Ingratitude is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, often highlighting the moral and spiritual failings of individuals who fail to recognize and appreciate the goodness and kindness shown to them by others. One of the most poignant examples of ingratitude in the Bible is the relationship between King Saul and David, the future king of Israel. This relationship, marked by Saul's jealousy and hostility, stands in stark contrast to the loyalty and service David offered to Saul.

David's Service to Saul

David first enters Saul's service after his victory over Goliath, which earns him a place in the king's court. Saul initially appreciates David's musical talents, which soothe him during bouts of distress caused by an evil spirit. As recorded in 1 Samuel 16:21-23 , "David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer. Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play, and relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him."

David's military prowess further endears him to Saul, as he leads successful campaigns against the Philistines. Saul sets David over the men of war, and David's success earns him the love and admiration of the people, as well as Saul's own servants (1 Samuel 18:5).

Saul's Jealousy and Ingratitude

Despite David's loyalty and service, Saul's attitude towards him changes dramatically after the women of Israel sing, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul becomes consumed with jealousy and views David as a threat to his throne. This jealousy marks the beginning of Saul's ingratitude towards David, as he fails to appreciate David's loyalty and the victories he brings to Israel.

Saul's ingratitude manifests in multiple attempts on David's life. He first tries to kill David by hurling a spear at him (1 Samuel 18:10-11). Saul then plots to have David killed by the Philistines, offering his daughter Michal in marriage as a snare (1 Samuel 18:21). Despite these attempts, David remains loyal to Saul, even sparing his life on multiple occasions when he has the opportunity to kill him (1 Samuel 24:10 BSB; 1 Samuel 26:9).

David's Loyalty and Saul's Continued Ingratitude

David's loyalty to Saul is further demonstrated when he refuses to harm Saul, acknowledging him as "the LORD's anointed" (1 Samuel 24:6). David's respect for Saul's position as king underscores his integrity and faithfulness, even in the face of Saul's relentless pursuit.

Saul's ingratitude reaches its peak when he continues to pursue David, despite David's repeated demonstrations of loyalty and mercy. Saul's inability to recognize and appreciate David's faithfulness ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid.

Theological Implications

The narrative of Saul's ingratitude towards David serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy and the failure to recognize the blessings and loyalty of others. Saul's ingratitude not only damages his relationship with David but also alienates him from God, as he prioritizes his own fears and insecurities over gratitude and righteousness.

In contrast, David's unwavering loyalty and respect for Saul, despite the king's ingratitude, exemplify the virtues of humility, patience, and faithfulness. David's conduct foreshadows the teachings of Christ, who calls His followers to love their enemies and do good to those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44).

The account of Saul and David thus provides a profound lesson on the importance of gratitude and the destructive nature of ingratitude, urging believers to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and to recognize the goodness in others, even in challenging circumstances.1 Samuel 24:1
And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.
Nave's Topical Index

The Sixth Commandment
... garment.1 Sam 24: 5. How would David's heart have smitten him if he had cut off
Saul's head? ... of murder only, but of disobedience, ingratitude, and diabolical ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

David's Anger
... Nabal, in addition to his ingratitude, has insulted him with the ... lords of his time;
those like Saul, who smote ... of the priests for having given David food"men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iii davids anger.htm

Christ's Remonstrances
... message from God unto thee,' just as Nathan said unto David. ... the true character of
his life revealed to Saul, as in a lightning flash, the ingratitude of it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/christs remonstrances.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... 1:Sam.16:14), to intimate that Saul's madness was ... not revolt from the family of David
without shaking ... of the power of thus punishing the ingratitude of Solomon ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... he reminded him of the favors he had received, as so many aggravations of his
ingratitude. ... Even Saul, that abandoned wretch, when David showed him his ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... for sin as it has its accent of ingratitude upon it ... Such was Saul's grief, which
drove him to the witch of ... And David lays his fingers upon the sore and points ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... Haughtiness is the first act of ingratitude, for it denies [586] the gift of ... 1 Samuel
26:5-12.) and not flattery, that of David, how he gat Saul into his ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... David, the promise made to, in his Son, [412]348, etc.; Nathan's message to ... Kingdom,
the, of Israel, under Saul, a shadow, [977]346; the description of [978]343 ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

Athanasius's Wonderful Escape.
... This would have been plainly to shew ingratitude to the ... of them that sought after
him; or David, because when ... in the cave, he did not discover himself to Saul. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/25 athanasiuss wonderful escape.htm

Acts xiii. 16, 17
... a king:" and (still) not a word of their ingratitude, but throughout ... And God gave
unto them Saul the son ... he had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxix acts xiii 16.htm

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