What does Saul's reaction in 1 Samuel 20:31 teach about jealousy and power?

Saul’s Outburst – 1 Samuel 20:31

“For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!”

Main observations

- Saul links his own security to the removal of David; jealousy drives him to violence.

- He appeals to power (“your kingdom will not be established”) to pressure Jonathan.

- He ignores the clear evidence of God’s favor on David (1 Samuel 18:14, 28–29).

What jealousy looks like in Saul

- Sees God-given success in another as a personal threat (1 Samuel 18:7–9).

- Interprets loyalty to David as disloyalty to himself (1 Samuel 20:30).

- Justifies extreme actions to protect position (ordering David’s death).

- Hardens the heart against truth even when confronted by loved ones (Jonathan).

How power is corrupted

- Uses authority for self-preservation instead of service (contrast 2 Samuel 23:3–4).

- Redefines right and wrong around his own advantage (Isaiah 5:20).

- Relies on coercion rather than trust in God’s promise (1 Samuel 12:13).

- Treats people—even his son—as pawns for political gain.

Scripture parallels

- Proverbs 27:4: “Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”

- James 3:16: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.”

- John 11:48–50: Religious leaders fear losing power and plot Jesus’ death.

- Galatians 5:19–21: Jealousy listed among works of the flesh that “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Lessons for today

- Jealousy blinds to God’s larger plan; trust His sovereignty over roles and outcomes (Romans 8:28).

- Positions of authority are stewardship, not entitlement; use influence to serve (Mark 10:42–45).

- Confront jealousy early: confess, repent, celebrate others’ successes (Romans 12:15).

- Listen to godly counsel instead of silencing it; Jonathan’s voice was a gift Saul rejected (Proverbs 11:14).

- Remember that securing power apart from God ultimately fails; Saul’s throne passes to David anyway (1 Samuel 15:28; 2 Samuel 5:4).