Chapter 64—David Flees
This chapter is based on
1 Samuel 18
to 22.
After the slaying of Goliath, Saul kept David with him and would
not permit him to return to his father’s house. And “the soul of
Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him
as his own soul.” Jonathan and David made a covenant to be united
as brethren, and the king’s son “stripped himself of the robe that was
upon him, and gave it to David, and his garment, even to his sword,
and to his bow, and to his girdle.” Yet David preserved his modesty
and won the affection of the people as well as of the royal household.
It was evident that the blessing of God was with him.
Saul felt that the kingdom would be more secure if there could
be connected with him one who received instruction from the Lord.
David’s presence might be a protection to Saul when he went out with
him to war.
The providence of God had connected David with Saul. David’s
position at court would give him a knowledge of affairs and would
enable him to gain the confidence of the nation. Hardships which
befell him through the enmity of Saul would lead him to feel his
dependence upon God. And the friendship of Jonathan was also of
God’s providence, to preserve the life of the future ruler of Israel.
When Saul and David were returning from battle with the
Philistines, “the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and
dancing, to meet King Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instru-
ments of music.” One company sang, “Saul hath slain his thousands,”
while another company responded, “And David his ten thousands.”
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The king was angry because David was exalted above himself. In
place of subduing envious feelings, he exclaimed, “They have ascribed
unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands:
and what can he have more but the kingdom?”
Saul’s love of approbation had a controlling influence over his
actions and thoughts. His standard of right and wrong was popular
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