1 Samuel 18 Study Notes: Jonathan's Covenant and Saul's Jealousy
Jonathan binds himself to David in a covenant of loyal friendship, and David succeeds because the LORD is with him. Jealous of the women's victory song, Saul throws his spear at David and offers him Merab and then Michal, hoping the Philistines will kill him; David marries Michal, and Saul becomes his lasting enemy.
General
Saul removed David from court to lead a unit of a thousand. Why did the whole nation come to love David (1 Samuel 18:13-16)?
Answer: He was their leader, taking them out to war and home again
Saul removed David from his presence by putting him over a unit of a thousand soldiers (18:13). Yet the move put David in front of the whole nation. He kept succeeding because God’s presence was with him (18:14), and the people of Israel and Judah alike loved him because he led them out to war and brought them home again (18:16). When the tribes later made David king, they recalled this very thing: he had been the one leading Israel out and back even while Saul reigned (2 Samuel 5:2).
- 1 Samuel 18:13 (BSB)“Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back,”Saul sends David away to command a thousand men.
- 1 Samuel 18:16 (BSB)“But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back.”All Israel and Judah love David because he leads them in battle.
- 2 Samuel 5:2 (BSB)“Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’””The tribes later recall that David led Israel out and back even while Saul was king.
- Numbers 27:17 (BSB)“who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.””Moses prayed for a leader who would lead God’s people out and bring them in like a shepherd.
Theological
What reason does the narrator give for the people’s love of David after Saul removed him from court (1 Samuel 18:13-16)?
Answer: He was their leader, taking them out to war and home again
Saul distances David by setting him over a thousand soldiers (18:13), but this only displays him to the nation. Because God is with him, David prospers (18:14), and the whole people loves him because he leads them out and brings them in (18:16), the language of a shepherd-leader (Numbers 27:17). The tribes later cite exactly this when they anoint David king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:2).
- 1 Samuel 18:13 (BSB)“Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back,”Saul sends David away to command a thousand men.
- 1 Samuel 18:16 (BSB)“But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back.”All Israel and Judah love David because he leads them in battle.
- 2 Samuel 5:2 (BSB)“Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’””The tribes later recall that David led Israel out and back even while Saul was king.
- Numbers 27:17 (BSB)“who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.””Moses prayed for a leader who would lead God’s people out and bring them in like a shepherd.
General
How did David respond to the idea of marrying into the king’s family (1 Samuel 18:18, 23)?
Answer: He spoke of himself as too lowly and poor for it
Both times the marriage was offered, David answered with humility. First he asked who he and his family were in Israel that he should marry into the royal house (18:18). Later he told Saul’s servants he was a poor man of little standing (18:23). David did not grasp at honor; he saw himself as unworthy of it. He would speak the same way years later when God promised him a lasting house (2 Samuel 7:18). Scripture teaches that honor follows humility (Proverbs 15:33).
- 1 Samuel 18:18 (BSB)“And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?””David asks who he and his family are to become the king’s son-in-law.
- 1 Samuel 18:23 (BSB)“But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.””David describes himself as poor and of little standing.
- 2 Samuel 7:18 (BSB)“Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?”David shows the same humility when God makes His covenant with him.
- Proverbs 15:33 (BSB)“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”Humility comes before honor.
- Luke 14:11 (BSB)“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.””Jesus teaches that those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Theological
What attitude did David show toward marrying into Saul’s family (1 Samuel 18:18, 23)?
Answer: He spoke of himself as too lowly and poor for it
David twice disclaims worthiness: first by asking who he and his father’s clan are to marry into the royal house (18:18), then by calling himself poor and of little account (18:23). The same humility marks his response to the covenant promise in 2 Samuel 7:18. The pattern illustrates Proverbs 15:33 and Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14:11 that the humble will be lifted up.
- 1 Samuel 18:18 (BSB)“And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?””David asks who he and his family are to become the king’s son-in-law.
- 1 Samuel 18:23 (BSB)“But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.””David describes himself as poor and of little standing.
- 2 Samuel 7:18 (BSB)“Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?”David shows the same humility when God makes His covenant with him.
- Proverbs 15:33 (BSB)“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”Humility comes before honor.
- Luke 14:11 (BSB)“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.””Jesus teaches that those who humble themselves will be exalted.
General
What led Jonathan to bind himself to David by covenant (1 Samuel 18:1-3)?
Answer: He loved David as much as he loved his own life
After David spoke with Saul, Jonathan’s soul became bound to David’s, and Jonathan came to love David as much as his own life (18:1). Because of that love he entered a covenant with his friend (18:3). A covenant is a solemn, binding promise of loyalty made before God. This was a covenant of friendship and faithfulness, and it shaped the rest of their story: Jonathan renewed it with David and his house (20:16-17), they confirmed it before the LORD (23:18), and years later David showed kindness to Jonathan’s son for Jonathan’s sake (2 Samuel 9:7).
- 1 Samuel 18:1 (BSB)“After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.”Jonathan’s soul is bound to David’s after David speaks with Saul.
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (BSB)“Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.”Jonathan makes a covenant with David because of his love for him.
- 1 Samuel 20:16-17 (BSB)“So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.”Jonathan later extends the covenant to David’s house and has David reaffirm it.
- 1 Samuel 23:16-18 (BSB)“And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.”Jonathan strengthens David in God and the two make a covenant before the LORD.
- 2 Samuel 9:7 (BSB)““Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.””David promises Jonathan’s son kindness for the sake of his father Jonathan.
Theological
What reason does the narrator give for Jonathan’s covenant with David (1 Samuel 18:1-3)?
Answer: He loved David as much as he loved his own life
The narrator grounds the covenant in Jonathan’s love: his soul was bound to David’s and he loved David as his own self (18:1, 3). The covenant is one of loyal friendship made before the LORD, renewed with David’s house (20:16-17) and reaffirmed at Horesh (23:18). Its fruit outlasts Jonathan, for David later shows kindness to Jonathan’s son for Jonathan’s sake (2 Samuel 9:7), keeping faith with the covenant.
- 1 Samuel 18:1 (BSB)“After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.”Jonathan’s soul is bound to David’s after David speaks with Saul.
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (BSB)“Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.”Jonathan makes a covenant with David because of his love for him.
- 1 Samuel 20:16-17 (BSB)“So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.”Jonathan later extends the covenant to David’s house and has David reaffirm it.
- 1 Samuel 23:16-18 (BSB)“And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.”Jonathan strengthens David in God and the two make a covenant before the LORD.
- 2 Samuel 9:7 (BSB)““Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.””David promises Jonathan’s son kindness for the sake of his father Jonathan.
General
What did Jonathan give David when he made his covenant with him (1 Samuel 18:4)?
Answer: His own robe and clothing along with his weapons
Jonathan took off the robe he had on and handed it over, together with his tunic, sword, bow and belt (18:4). These were the personal clothing and weapons of the king’s son and heir, given freely to David. The text does not explain the gift further, but later Jonathan himself tells David that the throne of Israel will be David’s and Jonathan will serve next to him (23:17). Jonathan, the heir, gladly yields to the one God has chosen, the opposite of his father’s response (20:30-31).
- 1 Samuel 18:4 (BSB)“And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.”Jonathan gives David his robe, tunic, sword, bow and belt.
- 1 Samuel 23:16-18 (BSB)“And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.”Jonathan later says plainly that David will be king and he will be second to him.
- 1 Samuel 20:30-31 (BSB)“Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!””Saul, by contrast, rages that David’s life threatens Jonathan’s kingdom.
Theological
What gift sealed Jonathan’s covenant with David (1 Samuel 18:4)?
Answer: His own robe and clothing along with his weapons
Jonathan strips off his own robe and gives it to David with his tunic, sword, bow and belt (18:4), the personal garments and arms of the crown prince. The narrator offers no commentary, but Jonathan’s later words make his stance explicit: the throne will be David’s and Jonathan will be his second (23:17). The heir apparent willingly honors God’s chosen king, in stark contrast to Saul, who sees David only as a threat to Jonathan’s kingdom (20:30-31).
- 1 Samuel 18:4 (BSB)“And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.”Jonathan gives David his robe, tunic, sword, bow and belt.
- 1 Samuel 23:16-18 (BSB)“And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.”Jonathan later says plainly that David will be king and he will be second to him.
- 1 Samuel 20:30-31 (BSB)“Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!””Saul, by contrast, rages that David’s life threatens Jonathan’s kingdom.
General
Why was Saul afraid of David (1 Samuel 18:12)?
Answer: The LORD stood by David but had left Saul
The narrator explains Saul’s fear plainly: the LORD stood by David but had left Saul (18:12). This is the heart of the chapter. David kept succeeding in everything he did, because God’s presence went with him (18:14), just as Joseph had prospered in Egypt because God was with him (Genesis 39:2-3). Saul’s fear was not caused by anything David did against him. It came from seeing God’s favor resting on someone else, a change that began when the LORD’s Spirit came powerfully on David and left Saul (16:13-14).
