Basic HTML Version
416
The Beginning of the End
Saul’s love of praise had a controlling influence over his actions
and thoughts. His standard of right and wrong was popular applause,
and his ambition was to be first in people’s estimation. A settled
conviction entered the mind of the king that David would obtain the
heart of the people and take his throne.
[329]
The Demon of Jealousy Enters Saul’s Heart
Saul opened his heart to the spirit of jealousy that poisoned his
soul. The king of Israel was opposing his will to the will of the
Infinite One. He allowed his emotions to control his judgment until
he was plunged into a fury of passion. He had fits of rage, times
when he was ready to kill any who dared to oppose him. From
this frenzy he would lapse into despondency and self-contempt, and
remorse would take possession of his mind.
He loved to hear David play the harp, and this seemed to charm
the evil spirit away for the time. But one day when David was
bringing sweet music from his instrument, accompanying himself
as he sang praises to God, Saul suddenly threw a spear at him. God
preserved David, and he fled from the rage of the maddened king.
As Saul’s hatred of David increased, he watched all the more
intently for an opportunity to take his life, but none of his plans were
successful against the one anointed by the Lord. David trusted in
Him who is strong to deliver. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom” (
Proverbs 9:10
), and David’s prayer was that he might
walk before God in a perfect way.
The people quickly saw that David was a competent person.
With wisdom and skill he managed the matters entrusted to him.
The counsels of the young man were safe to follow, while at times
the judgment of Saul was unreliable.
Saul was afraid of him, since it was evident the Lord was with
him. The king felt that the life of David cast reproach on him, since
by contrast it presented his own character as inferior. Envy made
Saul miserable. What great mischief this evil trait has worked in our
world! Envy is the child of pride, and if it is allowed to remain in
the heart, it will eventually lead to murder.
The king kept watch, hoping to find something to serve as an
excuse to take the young man’s life and still be justified before the