In the days of Abimelech (see Judges 9:23) an evil spirit was sent by the Lord in response to sin.1 With regard to Saul, he was being judged by God for his sin of rebellion (1 Samuel 15:1–35), his refusal to submit to the Lord’s authority structures.2 The evil spirit is thus meant to remind Saul of his sin and need to repent.
14 Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him.