1 Samuel 18
Jonathan's Love to DavidThis section describes the beginning of the close friendship between Jonathan and David. It also shows how David, after killing Goliath, was brought into the king’s household and given important responsibilities. David’s character and actions won the respect and affection of Jonathan, Saul, and the people of Israel. God was preparing David for the future by giving him favor and support in the royal court.v. 1: After David spoke with Saul, Jonathan felt a deep connection with him. Jonathan’s soul was “knit” to David’s soul, and he loved David as himself . This friendship started because Jonathan saw David’s courage, wisdom, and faith. Even though David would one day become king instead of Jonathan, Jonathan was not jealous. Their hearts were united because of their similar bravery and trust in God. v. 2: Saul, the king, decided that David should stay with him. He did not let David go back home to his family . God arranged this so David could learn about leadership and be prepared for future service. David had shown bravery by fighting Goliath when others were afraid, so Saul gave him a special place at court and in the army. David was obedient in everything Saul asked him to do, showing he was both brave and respectful. Those who hope to lead must first learn how to serve and obey. v. 3: Jonathan made a covenant of friendship with David. They promised to be loyal to each other because of their deep and sincere affection . True love and friendship are not changed by personal ambition or jealousy, but remain strong and faithful. v. 4: To show his love, Jonathan gave David his own robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt . Jonathan wanted David to look like a prince and a soldier, just as he himself did. It was a sign of respect and acceptance. Jonathan’s gifts fit David well, showing how alike they were in both body and spirit. Their friendship was strong and sincere, and Jonathan was not afraid to honor David even though David was to be the next king. This act also reminds us of Jesus, who gave up his glory to bless us. v. 5: David succeeded in everything Saul asked him to do. Saul put David in charge of the men of war. All the people, including Saul’s servants, accepted and respected David . Even though David received much honor and praise quickly, he stayed humble and wise. It is sometimes harder to handle success than failure, but David showed a good attitude and strong character. David Honoured by the People; Saul Troubled with an Evil SpiritThis section marks the beginning of David’s troubles, which come soon after his great victory. The praise David receives from the people makes Saul jealous. Instead of enjoying peace after Goliath’s defeat, David faces new dangers because of Saul’s envy. This teaches us that success in the world can bring new tests and problems.v. 6: After the victory over Goliath, Saul traveled through the cities of Israel to celebrate. When Saul arrived in each city, women came out to meet him with music and dancing, as was the custom during public celebrations. They sang a song that said, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands (1 Samuel 18:6 a). The people honored David even more than Saul for his bravery. – v. 8–9: Saul became very angry when he heard the song. He felt jealous because the people praised David more than him. Saul thought, What more can David have but the kingdom? (1 Samuel 18:8 b). From that day on, Saul looked at David with suspicion and fear. He was no longer friendly to David. This shows how envy can poison a person’s heart and make them see others as threats. – v. 10–11: The next day, Saul was troubled again by an evil spirit sent from God. He pretended to be prophesying in his house, but inside he was full of anger and jealousy. David played music on his harp to help Saul, just as he had done before. Instead of being thankful, Saul picked up a javelin and tried to kill David by throwing it at him with great force, saying, I will smite David to the wall with it (1 Samuel 18:11 c). David avoided the attack twice. Even though David could have fought back, he chose only to escape. David’s safety was really because of God’s protection. This moment shows the difference between David’s kindness and Saul’s hatred. As the Bible says, The bloodthirsty hate the upright, but the just seek his soul (Proverbs 29:10 d). – David Marries Saul's Daughter; Saul's Jealousy of DavidThis section shows how Saul’s jealousy and fear of David keep growing, even though David does nothing wrong. Saul tries many ways to harm David, but David always acts wisely and humbly. God is with David, blessing him and turning Saul’s evil plans into good for David and for Israel.v. 12: Saul became afraid of David because he saw that the Lord was with David, but had left Saul . People who have God’s presence are truly respected, even by those who dislike them. v. 13: Saul removed David from the court and made him a captain over a thousand soldiers, sending him away so he would not have to see him anymore . Saul hoped this would keep David from gaining more support at court, but it only helped David become more popular with the people. v. 14–15: David behaved wisely in everything he did, and the Lord gave him success. The more wisely David acted, the more Saul feared him (1 Samuel 18:14–15 e). Saul realized that God was blessing David, which made him even more jealous. – v. 16: All Israel and Judah loved David because he led them in their battles and served them well . People respected him for his leadership and courage. v. 17: Saul offered his oldest daughter Merab to David as a wife, hoping David would keep fighting the Philistines and maybe be killed in battle . Saul pretended he wanted to honor David, but really, he wanted David to die. v. 18–19: When Saul made the offer, David answered humbly, saying, Who am I, and what is my life, that I should be son-in-law to the king? (1 Samuel 18:18 f). But when the time came, Saul gave Merab to another man (1 Samuel 18:19 g). Saul did this to insult David and hoped David would react badly, giving Saul an excuse to harm him. – v. 20–21: Saul’s other daughter, Michal, loved David. Saul offered her to David, but again with evil plans, thinking, She may be a snare to him (1 Samuel 18:20–21 h). Saul hoped that by marrying his daughter, David would get into trouble or be killed by the Philistines. – v. 22–23: Saul told his servants to speak to David secretly, encouraging him to become the king’s son-in-law. David still answered modestly, saying he was a poor man and not worthy of such an honor (1 Samuel 18:23 i). David’s humility showed he was not proud, even though the king’s daughter loved him. – – v. 25–27: Saul asked David to kill one hundred Philistines as the price for marrying Michal, hoping David would die trying. But David was willing and killed two hundred Philistines, bringing proof to Saul (1 Samuel 18:25–27 j). David succeeded because he trusted in God and wanted to serve his people well. – – v. 28–29: Saul saw that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David. This made Saul even more afraid and hateful towards David, and he became David’s enemy for the rest of his life (1 Samuel 18:28–29 k). – v. 30: Even after marrying Michal, David continued to serve well and fight bravely. He behaved more wisely than all the other officers of Saul, and his name became highly respected among the people (1 Samuel 18:30 l). David’s humble and faithful actions brought him honor, even though Saul tried to harm him. God used Saul’s evil plans to do good for David and for Israel.
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