Sabbath, June 1 – 1 Samuel 18, 19 – Commentary, Patriarchs and Prophets Chapter 64, “David a Fugitive “

1. Why did Saul become jealous of David? (1 Samuel 18:6, 7)

2. What was the name of David’s first wife, Saul’s daughter? (1 Samuel 18:27)

3. Which of Saul’s sons was David’s best friend? (1 Samuel 19:4)

King Saul had many good and positive things going for him. God had granted him victory; the people were content and grateful. He benefited from David’s service in the army, for David was talented and loyal. However, instead of embracing these positives, Saul allowed jealousy and envy to fester within him. He was particularly troubled by the celebration of Israel’s women praising David’s conquests. Succumbing to these emotions opened the door for the enemy to infiltrate his mind. Anxiety gnawed at him, and his heart grew bitter with hatred.

Jealousy does not align with God’s will. Working with it requires self-control and, at times, professional help. Jealousy breeds unhappiness within the individual and among those around them, often bringing turmoil to families. A mind consumed by jealousy tends to misconstrue reality, deceived by its own imagination. Like Saul, the jealous person finds themselves isolated and tormented by a bad spirit.

“To look upon favorably” means goodwill toward others or circumstances. This outlook is crucial for personal happiness and bringing peace and contentment to the heart. “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

David’s character is often praised for his prudence; he was “prudent in speech” (1 Samuel 16:18), and he “behaved wisely” (1 Samuel 18:5). To be “prudent” means to exercise thoughtfulness and care. May the same be said of our expressions, actions, and management of life affairs. It’s not uncommon to mistake imprudence for sincerity.

“Thoroughly frightened because of Saul’s attempt on his life, David naturally sought counsel from the one who had called him from the sheepfold to a place of responsibility in Israel, and had, possibly, taught him at Ramah. With Samuel he would feel as safe from Saul as if there had been a sanctuary to which he might flee (see 1 Kings 1 :50-53 ; 2:28-34).” (SDABC, 1 Samuel 19:18).

Regarding Saul’s messengers and himself prophesying in Naioth in Ramah, Ellen White, in Patriarchs and Prophets, says,

“The messengers went on their way, intent upon taking David’s life; but One greater than Saul controlled them. They were met by unseen angels, as was Balaam when he was on his way to curse Israel. They began to utter prophetic sayings of what would occur in the future, and proclaimed the glory and majesty of Jehovah. Thus God overruled the wrath of man and manifested his power to restrain evil, while he walled in his servant by a guard of angels.” (PP 653).

“When he came to the prophet’s home in Ramah, he laid aside the outer garments that betokened his rank, and all day and all night he lay before Samuel and his pupils, under the influence of the divine Spirit. The people were drawn together to witness this strange scene, and the experience of the king was reported far and wide. Thus again, near the close of his reign, it became a proverb in Israel that Saul also was among the prophets.” (PP 654).

May God grant us the ability to nurture a positive attitude and remain always under the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit.