When we come to the familiar biblical stories, it is necessary to invite the Holy Spirit to speak fresh truth. As we sit around the table of God’s Word today, I pray for fresh bread to nourish our spirits.
In 1 Samuel 18, we find David taking his place as the King’s servant, going wherever Saul sends him. David behaved wisely, and found favour wherever he went. When his victories showed up in the chants of the woman, on their way home, Saul realized David’s victories were greater than his own. Jealous anger burned in Saul’s heart. It became Saul versus David. He used, a weapon, a war, and a woman to eliminate David but, God was with him.
A Weapon
When the distressing spirit came upon Saul, as before, David brought his harp and played for him. Saul was holding a spear and thrust it, hoping to pin David to the wall. David escaped twice. Saul became afraid. He knew God had left him and now was with David. So he removed David from his presence.
A War
Saul considered a war. He put David as captain over a thousand. Again, David acted wisely and the Lord was with him. All of Israel and Judah loved him. Saul grew more afraid.
A Woman
Saul offered his eldest daughter to David for a wife on the condition that he fight the Lord’s battles. His commission was a sinister plot hoping the Philistines would kill him in battle. David, too humble to be the son-in-law to the king, watched as she was given to another. Then he offered his second daughter who loved David and Saul hoped would be a snare to him. But, when David again questioned being son-in-law to the king, Saul asked for 100 Philistine foreskins in hopes, the Philistines would rid him of the David problem. When David returned with 200, Michal became his wife. Saul knew the Lord was with David and that his daughter loved him. He became even more afraid. And David? He became more highly esteemed. Saul used, a weapon, a war, and a woman to eliminate David, but God was with him.