Saul Fears David

Living in Covenant

A Personal Perspective

Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) 

A Covenant betweenFriends

1 Samuel 18:10-16 The Message 

10-11 The next day an ugly mood was sent by God to afflict Saul, who became quite beside himself, raving. David played his harp, as he usually did at such times. Saul had a spear in his hand. Suddenly Saul threw the spear, thinking, “I’ll nail David to the wall.” David ducked, and the spear missed. This happened twice.
12-16 Now Saul feared David. It was clear that God was with David and had left Saul. So, Saul got David out of his sight by making him an officer in the army. David was in combat frequently. Everything David did turned out well. Yes, God was with him. As Saul saw David becoming more successful, he himself grew more fearful. He could see the handwriting on the wall. But everyone else in Israel and Judah loved David. They loved watching him in action.

For Reflection

Selected by God as Israel's first king, Saul made several attempts to kill David.  They all failed. Saul forgot that God chose him and expected Saul to be obedient to his word.  But having abandoned his commission, and threatened by David's success and popularity, Saul became enraged by jealousy. Instead of understanding his Kingship as a gift of God, Saul saw his position and power dwindling. He changed his idea of who he was from an appointee of God to a supreme ruler obsessed with self-glorification.

Pray

Pray often and long so that you remain a faithful and humble servant of God.


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