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David Flees
This chapter is based on 1 Samuel 18 to 22.
After Goliath was killed, Saul kept David with him and would
not let him return to his father’s house. And “the soul of Jonathan
was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own
soul.” Jonathan and David made a covenant to be united like brothers,
and the king’s son “took off the robe that was on him and gave it to
David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow, and his belt.”
Yet David preserved his modesty and won the affection of the people
as well as of the royal household. It was clear that the blessing of
God was with him.
Saul felt that the kingdom would be more secure if someone
could be connected with him who received instruction from the
Lord. David’s presence might be a protection to Saul when he went
out with him to war.
The guiding hand of God had connected David with Saul.
David’s position at the royal court would give him a knowledge
of statecraft and would enable him to gain the confidence of the
nation. Hardships that he experienced through Saul’s hostility would
lead him to feel his dependence upon God. And the friendship of
Jonathan was also in God’s plan—to preserve the life of Israel’s
future ruler.
When Saul and David were returning from battle with the
Philistines, “the women had come out of all cities of Israel, singing
and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and
with musical instruments.” One company sang, “Saul has slain his
thousands,” while another company responded, “And David his ten
thousands.” The king was angry because David was exalted above
himself. Rather than subdue his envious feelings, he exclaimed,
“They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have
ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the king-
dom?”
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