I Samuel 18 Commentary: Jealousy, Friendship, and Divine Favor
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand.
And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.
Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.
Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the Lord’s battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.
And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul’s daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.
And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king’s son in law.
And Saul’s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king’s son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David.
And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son in law: and the days were not expired.
Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king’s son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
And Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him.
And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually.
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
I Samuel 18 presents a complex tapestry of human emotions and divine intervention, showcasing the blossoming friendship between David and Jonathan, the escalating jealousy of Saul, and the unwavering favor of God upon David. This chapter is pivotal in understanding the dynamics that would shape the future of Israel and the lives of these central figures.
Jonathan's Covenant with David (I Samuel 18:1-5)
The chapter opens with an extraordinary display of affection and loyalty. Jonathan, Saul's son and heir, was deeply moved by David's courage and faith demonstrated in his victory over Goliath. I Samuel 18:1-5 highlights the immediate and profound connection between these two men. We see Jonathan recognizing something special in David, a quality that transcended mere admiration. This affection blossomed into a covenant of close friendship (I Samuel 18:3), a bond that would be tested by the turmoil to come.
It is remarkable that Jonathan, who stood to inherit the throne, so readily embraced David. Whether Jonathan fully understood at this point that David was God's chosen successor (see I Samuel 20:14-15) is not explicitly stated, but his actions speak volumes. He stripped himself of his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt, giving them to David (I Samuel 18:4). These were not just gifts; they were symbols of status, authority, and military prowess, signifying Jonathan's support and perhaps even a tacit acknowledgement of David's future role.
Saul, too, recognized David's potential. After the victory over Goliath, Saul kept David with him, appointing him as a permanent leader in the army (I Samuel 18:2). David was placed in command of fighting men, and the text emphasizes that God made him successful in everything he did (I Samuel 18:5). This divine blessing was evident to all, further solidifying David's position and influence.
The Seeds of Jealousy (I Samuel 18:6-9)
While David's success initially pleased Saul, the tide quickly turned. The women of Israel, celebrating the victory over the Philistines, sang, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (I Samuel 18:6-7). These words, though seemingly innocent, ignited the fire of jealousy within Saul's heart.
Saul perceived this popular acclaim as a threat to his authority and his throne. He wrongly assumed that David was seeking an opportunity to seize power (I Samuel 18:8). This suspicion, fueled by pride, poisoned Saul's heart and marked the beginning of his relentless pursuit of David. From that day forward, Saul harbored animosity towards David (I Samuel 18:9). This illustrates the destructive power of jealousy and how it can distort one's perception of reality. Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Saul's pride blinded him to the truth and set him on a path of self-destruction.
Escalating Conflict and Divine Protection (I Samuel 18:10-16)
The consequences of Saul's jealousy were immediate and severe. The very next day, an evil spirit from God tormented Saul (I Samuel 18:10), driving him to erratic and violent behavior. In his madness, Saul twice attempted to kill David (I Samuel 18:10-11).
This period highlights the contrast between Saul's descent into darkness and David's continued reliance on God. Saul, consumed by fear and insecurity, lashed out in anger and desperation. David, on the other hand, remained steadfast in his faith, trusting in God's protection.
Recognizing that the Lord was with David, Saul removed him from his personal service and placed him in command of a thousand men (I Samuel 18:13). This was ostensibly a promotion, but Saul's true intention was to expose David to greater danger in battle, hoping he would be killed by the Philistines. However, God continued to bless David, and his success and popularity only increased (I Samuel 18:14-16).
Broken Promises and Deceitful Schemes (I Samuel 18:17-30)
Driven by his insatiable desire to eliminate David, Saul resorted to deceit and manipulation. He offered David his eldest daughter, Merab, in marriage, with the unspoken expectation that David would be killed in battle against the Philistines (I Samuel 18:17). Saul had already broken his promise to reward the one who killed Goliath with his daughter's hand (I Samuel 17:25), demonstrating his untrustworthiness.
David, in his humility, initially declined the offer, considering himself unworthy of such an honor (I Samuel 18:18). However, when the time came for the marriage, Saul broke his word and gave Merab to another man (I Samuel 18:19).
Undeterred, Saul devised another plan when he learned that his younger daughter, Michal, loved David (I Samuel 18:20). He saw this as an opportunity to ensnare David, demanding a bride-price of one hundred Philistine foreskins, again hoping that David would be killed in the attempt (I Samuel 18:25).
David, willing to seize any opportunity to fight the Lord's enemies, accepted the challenge. He and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines, presenting their foreskins to Saul, thus fulfilling the bride-price (I Samuel 18:27). Saul was then forced to give Michal to David as his wife.
This episode underscores the depths of Saul's depravity and the lengths to which he would go to eliminate David. It also highlights David's unwavering courage and his willingness to risk his life for the sake of his people.
The Inevitable Rise of David (I Samuel 18:28-30)
The chapter concludes with a stark contrast between the fading fortunes of Saul and the rising star of David. Saul recognized that the Lord was with David and that Michal loved him, further fueling his fear and resentment (I Samuel 18:28). David's wisdom and success continued to grow, and he was more successful in all his campaigns than any of Saul's other officers (I Samuel 18:30).
I Samuel 18 is a study in contrasts: love versus jealousy, humility versus pride, trust versus fear, and divine favor versus human scheming. It lays the groundwork for the escalating conflict between Saul and David, while also highlighting the unwavering friendship between David and Jonathan and the undeniable presence of God in David's life. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of jealousy and the importance of trusting in God's plan, even in the face of adversity. It encourages us to examine our own hearts, to guard against the seeds of envy, and to embrace humility and faith in God's sovereign will.
