Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of King Saul's relationship with David, as recorded in the books of 1 Samuel, provides a profound illustration of emotional and spiritual instability. Saul, the first king of Israel, initially welcomed David into his service, but his feelings toward David soon became tumultuous and unpredictable, marked by jealousy, fear, and hostility.Initial Favor and Success David first enters Saul's life as a young shepherd who gains favor through his musical talent, which soothes Saul's troubled spirit (1 Samuel 16:21-23). Saul initially loves David greatly, making him his armor-bearer. David's victory over Goliath further endears him to Saul, who sets him over the men of war, and David's success in battle earns him the admiration of the people and Saul's servants (1 Samuel 18:5). Jealousy and Fear However, Saul's feelings toward David shift dramatically following the latter's growing popularity. After David's triumph over Goliath, the women of Israel sing, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). This comparison ignites Saul's jealousy, and he becomes suspicious of David, fearing that he might usurp the throne. "And Saul was angry, and this song displeased him... So from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David" (1 Samuel 18:8-9). Attempts on David's Life Saul's instability is further evidenced by his repeated attempts to kill David. In a fit of rage, Saul hurls a spear at David, intending to pin him to the wall, but David evades him twice (1 Samuel 18:10-11). Saul's fear of David grows because "the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul" (1 Samuel 18:12). Despite his fear, Saul continues to plot against David, even offering his daughter Michal in marriage as a snare, hoping the Philistines would kill David (1 Samuel 18:21, 25). Pursuit and Reconciliation Attempts Saul's pursuit of David becomes relentless, driving David into hiding. Saul's instability is further highlighted by his vacillation between murderous intent and moments of apparent reconciliation. On several occasions, David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his loyalty and respect for the Lord's anointed. Saul, in turn, acknowledges David's righteousness and expresses remorse, saying, "You are more righteous than I... May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today" (1 Samuel 24:17, 19). Yet, these moments of clarity are fleeting, and Saul's pursuit of David resumes. Spiritual Decline Saul's instability is rooted in his spiritual decline, marked by disobedience to God's commands and a failure to repent. His jealousy and fear of David are symptomatic of a deeper spiritual malaise, as the Spirit of the LORD had departed from him (1 Samuel 16:14). Saul's inability to trust in God's sovereignty and his reliance on his own understanding lead to his downfall. The account of Saul's unstable feelings toward David serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of jealousy, fear, and spiritual disobedience. Saul's tragic trajectory underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the perils of allowing personal insecurities to dictate one's actions. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 18:19But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite to wife. Nave's Topical Index Library Chapter xlix part ii Resources Is God a moral monster? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God have emotions? | GotQuestions.org Are the teachings of Arnold Murray and Shepherd's Chapel biblical? | GotQuestions.org Instability: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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