1 Samuel Chapter 20 Part Three (Verses 30-42)

2. (1 Sam 20:30-34) Saul is enraged when he learns of David's absence
Then Saul's anger burned against Jonathan and he said to him, "You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore now, send and bring him to me, for he must surely die." But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?" Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death. Then Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did not eat food on the second day of the new moon, for he was grieved over David because his father had dishonored him.

Saul's anger burned against Jonathan: As David had probably expected, his absence from the feast at the palace fueled Saul's burning hatred toward David. Saul may have intended to murder David at the banquet, but the absence of David marred his plot. Moreover, Saul may have been even more infuriated knowing that David had anticipated a possible murder attempt and cleverly arranged for his absence from the feast. Additionally, Saul's own son, Jonathan, helped David carry out his plan and openly sympathized with Saul's enemy.

You son of a perverse, rebellious woman: To anyone from the East, there is nothing so grievously insulting as a reproach cast upon one's mother. The mother herself is not held to be affronted in such case; however, the son who hears such words applied to her is insulted and meant to be insulted beyond making amends.

To the shame of your mother's nakedness: This is not to insult Jonathan's mother, but it is an expression which would be better translated in English as, "She will feel ashamed at having brought such a son into the world."

Neither you nor your kingdom shall be established: Although Samuel had long before this declared to Saul, in the name of the LORD, that the kingdom should not continue with him nor descend to his posterity, yet, Saul seems to have had hopes that he should be able to prevent this declaration from being verified by his policy and taking proper measures.

Why should he be put to death? What has he done?: Jonathan responded by defending David. His support of David was for the right reasons. David had committed no sins against Saul. Jonathan's support of David enraged Saul, and Saul brandishes his spear to show his deep hatred of David. Saul hated David so much he was willing to kill his own son for siding with David.

Then Saul hurled his spear at him: When Jonathan pleaded for his friend David, Saul did not "hurl" his spear, but like the Hebrew in 1 Samuel 18:11, Saul simply lifted his spear in a threatening manner without actually throwing it.


2. (1 Sam 20:35-40) Jonathan reports to David through the signal of arrows
Now it came about in the morning that Jonathan went out into the field for the appointment with David, and a little lad was with him. He said to the lad, "Run, find the arrows which I am about to shoot." As the lad was running, he shot an arrow past him. When the lad reached the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the lad and said, "Is not the arrow beyond you?" And Jonathan called after the lad, "Hurry, be quick, do not stay!" And Jonathan's lad picked up the arrow and came to his master. But the lad was not aware of anything; only Jonathan and David knew about the matter. Then Jonathan gave his weapons to his lad and said to him, "Go, bring them to the city."

He shot an arrow past him: This was the sign agreed upon if Saul intended evil for Saul. One can only imagine the trepidation of both Jonathan and David. David was eagerly awaiting the message from his friend, Jonathan. Was he to stay in the palace or was he to flee for his life? At the same time, Jonathan knew this would be one of the last times he would see his friend. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Jonathan to have to tell David he must flee for his life.

Is not the arrow beyond you: It took courage for Jonathan to communicate with David, even secretly because he knew that if his father became aware of it, he would focus his murderous rage against Jonathan. Jonathan had made a commitment to David to warn his friend of any danger.

Hurry, be quick, do not stay: Although Jonathan trusted the youth who was with him, he still hurried his servant away from the place where he shot the arrows--a place very close to where David was hiding. David upon hearing his fate would want to escape from his hiding place and see Jonathan. Jonathan, knowing this, commands the young lad to quickly return to him.

Jonathan and David knew about the matter: A small thing--the signal from the shooting of three arrows--told David his whole life was about to change. He was no longer welcomed at the palace. He was no longer welcomed among the army of Israel. He could no longer go home. David was now a fugitive on the run from an angry, jealous king determined to destroy him.

Go, bring them to the city: Wanting to get rid of the boy, Jonathan sends the boy back to the palace with his bow and arrows.


3. (1 Sam 20:41-42) The tearful farewell of David and Jonathan
When the lad was gone, David rose from the south side and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed three times. And they kissed each other and wept together, but David wept the more. Jonathan said to David, "Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.'" Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city.

Fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times: As a token of reverence and loyalty to the king's son, David shows great respect and honor to his friend. An Oriental when he meets a superior, kneels down and touched the ground with his forehead. ("Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground" Genesis 42:6.)

They kissed each other and wept together: David and Jonathan loved each other and had a strong bond of friendship. Jonathan and David probably envisioned working together as friends both before and after the time David would become king. But now, all that was gone. David could not stay, and Jonathan could not go with David.

But David wept the more: If Jonathan had reason to weep, David had more reasons. The pain of being apart was bad enough, but it was worse for David. He was to be cut off from everything and was now destine to live the life of a fugitive for many years.

