Connect Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 18:17 with other biblical examples of deceitful intentions. Saul’s Hidden Agenda in 1 Samuel 18:17 “Then Saul said to David, ‘Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage if you will serve me bravely and fight the battles of the LORD.’ But Saul was thinking, ‘I will not raise a hand against him. Let the Philistines strike him down.’” (1 Samuel 18:17) • Pious words hide murderous intent. • A gift (Merab) is dangled to lure David into danger. • Saul hopes to appear innocent while others do the killing. Old Testament Mirrors of Deceitful Intent • Jacob deceiving Isaac (Genesis 27:18-29) – outward obedience, inward theft of blessing. • Laban switching Leah for Rachel (Genesis 29:21-25) – outward celebration, inward trick. • Gibeonites fooling Joshua (Joshua 9:3-15) – outward humility, inward self-preservation. • Jezebel plotting Naboth’s death (1 Kings 21:8-14) – outward fast, inward murder. • Absalom winning hearts to rebel (2 Samuel 15:1-6) – outward justice, inward coup. New Testament Echoes • Judas betraying with a kiss (Luke 22:47-48). • Ananias & Sapphira feigning generosity (Acts 5:1-10). • Spies trapping Jesus over taxes (Luke 20:20-26). Shared Hallmarks • Righteous façade, unrighteous motive. • Personal gain sought through hidden sin. • God exposes the heart (Hebrews 4:13). • Inevitable judgment—Saul dies by the very Philistines he used (1 Samuel 31). God’s Verdict • “The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful.” (Proverbs 12:22) • “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it.” (Proverbs 26:27) Walking in Truth • Let Scripture search motives (Proverbs 20:27). • Keep speech plain (Matthew 5:37). • Trust God, not schemes (Psalm 37:5). |
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