- 1 Samuel 18:12 (BSB)“So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.”Saul fears David because the LORD is with David but has departed from Saul.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (BSB)“and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.”David continues to prosper because the LORD is with him.
- 1 Samuel 16:13-14 (BSB)“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.”At David’s anointing the Spirit came upon David, and the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul.
- Genesis 39:2-3 (BSB)“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,”Joseph likewise prospered because the LORD was with him.
Theological
What reason does the narrator give for Saul’s fear of David (1 Samuel 18:12)?
Answer: The LORD stood by David but had left Saul
The narrator’s theological explanation is explicit: Saul feared David since the LORD stood by David and had withdrawn from Saul (18:12). David’s success flows from God’s presence (18:14), as with Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39:2-3), and the transfer of divine favor traces back to David’s anointing, when the Spirit came upon David and departed from Saul (16:13-14). Saul’s fear is the response of a rejected king who sees God’s hand on his successor.
- 1 Samuel 18:12 (BSB)“So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.”Saul fears David because the LORD is with David but has departed from Saul.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (BSB)“and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.”David continues to prosper because the LORD is with him.
- 1 Samuel 16:13-14 (BSB)“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.”At David’s anointing the Spirit came upon David, and the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul.
- Genesis 39:2-3 (BSB)“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,”Joseph likewise prospered because the LORD was with him.
General
When Saul offered Merab, his older daughter, to David, what was he secretly hoping (1 Samuel 18:17)?
Answer: That the Philistines would kill David in battle for him
Saul offered Merab to David on the condition that David serve him bravely and fight the wars of the LORD (18:17). But in his heart Saul was thinking that he did not need to kill David himself; he would let the Philistines do it (18:17). His words sounded generous and even godly, but his motive was murder. David humbly asked who he was to marry into the king’s family (18:18), and in the end Merab was given to another man, Adriel (18:19). Saul’s plan shows a heart that plotted harm behind kind words (Psalm 55:21).
- 1 Samuel 18:17 (BSB)“Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.””Saul offers Merab but privately hopes the Philistines will kill David.
- 1 Samuel 18:19 (BSB)“So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.”When the time comes, Merab is given to Adriel instead.
- 1 Samuel 17:25 (BSB)“Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.””The king had promised his daughter to the man who killed Goliath.
- Psalm 55:21 (BSB)“His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.”Smooth words can hide violent intentions.
Theological
What was Saul’s private intention in offering Merab to David (1 Samuel 18:17)?
Answer: That the Philistines would kill David in battle for him
Saul’s offer of Merab is framed in pious terms, calling David to fight the wars of the LORD, while his inner thought is to let the Philistines kill David instead of doing it himself (18:17). David responds with humility (18:18), and Merab is ultimately given to Adriel (18:19). Saul’s smooth speech masking violent intent matches the treachery Psalm 55:21 describes.
- 1 Samuel 18:17 (BSB)“Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.””Saul offers Merab but privately hopes the Philistines will kill David.
- 1 Samuel 18:19 (BSB)“So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.”When the time comes, Merab is given to Adriel instead.
- 1 Samuel 17:25 (BSB)“Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.””The king had promised his daughter to the man who killed Goliath.
- Psalm 55:21 (BSB)“His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.”Smooth words can hide violent intentions.
General
What did Saul intend when he set a bride price of a hundred dead Philistines for Michal (1 Samuel 18:25)?
Answer: To see David killed by the Philistines in the attempt
Michal, another of Saul’s daughters, loved David, and Saul was pleased, thinking she could be a trap for David (18:20-21). Through his servants, Saul said he wanted no ordinary bride price, only proof that David had killed a hundred Philistines, supposedly as revenge on the king’s enemies (18:25). The narrator tells us his true aim: Saul hoped David would die at Philistine hands (18:25). Instead David and his soldiers struck down twice the number Saul asked, and Saul had to give Michal to David as his wife (18:27). Saul’s scheme failed, because no plan can succeed against the LORD (Proverbs 21:30).
- 1 Samuel 18:20 (BSB)“Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.”Michal loves David, and Saul is pleased when he hears of it.
- 1 Samuel 18:21 (BSB)““I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.””Saul plans for Michal to be a snare to David, hoping the Philistines will kill him.
- Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)“There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”No wisdom or plan can succeed against the LORD.
- Proverbs 19:21 (BSB)“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”People make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose prevails.
Theological
What was Saul’s real purpose in the bride price he demanded for Michal (1 Samuel 18:25)?
