A rival of kingship

While Jonathan rejoiced in David’s accomplishments, Saul did not. (1) Initially, Saul was proud and pleased to have a warrior like David. However, he unfortunately began to harbor jealousy in his heart and saw David as a rival threatening his kingship. (2) What became a catalyst for this was a song sung by women. At the time, David had achieved victory after victory and had been promoted to the head of the warriors. One day, when David and his warriors returned from a battle against the Philistines (this could refer to the battle where he defeated Goliath), women greeted them with songs and dances. The lyrics of their song were in two lines: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (3) Hearing this, Saul felt displeased and became very angry. His reasoning was, “If David is exalted above me in this way, the only thing he lacks is the kingship.” There is a leap in logic here, but this is also a characteristic of a sinner. Saul, after the Holy Spirit had departed from him, could no longer see things objectively. Suspicion and fear dominated him.

Eye of suspicion

From that day on, Saul became paranoid thinking that David will one day take the kingship from him. He began to look at David with suspicion at every turn. Presumably, the prophecy spoken by Samuel had remained in his mind. Samuel had announced to him, “For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel” (15:26). Jealousy robs us of our peace of mind. The reason jealousy arises is because we are more concerned with our own success than with the works of God. The Preacher (Solomon) says, “I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a person and his neighbor. This too is futility and striving after wind” (Eccl. 4:4). Let’s pray not to become jealous of the vessels being used by the Lord. Also, let’s pray that each one of us may be used according to our gifts. Let’s pray for a heart like Jonathan’s, not Saul’s.