Saul sought to strike David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he struck the spear into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.
This is the third reference to an evil spirit afflicting Saul (cf. 1 Samuel 16:14; 1 Samuel 18:10). This influence overcame Saul’s good intentions and resulted in his breaking his vow to God (1 Samuel 19:6). Now David had to "flee and escape." This phrase occurs three times in this chapter (1 Samuel 19:10; 1 Samuel 19:12; 1 Samuel 19:18), and it contrasts with David being in Saul’s presence (1 Samuel 19:7). From now on David was no longer able to stay in Saul’s presence, but he had to flee and escape, seeking refuge from the king wherever he could find it. David’s days as a fugitive (living beyond the king’s reach), which began here, would continue until Saul died.