Go in safety: Jonathan knew he might never see David again. In fact, David and Jonathan will only meet once more, shortly before Jonathan's death. Yet, as David now left for a life of hiding and danger, Jonathan could send David away in safety because they both agreed to honor each other not only in life, but also to honor each other's families beyond their own lifetimes.

The abruptness of the closing words is most natural and accords with the evident deep emotion of the two friends. David's heart was too heavy to reply to his friend's words. Blinded with tears, David seems to have hurried away speechless.

Then he arose and departed: David will not return to a normal life until Saul is dead, and David is king. This was a pretty hard road for David to walk, but it was God's road for him. God often has His people spend at least some time on a bleak road. And some (think about Job, Joseph, Paul and Jesus) He appoints to spend a lot of time in great straits. This time for David was vital in his life--it was a time in which God taught David to depend on God alone. David needed to learn to let God be his defense and promoter. David needed this time in order to learn to submit to God's authority, even when he would be highly exalted as King of Israel.

1 Samuel Chapter 20 Part Two (Verses 14-29)

2. (1 Sam 20:14-17) In response, Jonathan asks David to commit himself in a covenant
If I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD, that I may not die? You shall not cut off your lovingkindness from my house forever, not even when the LORD cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth." So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David saying, "May the LORD require it at the hands of David's enemies." Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.

Will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD: Either such kindness as the LORD has shown David in preserving his life in the midst of so many great dangers; or the kindness in which Jonathan has engaged in when he swore a covenant between David and himself in the presence of God.

You shall not cut off your lovingkindess from my house forever: The covenant they made was not merely personal, but extended to their posterity. It was to be kept even when David should have great power, and there would be no one to oppose his will. These verses seem to strongly indicate that Jonathan knew of David's being anointed to the kingdom. In ancient times, when one royal house replaced another, it was common for the new royal house to kill all the potential rulers from the old royal house. Jonathan knew that one day David and his descendants would rule over Israel. Jonathan wanted a promise that David and his descendants would not kill or mistreat the descendants of Jonathan.

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David: Jonathan and David agree to care for one another. Jonathan agrees to care for David in the face of Saul's threat, and David agrees to care for Jonathan and his family in the future. David fulfills this promise to Jonathan in 2 Samuel 9:1-8 and 2 Samuel 21:7.

May the LORD require it at the hands of David's enemies: If either Jonathan or any of his house should break this covenant, and should prove to be enemies to David or to his house, then the LORD would be witness to this covenant and severely punish the violators of it.

Jonathan made David vow again: Jonathan, looking with absolute certainty to the day in which his persecuted friend would be on the throne and he in his grave, dreaded for his own fatherless children the fate which probably awaited them--almost certain death.


3. (1 Sam 20:18-23) Jonathan proposed a signal to inform David of Saul's reaction
Then Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty. When you have stayed for three days, you shall go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself on that eventful day, and you shall remain by the stone Ezel. I will shoot three arrows to the side, as though I shot at a target. And behold, I will send the lad, saying, 'Go, find the arrows.' If I specifically say to the lad, 'Behold, the arrows are on this side of you, get them,' then come; for there is safety for you and no harm, as the LORD lives. But if I say to the youth, 'Behold, the arrows are beyond you,' go, for the LORD has sent you away. As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, the LORD is between you and me forever."

When you have stayed for three days: This is a poor translation. A better rendering would be, "On the third day, you shall go down..."

Go down quickly: The word rendered "quickly" is a bad translation of the Hebrew word m'od which means greatly or a long ways. This signifies where David is supposed to go, a long ways into the valley. This makes more sense as it did not matter if David traveled quickly or slowly on the third day. What mattered is that he was a great distance away from the palace so that no prying eye might have a chance to catch sight of David.

The stone Ezel: Ezel means departure. This name may have been given to this stone in remembrance of the parting of Jonathan and David. Some believe this was not a single stone but a collect of rocks making a natural cavernous hiding place or the ruins of an ancient building, which would be equally suited to hid David.

I will shoot three arrows: The two friends now agree upon a sign. Jonathan was to shoot three arrows at a target near the stone Ezel where David was hiding. This sign was arranged in case Jonathan should be watched by Saul's spies which might prevent Jonathan from getting an interview with David without endangering himself. Jonathan would quiet any possible suspicion aroused by carrying his bow, and pretending to go out for shooting practice. The servant, probably one of Jonathan's young armor-bearers, would accompany Jonathan out into the field. David would position his servant near the intended target. If all was well with David and King Saul, Jonathan would shoot the arrows to the side of his servant. If Saul has planned evil against David, Jonathan would shoot his arrows beyond his servant. Jonathan would yell where the arrows went to his servant in a loud enough voice so that both the servant and David in his hiding place could hear his words.

