32 Saul’s Resentment

While the Lord had already chosen, and had Samuel to ordain David as the next king, from all appearances, he seemed to be very far from ever assuming the throne. Even for David himself, there was probably hardly a thought about sitting upon the throne.

Yet, in reality, the Lord was moving him closer and closer to the position he would ultimately occupy.

1 David and Jonathan’s Covenant

After David slayed the Philistine giant Goliath, the Israelite army routed the Philistines, chasing the, back deep into Philistia. King Saul then spoke with David, inquiring about his background, apparently forgetting that he had personally asked David’s father to allow David to come and serve in his court.

But here, chapter 18 opens after the conversation between Saul and David, showing that a very close bond and friendship was developing between David and Saul’s son Jonathan:

1 Samuel 18:1-4

The relationship between Jonathan and David was primarily based upon them both having a personal relationship with the Lord.

What an example that is for all believers, as the essence of true fellowship among believers is based upon them first, having a personal relationship with Christ.

But there were secondary things which they also had in common:

• They were probably fairly close in age, with Jonathan no doubt being a few years older than David.
• They were both valiant fighters, as shown by Jonathan’s exploits on the battlefield, and David’s victory over Goliath.

But this show how wonderful it is, when brothers and sisters can share a multiplicity of things in common, primarily their love for the Lord, as David would write about years later:

Psalm 133:1

But the passage also shows the heart of Jonathan, who as the eldest son of Saul, would have been heir to his throne.

Yet, instead of pompously acting like might be expected by a prince, Jonathan found in David, a brother.

Again, as someone who had a close relationship with the Lord himself, Jonathan saw the same characteristics in David. Therefore, they covenanted with one another. The idea of the “covenant” speaks of them vowing to support and look out for one another.

Remember, Jonathan knew firsthand, how volatile his father could be, so, he would attempt to be a buffer (as much as possible) between Saul and his friend David.

Once again, it’s a perfect example of how believers should be towards one another.

2 Saul’s Resentment

Even Saul had been impressed by David’s easily defeating Goliath, and therefore made him one of his military commanders, despite his very young age. Yet, David acted wisely in all he did:

1 Samuel 18:5-9

David showed himself to be a faithful servant in Saul’s army, which caused the people and Saul’s servants to accept him.

However, Saul’s positive feelings toward David didn’t last, as he became extremely jealous after the women paid tribute to both Saul and David the victory over the Philistines:

1 Samuel 18:6-7

Saul became angered because the people were crediting David with killing more Philistines. Saul had previously showed jealousy toward Jonathan, so it shouldn’t be surprising that he would have felt the same way toward David.

Saul was afraid that David would soon seek to overthrow him and take over the kingdom. Much of those feelings, were probably due to the fact that God had already said that He was removing the kingdom from Saul and giving it to another. Although, at this time Saul didn’t know David had already been anointed to succeed him.

Yet in verse 9, we see that Saul “eyed David” obviously being suspicious and concerned that David might be his successor:

1 Samuel 18:9

3 Saul Attempts to Kill David

Saul wasn’t only jealous of David, but he became demonically tormented once again:

1 Samuel 18:10-16

We shouldn’t take it to mean that the Lord sent the “distressing spirit” but he allowed it to take place.

It should also be remembered that the Lord’s Spirit had departed from Saul, which meant his protection against the demonic had been removed.

There is a portion of verse 10, which has caused a great deal of confusion:

1 Samuel 18:10b

The Hebrew word for “prophesy” spoke of “idle babbling or muttering” instead of him speaking for the Lord.

Due to Saul’s agitated state, David was called upon to play soothing music once again to hopefully calm the tormented king. However, in this instance, not only wasn’t the king calmed, but Saul attempted to kill David by hurling a spear at him.

David actually escaped Saul attempting to kill him twice, which shows that David not only didn’t attempt to defend himself, but he didn’t attempt to injure the king when given the opportunity.

Saul was afraid of David because he saw that the Lord was with him, therefore he transferred David to the position of captain over a thousand soldiers.

However, it didn’t appear to be an honor, but rather it was to purposely place him in danger on the battlefield.