Answer: To see David killed by the Philistines in the attempt
Saul welcomes Michal’s love for David as a snare (18:20-21) and sets a bride price of a hundred slain Philistines, ostensibly as vengeance on the king’s enemies but in fact to bring about David’s death at Philistine hands (18:25). David delivers double the price and Michal becomes his wife (18:27). Saul’s plotting backfires, illustrating that no counsel prevails against the LORD (Proverbs 21:30) and that the LORD’s purpose stands over human plans (Proverbs 19:21).
- 1 Samuel 18:20 (BSB)“Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him.”Michal loves David, and Saul is pleased when he hears of it.
- 1 Samuel 18:21 (BSB)““I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.””Saul plans for Michal to be a snare to David, hoping the Philistines will kill him.
- Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)“There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”No wisdom or plan can succeed against the LORD.
- Proverbs 19:21 (BSB)“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”People make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose prevails.
General
What two realizations made Saul fear David still more (1 Samuel 18:28-29)?
Answer: That God stood by David and Michal loved him
Saul recognized two things: the LORD stood by David, and his own daughter Michal loved him (18:28). As a result his fear of David grew, and he remained David’s enemy from then on (18:29). Every scheme Saul used to get rid of David had only brought David closer, into Saul’s own family. Meanwhile each time the Philistine leaders went to war, David outdid every one of Saul’s officers, and his name became highly respected (18:30). The LORD was keeping His chosen king, even while the one opposing him was the king himself (Psalm 37:32-33).
- 1 Samuel 18:28 (BSB)“When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David,”Saul realizes the LORD is with David and that Michal loves him.
- 1 Samuel 18:29 (BSB)“he grew even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy.”Saul becomes even more afraid of David and remains his enemy.
- Psalm 37:32-33 (BSB)“Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.”The LORD does not leave the righteous in the power of those who seek their life.
- Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)“There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”No plan can succeed against the LORD.
Theological
According to 1 Samuel 18:28-29, what did Saul come to recognize that deepened his fear of David?
Answer: That God stood by David and Michal loved him
Saul perceives two facts, that the LORD stands by David and that Michal loves him (18:28), and the result is greater fear and permanent enmity (18:29). Each scheme has drawn David nearer, even into the royal family, while his success outstrips every officer of Saul and his name is highly esteemed (18:30). God preserves His anointed against the plots of the powerful, as Psalm 37:32-33 promises for the righteous.
- 1 Samuel 18:28 (BSB)“When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David,”Saul realizes the LORD is with David and that Michal loves him.
- 1 Samuel 18:29 (BSB)“he grew even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy.”Saul becomes even more afraid of David and remains his enemy.
- Psalm 37:32-33 (BSB)“Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.”The LORD does not leave the righteous in the power of those who seek their life.
- Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)“There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”No plan can succeed against the LORD.
General
True or False: After the women’s song, Saul began to suspect that David might end up with the kingdom.
Answer: True
This is true. Saul asked what more David could have except the kingdom (18:8), and from then on he watched David with jealousy (18:9). Saul had good reason to fear, because Samuel had already told him that the LORD had torn the kingdom from him and given it to a neighbor better than he (15:28). Rather than humble himself before God’s decision, Saul turned his resentment against the man God had chosen. Scripture warns that jealousy is even harder to withstand than wrath and anger (Proverbs 27:4) and brings confusion and all kinds of wrongdoing (James 3:16).
- 1 Samuel 18:8 (BSB)“And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?””Saul asks what more David could get except the kingdom.
- 1 Samuel 18:9 (BSB)“And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”From that day on Saul watches David jealously.
- 1 Samuel 15:28 (BSB)“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.”Samuel had already told Saul that the LORD had torn the kingdom from him and given it to someone better.
- Proverbs 27:4 (BSB)“Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?”Jealousy is even harder to withstand than anger and rage.
- James 3:16 (BSB)“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.”Where jealousy rules, disorder and evil practices follow.
Theological
True or False: Saul’s reaction to the song shows he already suspected David would gain the throne.
Answer: True
This is true. Saul’s question about what remains for David but the kingdom (18:8) shows he grasps the drift of events, and from then on he eyes David with suspicion (18:9). He had already heard the LORD’s verdict through Samuel that the kingdom was torn from him and given to a better man (15:28). Instead of submitting to God’s sovereign choice, Saul resists it, and his jealousy becomes the engine of the following chapters, as Proverbs 27:4 and James 3:16 describe jealousy’s destructive power.
- 1 Samuel 18:8 (BSB)“And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?””Saul asks what more David could get except the kingdom.
- 1 Samuel 18:9 (BSB)“And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”From that day on Saul watches David jealously.
