David a Fugitive
587
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. Saul gave himself
up to the control of the wicked spirit that ruled over him; while David
trusted in Him who is mighty in counsel, and strong to deliver. “The
fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (
Proverbs 9:10
), and
David’s prayer was continually directed to God, that he might walk
before Him in a perfect way.
Desiring to be freed from the presence of his rival, the king “re-
moved him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand....
But all Israel and Judah loved David.” The people were not slow to
see that David was a competent person, and that the affairs entrusted
to his hands were managed with wisdom and skill. The counsels of
the young man were of a wise and discreet character, and proved to
be safe to follow; while the judgment of Saul was at times unreliable,
and his decisions were not wise.
Though Saul was ever on the alert for an opportunity to destroy
David, he stood in fear of him, since it was evident that the Lord was
with him. David’s blameless character aroused the wrath of the king;
he deemed that the very life and presence of David cast a reproach upon
him, since by contrast it presented his own character to disadvantage.
It was envy that made Saul miserable and put the humble subject of his
throne in jeopardy. What untold mischief has this evil trait of character
worked in our world! The same enmity existed in the heart of Saul
that stirred the heart of Cain against his brother Abel, because Abel’s
works were righteous, and God honored him, and his own works were
evil, and the Lord could not bless him. Envy is the offspring of pride,
and if it is entertained in the heart, it will lead to hatred, and eventually
to revenge and murder. Satan displayed his own character in exciting
the fury of Saul against him who had never done him harm.
The king kept a strict watch upon David, hoping to find some
occasion of indiscretion or rashness that might serve as an excuse to
bring him into disgrace. He felt that he could not be satisfied until
[652]
he could take the young man’s life and still be justified before the
nation for his evil act. He laid a snare for the feet of David, urging
him to conduct the war against the Philistines with still greater vigor,
and promising, as a reward of his valor, an alliance with the eldest
daughter of the royal house. To this proposal David’s modest answer