1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.
3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.
6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.
7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.
11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
17 And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.
18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
19 But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.
20 And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
21 And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
22 And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law.
23 And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
24 And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David.
25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.
27 Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
28 And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him.
29 And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.
30 Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
Chapter 18 of the book of 1 Samuel in the KJV Holy Bible continues the story of Saul, the first king of Israel, and David, the future king of Israel. This chapter focuses on the relationship between Saul and David and the events that lead to their eventual rivalry. It also highlights the themes of jealousy, loyalty, and God's guidance in the lives of his chosen people.
The chapter begins with Saul's son, Jonathan, forming a strong and loyal friendship with David. Jonathan is impressed by David's bravery and faith in God, and he makes a covenant with David, promising to always support and protect him. This friendship only intensifies Saul's jealousy towards David, as he sees David gaining favor with the people and even becoming more successful in battle than himself.
Saul's jealousy turns into paranoia as he starts to see David as a threat to his kingship. He even tries to kill David twice, but both attempts fail due to God's protection over David. This further fuels Saul's resentment towards David and his fear of losing his power.
Despite Saul's attempts to harm him, David remains loyal to the king and continues to serve him faithfully. He even marries Saul's daughter, Michal, as a way to prove his loyalty and gain favor with Saul. However, this only adds to Saul's jealousy as he sees David's success and popularity continue to grow.
David's loyalty to Saul is not only out of respect for the king, but also because he knows that Saul was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel. David recognizes that it is not his place to take the throne away from Saul and trusts that God will fulfill his promise of making him king in due time.
Throughout this chapter, we see God's hand in guiding and protecting David. Despite Saul's attempts to kill him, David is able to escape unharmed with the help of God. We also see God's favor on David as he continues to succeed in all his endeavors, whether it be in battle or in gaining favor with the people.
This chapter serves as a reminder that God is in control and will fulfill his promises in his own time. David's trust and faith in God's plan for his life is a stark contrast to Saul's fear and jealousy. It also shows that God's chosen people may face trials and challenges, but he will always guide and protect them through it all.
Chapter 18 of 1 Samuel highlights the consequences of jealousy and the importance of loyalty in relationships. It also showcases the power of God's guidance and protection in the lives of his chosen people. This chapter serves as a warning against letting jealousy consume us and reminds us to trust in God's plan for our lives.
Furthermore, this chapter also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Saul and the rise of David as the king of Israel. It sets the stage for the rivalry between the two and shows how God's will ultimately prevails over the actions of men.
In a broader sense, this chapter also speaks to the human condition of struggling with envy and the consequences it can bring. It reminds us to focus on our own journey and trust in God's timing and plan, rather than being consumed by feelings of jealousy towards others.
Chapter 18 of 1 Samuel is a pivotal chapter in the story of Saul and David. It highlights the themes of jealousy, loyalty, and God's guidance in the lives of his chosen people. It serves as a reminder to trust in God's plan and to beware of the destructive consequences of jealousy. This chapter also foreshadows the eventual rise of David as the king of Israel and the downfall of Saul. Overall, it is a powerful lesson on the importance of faith, loyalty, and God's sovereignty in our lives.
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