- 1 Samuel 15:28 (BSB)“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.”Samuel had already told Saul that the LORD had torn the kingdom from him and given it to someone better.
- Proverbs 27:4 (BSB)“Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?”Jealousy is even harder to withstand than anger and rage.
- James 3:16 (BSB)“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.”Where jealousy rules, disorder and evil practices follow.
General
The next day, while David was playing the harp, what did Saul do (1 Samuel 18:10-11)?
Answer: He hurled his spear, trying to fasten David against the wall
The day after the song, a spirit of distress came on Saul, sent by God, and he prophesied indoors as David was playing music for him as usual (18:10). Saul had a spear in his hand, and threw it, meaning to fasten David against the wall, yet David got away from him twice (18:11). The text says this spirit was sent from God, as it had been ever since the LORD’s Spirit left Saul (16:14). Scripture does not explain exactly what this spirit was, but it shows that God rules even over Saul’s torment, while Saul remained fully responsible for his own jealousy and violence. In the days of the judges, God had likewise sent a hostile spirit to divide the rulers of Shechem from Abimelech (Judges 9:23).
- 1 Samuel 18:10 (BSB)“The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,”A spirit of distress sent from God comes upon Saul while David plays the harp.
- 1 Samuel 18:11 (BSB)“and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.”Saul throws his spear to pin David to the wall, but David escapes twice.
- 1 Samuel 16:14 (BSB)“Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.”When the Spirit of the LORD left Saul, a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.
- Judges 9:23 (BSB)“God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully,”God also sent a hostile spirit between Abimelech and the rulers of Shechem.
Theological
What happened when the spirit of distress came upon Saul the day after the women’s song (1 Samuel 18:10-11)?
Answer: He hurled his spear, trying to fasten David against the wall
The day after the song, a God-sent spirit of distress comes on Saul, he prophesies indoors as David plays as before, and he hurls his spear intending to fasten David against the wall; David evades him twice (18:10-11). The narrator traces this spirit to God, as at its first appearance when the LORD’s Spirit left Saul (16:14), without defining its nature. God is sovereign over Saul’s affliction, as He was over the hostile spirit He sent to divide the rulers of Shechem from Abimelech (Judges 9:23), yet Saul is fully culpable for the jealousy and murderous intent that drive his act.
- 1 Samuel 18:10 (BSB)“The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,”A spirit of distress sent from God comes upon Saul while David plays the harp.
- 1 Samuel 18:11 (BSB)“and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.”Saul throws his spear to pin David to the wall, but David escapes twice.
- 1 Samuel 16:14 (BSB)“Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.”When the Spirit of the LORD left Saul, a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.
- Judges 9:23 (BSB)“God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully,”God also sent a hostile spirit between Abimelech and the rulers of Shechem.
General
Why was Saul so angry at the song the women sang after Goliath’s defeat (1 Samuel 18:6-8)?
Answer: It credited David with far more victories than Saul
As the army returned, women from all of Israel’s towns came out singing and dancing to meet Saul (18:6). Their song gave Saul credit for thousands but David for tens of thousands (18:7). Saul was enraged and bitter about it, complaining that they had given David ten times the credit they gave him (18:8). The song became well known, since even the Philistines later repeated it about David (21:11; 29:5).
- 1 Samuel 18:7 (BSB)“And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.””The women sing of Saul’s thousands and David’s tens of thousands.
- 1 Samuel 18:8 (BSB)“And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?””Saul is furious that the women credit David with more than him.
- 1 Samuel 21:11 (BSB)“But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?””The servants of Achish later repeat the song when David comes to Gath.
- 1 Samuel 29:5 (BSB)“Is this not the David about whom they sing in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?””The Philistine commanders also quote the song about David.
Theological
What provoked Saul’s fury when the women celebrated the victory (1 Samuel 18:6-8)?
Answer: It credited David with far more victories than Saul
The women’s victory song credits Saul with thousands but David with ten times as many (18:6-7), and Saul takes it as a personal affront, angrily noting the disproportion (18:8). The refrain became David’s reputation even among the Philistines, who quote it at Achish’s court and again before the battle at Aphek (21:11; 29:5).
- 1 Samuel 18:7 (BSB)“And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.””The women sing of Saul’s thousands and David’s tens of thousands.
- 1 Samuel 18:8 (BSB)“And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?””Saul is furious that the women credit David with more than him.
- 1 Samuel 21:11 (BSB)“But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?””The servants of Achish later repeat the song when David comes to Gath.
- 1 Samuel 29:5 (BSB)“Is this not the David about whom they sing in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?””The Philistine commanders also quote the song about David.