Saul and David (1650s)

Rembrandt’s Saul and David is an oil painting displayed at the Mauritshuis and dates between 1651 and 1658. It shows the events of 1 Samuel 16:14-23 and 1 Samuel 18:8-11, in which King Saul is taunted by an evil spirit though becalmed by David’s playing. Although I fear the artist has not quite managed to capture either Saul’s agony or his blessed relief, there is certainly a contrast in height and power between the two men, the one looming large, the other occupying a modest corner.

Curiously, in the 1800s, the two subjects on the canvas were cut apart, some dealer presumably wishing to sell them separately as individual portraits. Although since united on canvas, the actual pair of kings remain in the spiritual realm, either with Jesus the Christ whose heaven they share, or separated by sin's eternal chasm and coming judgement. David we may describe as a ‘saved’ man despite his Old Testament life span, as he surely beheld from afar and trusted the greater Deliverer, to whom he would lend DNA. There is no evidence that Saul was a true believer, but let us not read too much into that; God will be merciful to many millions whose names and conversions were not recorded in scripture or known to the world. This wideness in God's mercy is itself a source of great comfort. 

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22

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