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19th June
1 Samuel 17:57-58 and 18:1-9. Saul becomes jealous of David
- After defeating Goliath, David was not only a hero, he was also to
become King Saul’s son-in-law, according to Saul’s promise in
17:25. Saul was anxious to meet David and find out about his family.
- Saul, the first king of Israel had been chosen by God, and anointed by
the prophet Samuel. Saul had started well, but his standards had begun to
slip and he had grieved God by his disobedience of God's instructions.
Samuel had been devastated, and had spent a whole night in prayer (1 Samuel
15:10,11).
- Samuel had had to bring the difficult message to Saul, that God had
rejected him as king and had given the kingdom to someone better than
himself (1 Samuel 15:26-28). It is good to note that God did not reject
Saul as a person, although he rejected him as king.
- So when David told Saul who his father was, Saul's worst fears were
confirmed. All indications were that David was his chosen successor. What
an embarrassing and difficult situation for Saul.
- When the women welcomed the victorious army home, David was hailed as
the hero, and Saul was given secondary acclaim. This angered Saul, and he
became incurably jealous. Jealousy of this kind is very destructive, and
can lead to murder, and almost did in this case.
- David's wise and able leadership in the army, and his popularity
with the ordinary people grew. He also began to form a deep friendship with
Saul’s son, Jonathan. David was successful because of his ongoing
relationship with God (18:14).
- To consider
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- What would you do to help someone in an embarrassing and difficult
situation? (Samuel dealt with Saul with honesty and compassion).
- We can follow David's example of keeping in touch with God no
matter what our circumstances.
- Prayer
- May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in
your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 – a psalm
of David).
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