and suggest a cure:
“And Saul’s servants said to him, ‘Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.'”
This moment introduces a key figure—young David. House of David emphasizes that David is not only a shepherd but also a musician. His skill with the lyre (a stringed instrument similar to a harp) will become crucial in Saul’s life.
According to the Bible, the only time Saul experiences peace is when David plays music for him. Each time David strums the lyre, the evil spirit leaves Saul, providing temporary relief from his torment. Some believe that David’s music had such power because it was a form of worship to God. Whatever the reason, it is clear that David plays a vital role in Saul’s struggle.
However, this relief does not last forever. The evil spirit may leave temporarily, but Saul’s anger and jealousy continue to grow. Eventually, his attention shifts to David himself. As the story unfolds, Saul’s wrath toward David intensifies, setting the stage for even greater conflict.
Saul’s Torment Is More Than Just a Curse
To fully understand Saul’s suffering in House of David, it is important to recognize that he is not simply under a normal curse. His torment is not just a punishment from Samuel or a moment of guilt over his mistakes. Instead, he is being attacked by something much darker, something supernatural.
In modern times, stories of possession and hauntings often include terrifying spirits that influence a person’s mind. Movies like The Conjuring depict these forces as demonic nuns or cursed dolls.
While House of David does not take this horror-movie approach, Saul’s experience is just as terrifying. He is not just facing political troubles or personal guilt—he is trapped in a battle against an unseen, destructive force.
As the series continues, it is clear that Saul’s journey will only become more painful. New episodes of House of David are released every Thursday on Prime Video, and viewers will witness the ongoing struggle of a fallen king who has lost his way.
Also Read: ‘House of David’ Episode 4 Recap: Brings Biblical Drama to Life With Tension and Music
