This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter; in it, Saul’s jealousy consumes him because he realizes how much the Lord was with David. The chapter begins, “After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond of love between them, and they became the best of friends. From that day on Saul kept David with him at the palace and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a special vow to be David’s friend, and he sealed the pact by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt.
Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander in his army, an appointment that was applauded by the fighting men and officers alike. But something happened when the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed Goliath. Women came out from all the towns along the way to celebrate and to cheer for King Saul, and they sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals. This was their song:
“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”
This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
The very next day, in fact, a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave like a madman. David began to play the harp, as he did whenever this happened. But Saul, who had a spear in his hand, suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David jumped aside and escaped. This happened another time, too, for Saul was afraid of him, and he was jealous because the Lord had left him and was now with David. Finally, Saul banned him from his presence and appointed him commander over only a thousand men, but David faithfully led his troops into battle.” (1 Samuel 18:1-13)
Side note: Jealousy is real! In my Touch Point Bible, a caption states, “Jealousy may not seem to be a major sin, but in reality it is one step short of murder. It begins by destroying a person on the inside and then manifests itself in harmful actions. Be aware of the little jealousies that spring up in your life. Deal with them before they lead you into words and actions you will regret.”
The text continues, “David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him. When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle.” (1 Samuel 18:14-16)
Wow, Saul is realizing that God is with David. And we all know...when God is for you, who can be against you...right? Let’s see how it turns out for Saul.
“One day Saul said to David, “I am ready to give you my older daughter, Merab, as your wife. But first you must prove yourself to be a real warrior by fighting the Lord’s battles.” For Saul thought to himself, “I’ll send him out against the Philistines and let them kill him rather than doing it myself.”
“Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” David exclaimed. “My father’s family is nothing!” So when the time came for the wedding, Saul gave Merab in marriage to Adriel, a man from Meholah.
In the meantime, Saul’s daughter Michal had fallen in love with David, and Saul was delighted when he heard about it. “Here’s another chance to see him killed by the Philistines!” Saul said to himself. But to David he said, “I have a way for you to become my son-in-law after all!” Then Saul told his men to say confidentially to David, “The king really likes you, and so do we. Why don’t you accept the king’s offer and become his son-in-law?” When Saul’s men said these things to David, he replied, “How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter of a king?”
When Saul’s men reported this back to the king, he told them, “Tell David that all I want for the bride price is one hundred Philistine foreskins! Vengeance on my enemies is all I really want.” But what Saul had in mind was that David would be killed in the fight.” (1 Samuel 18:17-25)
After hearing the price, David was excited and accepted the offer. He then went out and killed two hundred Philistines and brought back their foreskins to the king. As a result, Saul gave Michal to David to be his wife.
The chapter ends with David becoming very famous throughout the land, and Saul became even more afraid of David because he realized how much the Lord was with him.
All of Saul’s plans to destroy David were foiled because God favored David. Lord, you are amazing!
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to manage our jealousy appropriately. And help us have a heart like David’s, which in turn, is a heart like yours. Through David’s story you are showing your loyalty to each of us. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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