David Flees
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applause; Saul’s ambition was to be first in the estimation of men.
A settled conviction entered the mind of the king that David would
obtain the heart of the people and reign in his stead.
The Demon of Jealousy Enters Saul’s Heart
Saul opened his heart to the spirit of jealousy by which his soul
was poisoned. The king of Israel was opposing his will to the will
of the Infinite One. He allowed his impulses to control his judgment
until he was plunged into a fury of passion. He had paroxysms of rage,
when he was ready to take the life of any who dared to oppose his will.
From this frenzy he would pass into despondency and self-contempt,
and remorse would take possession of his soul.
He loved to hear David play upon his harp, and the evil spirit
seemed to be charmed away for the time. But one day when the youth
was bringing sweet music from his instrument, accompanying his
voice as he sang the praises of God, Saul suddenly threw his spear at
the musician. David was preserved by God and fled from the rage of
the maddened king.
As Saul’s hatred of David increased, he became more and more
watchful to find an opportunity to take his life, but none of his plans
against the anointed of the Lord were successful. 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 were not slow to see that David was a competent person.
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Affairs entrusted to his hand were managed with wisdom and skill.
The counsels of the young man were safe to follow, while the judgment
of Saul was at times unreliable.
Saul stood in fear of him, since it was evident the Lord was with
him. The king deemed that the life of David cast reproach upon him,
since by contrast it presented his own character to disadvantage. Envy
made Saul miserable. What untold mischief has this evil trait worked
in our world! Envy is the offspring of pride and if it is entertained in
the heart, it will lead eventually to murder.
The king kept watch, hoping to find some occasion of indiscretion
that might serve as an excuse to take the young man’s life and still be
justified before the nation for his evil act. He laid a snare, urging David