Saul's growing fear of David is a significant theme in the narrative of 1 Samuel, illustrating the tragic decline of Israel's first king and the rise of David, the man after God's own heart. This fear is rooted in Saul's disobedience to God, his subsequent rejection as king, and the anointing of David as his successor.

Background and Context

Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God to lead His people. However, Saul's reign was marred by disobedience and a failure to fully carry out God's commands. This disobedience led to God's rejection of Saul as king, as recorded in 1 Samuel 15:26-28: "But Samuel said to him, 'I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel.' As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. So Samuel said to him, 'The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.'"

David's Rise and Saul's Jealousy

David enters the scene as a young shepherd boy, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). His victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17) catapults him into national fame and favor, particularly with the people and Saul's own son, Jonathan. This favor is evident in the people's song: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). This comparison ignites Saul's jealousy and fear, as he perceives David as a threat to his throne.

Saul's Fear Intensifies

Saul's fear of David is compounded by the realization that the LORD is with David but has departed from him. 1 Samuel 18:12 states, "Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul." This divine favor towards David and the absence of God's presence with Saul exacerbate the king's insecurity and paranoia.

Saul's fear manifests in multiple attempts on David's life. He first tries to pin David to the wall with a spear (1 Samuel 18:10-11), then plots to have him killed in battle by offering his daughter Michal in marriage, hoping the Philistines would kill David (1 Samuel 18:17-25). Despite these efforts, David continues to succeed, further increasing Saul's fear: "When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul became even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy" (1 Samuel 18:28-29).

The Role of Evil Spirits

Saul's fear is also linked to the tormenting presence of an evil spirit sent by God, as described in 1 Samuel 16:14: "Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him." This spiritual affliction contributes to Saul's erratic behavior and deepening paranoia, driving him to further irrational actions against David.

David's Response

Despite Saul's growing fear and hostility, David consistently demonstrates loyalty and respect towards Saul, refusing to harm the LORD's anointed. This is exemplified in David's sparing of Saul's life on multiple occasions, such as in the cave at En Gedi (1 Samuel 24) and in the camp at Hakilah (1 Samuel 26). David's restraint and faithfulness highlight his trust in God's timing and justice.

Conclusion

Saul's growing fear of David is a poignant narrative of a king's tragic downfall due to disobedience and jealousy, contrasted with David's rise through faithfulness and divine favor. This theme underscores the sovereignty of God in raising leaders according to His purposes and the importance of obedience and trust in His plans.