“The Spear of Saul”

 “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.” (1 Samuel 18:1)

Background

After David has killed Goliath the people no longer see a young shepherd, they see a warrior. Some of them see David as a skilled and brave soldier; some see him as a soldier sent from God. Things change drastically for Saul and David.

Jonathan and David

Jonathan recognized that David was just like him. It was God that led Jonathan up a hill to plow under the Philistines. It was God that guided a stone through the head of Goliath. Although they are not of the same blood, they are filled with the same spirit.

“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.” (1 Samuel 18:4)

David

The victory over Goliath certainly had an impact on all of Israel. Saul brings David into his house. David is now put in charge of Saul’s armies.

“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.”(1 Samuel 18:5)

David is gaining a following. Although he has already been anointed as King, only David and Samuel are aware of this. The people recognize David’s ability as a warrior and leader.

Saul

Saul still considers himself King. This is not a position Saul wants to relinquish. Although Saul’s flaw is that he sees himself as above all others. Regardless of what happens Saul expects the people to worship him, and him alone. The people do not react that way.

“6And 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 musick.

7And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:6-7)

Saul is angry. Why? Did he hear the songs of how many he had killed as compared to David as a song against him?

General Dwight Eisenhower had led the combined armies of America, England, the Free French, and Polish armies to the defeat of Germany. Although the Generals, Officers, and men under him had personally killed tens of thousands. It was through the strategy and selection of leaders that brought about Germany’s defeat. General Eisenhower knew that, he also knew that the ultimate leader was Christ.

Saul didn’t see it that way. He thought the people would replace him with David.

“And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.” (1 Samuel 18:9)

While David was playing his harp in Saul’s presence, Saul threw a spear at David with the intent of killing David.

Saul was afraid of David.

Stay Tuned…