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand.
And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.
Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.
Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the Lord’s battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.
And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul’s daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.
And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king’s son in law.
And Saul’s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king’s son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David.
And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son in law: and the days were not expired.
Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king’s son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
And Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him.
And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually.
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
I Samuel 18 presents a complex tapestry of human emotions and divine intervention, showcasing the blossoming friendship between David and Jonathan, the escalating jealousy of Saul, and the unwavering favor of God upon David. This chapter is pivotal in understanding the dynamics that would shape the future of Israel and the lives of these central figures.
Jonathan's Covenant with David (I Samuel 18:1-5)
The chapter opens with an extraordinary display of affection and loyalty. Jonathan, Saul's son and heir, was deeply moved by David's courage and faith demonstrated in his victory over Goliath. I Samuel 18:1-5 highlights the immediate and profound connection between these two men. We see Jonathan recognizing something special in David, a quality that transcended mere admiration. This affection blossomed into a covenant of close friendship (I Samuel 18:3), a bond that would be tested by the turmoil to come.
It is remarkable that Jonathan, who stood to inherit the throne, so readily embraced David. Whether Jonathan fully understood at this point that David was God's chosen successor (see I Samuel 20:14-15) is not explicitly stated, but his actions speak volumes. He stripped himself of his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt, giving them to David (I Samuel 18:4). These were not just gifts; they were symbols of status, authority, and military prowess, signifying Jonathan's support and perhaps even a tacit acknowledgement of David's future role.
Saul, too, recognized David's potential. After the victory over Goliath, Saul kept David with him, appointing him as a permanent leader in the army (I Samuel 18:2). David was placed in command of fighting men, and the text emphasizes that God made him successful in everything he did (I Samuel 18:5). This divine blessing was evident to all, further solidifying David's position and influence.
The Seeds of Jealousy (I Samuel 18:6-9)
While David's success initially pleased Saul, the tide quickly turned. The women of Israel, celebrating the victory over the Philistines, sang, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (I Samuel 18:6-7). These words, though seemingly innocent, ignited the fire of jealousy within Saul's heart.
Saul perceived this popular acclaim as a threat to his authority and his throne. He wrongly assumed that David was seeking an opportunity to seize power (I Samuel 18:8). This suspicion, fueled by pride, poisoned Saul's heart and marked the beginning of his relentless pursuit of David. From that day forward, Saul harbored animosity towards David (I Samuel 18:9). This illustrates the destructive power of jealousy and how it can distort one's perception of reality. Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Saul's pride blinded him to the truth and set him on a path of self-destruction.
Escalating Conflict and Divine Protection (I Samuel 18:10-16)
The consequences of Saul's jealousy were immediate and severe. The very next day, an evil spirit from God tormented Saul (I Samuel 18:10), driving him to erratic and violent behavior. In his madness, Saul twice attempted to kill David (I Samuel 18:10-11).
This period highlights the contrast between Saul's descent into darkness and David's continued reliance on God. Saul, consumed by fear and insecurity, lashed out in anger and desperation. David, on the other hand, remained steadfast in his faith, trusting in God's protection.
Recognizing that the Lord was with David, Saul removed him from his personal service and placed him in command of a thousand men (I Samuel 18:13). This was ostensibly a promotion, but Saul's true intention was to expose David to greater danger in battle, hoping he would be killed by the Philistines. However, God continued to bless David, and his success and popularity only increased (I Samuel 18:14-16).
Broken Promises and Deceitful Schemes (I Samuel 18:17-30)
Driven by his insatiable desire to eliminate David, Saul resorted to deceit and manipulation. He offered David his eldest daughter, Merab, in marriage, with the unspoken expectation that David would be killed in battle against the Philistines (I Samuel 18:17). Saul had already broken his promise to reward the one who killed Goliath with his daughter's hand (I Samuel 17:25), demonstrating his untrustworthiness.
David, in his humility, initially declined the offer, considering himself unworthy of such an honor (I Samuel 18:18). However, when the time came for the marriage, Saul broke his word and gave Merab to another man (I Samuel 18:19).
Undeterred, Saul devised another plan when he learned that his younger daughter, Michal, loved David (I Samuel 18:20). He saw this as an opportunity to ensnare David, demanding a bride-price of one hundred Philistine foreskins, again hoping that David would be killed in the attempt (I Samuel 18:25).
David, willing to seize any opportunity to fight the Lord's enemies, accepted the challenge. He and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines, presenting their foreskins to Saul, thus fulfilling the bride-price (I Samuel 18:27). Saul was then forced to give Michal to David as his wife.
This episode underscores the depths of Saul's depravity and the lengths to which he would go to eliminate David. It also highlights David's unwavering courage and his willingness to risk his life for the sake of his people.
The Inevitable Rise of David (I Samuel 18:28-30)
The chapter concludes with a stark contrast between the fading fortunes of Saul and the rising star of David. Saul recognized that the Lord was with David and that Michal loved him, further fueling his fear and resentment (I Samuel 18:28). David's wisdom and success continued to grow, and he was more successful in all his campaigns than any of Saul's other officers (I Samuel 18:30).
I Samuel 18 is a study in contrasts: love versus jealousy, humility versus pride, trust versus fear, and divine favor versus human scheming. It lays the groundwork for the escalating conflict between Saul and David, while also highlighting the unwavering friendship between David and Jonathan and the undeniable presence of God in David's life. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of jealousy and the importance of trusting in God's plan, even in the face of adversity. It encourages us to examine our own hearts, to guard against the seeds of envy, and to embrace humility and faith in God's sovereign will.