This was a crucial time in David's life. Either he would be welcomed back to the palace and his home, or he would be a fugitive until Saul gave up the hunt for David. A great deal was dependent upon the message Jonathan would bring back from the palace. It was imperative that their message system was simple yet effective.

The LORD is between you and me forever: As a witness and a judge and between their families forever, if on either side this league of friendship be violated, the LORD will render judgment and punishment for this breach of contract.


C. Saul's hatred towards David

1. (1 Sam 20:24-29) David's absence arouses suspicion
So David hid in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food. The king sat in his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan rose up and Abner sat down by Saul's side, but David's place was empty. Nevertheless Saul did not speak anything that day, for he thought, "It is an accident, he is not clean, surely he is not clean." It came about the next day, the second day of the new moon, that David's place was empty; so Saul said to Jonathan his son, "Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal, either yesterday or today?" Jonathan then answered Saul, "David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem, for he said, 'Please let me go, since out family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to attend. And now, if I have found favor in your sight, please let me get away that I may see my brothers.' For this reason he has not come to the king's table."

David hid in the field: It seems probable that David first went to Bethlehem as he bade Jonathan to tell Saul (1 Samuel 20:6), and then he returned to the field at the appointed time. If he did not go to Bethlehem, then David lied, which we ought not to imagine without any apparent cause. Moreover, several questions arise if David did not go to Bethlehem. Why should David hide himself in the field for such a long time when Jonathan and David had agreed to meet at an appointed time? Additionally, if David was to hide in the field the entire time, why did Jonathan agree upon a time to meet if David would be in the field all the while? As soon as Jonathan heard the news, he could have come and told David. It seems Jonathan and David would have had to agree upon a time to meet if David would have gone elsewhere during the new moon.

The king sat in his usual place, the seat by the wall: Saul occupied the place of honor at the top or center of the table, which was opposite to the entrance of the room. This is still the place of honor in most Eastern cultures.

Jonathan rose: There are many different views about Jonathan rising. Some speculate that Jonathan rose and gave up his seat and allowed Abner to sit in his place next to Saul. Jonathan then took David's seat in hopes of disguising David's absence. Others believe Jonathan never moved, but just rose to give honor to Abner. Abner was the king's cousin and the general of the army. Others speculate that Jonathan arose and gave Abner his seat, knowing King Saul might be enraged when he saw David was absent. Jonathan may have taken a lower seat at the table in order to escape Saul's grasp.

It is an accident, he is not clean: People who were ceremonially unclean were excluded to participate in religious festivals. The reasons for uncleanness are many and include seminal emissions, touching a woman who was menstruating, touching an item which touched a woman who was menstruating, touching a man with a discharge, touching an item which touched a man with a discharge (Leviticus 15), touching an unclean animal (Leviticus 11), etc. All these ways in which a person became unclean only lasted a day. The unclean person was to wash his clothes and himself in water and would remain unclean until evening.

It is interesting that Saul knows God's laws and seems as though he and his household followed God's rules. Saul knew if David was unclean, his uncleanness would only last for a short time. The next day, David would be clean, and there would be no ceremonial reason David would miss the feast.

The son of Jesse: Saul does not use David's given name here but instead calls him "son of Jesse" to denote David's common family. In contempt and in scorn, Saul disregards David's proper name, one which has attached to it great honor, and ignores David's son-in-law relationship to the king.

David earnestly asked leave of me: Jonathan, being second in line to the throne, seems to have had much power in the kingdom and likely had the power to grant permission for folks in the king's court to leave the palace. Additionally, Saul asks Jonathan (and no one else) about the whereabouts of David. Saul knew David and Jonathan were friends. If anyone knew where David was, Jonathan probably was the person to ask.

My brother has commanded me to attend: It might seem odd that a brother asked David to attend the feast and not his father, Jesse. However, we are told back in 1 Samuel 17:12b "And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men." So with Jesse advanced in age, it is very likely that Eliab, the firstborn, took over the family responsibilities, and thus Eliab (and not Jesse) would be the person responsible for inviting David to the sacrifice in the city.

1 Samuel Chapter 20 Part One (Verses 1-13)

JONATHAN'S FINAL ATTEMPT TO RECONCILE HIS FATHER AND DAVID

A. David, coming from Naioth, meets Jonathan
1. (1 Sam 20:1-4) David asks Jonathan about Saul's intentions towards him; Jonathan promises his help to David
Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and come and said to Jonathan, "What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?" He said to him, "Far from it, you shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing great or small without disclosing it to me. So why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so!" Yet David vowed again, saying, "Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight, and he had said, 'Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved.' But truly as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is hardly a step between me and death." Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you say, I will do for you."

David fled from Naioth: It is probable that on the advice of the prophet Samuel, David returns to consult with Jonathan. It may seem surprising that David could think of venturing back to Gibeah after Saul's last outburst, but David on his part was not willing to break with Saul and become an outlaw until absolutely forced to do so. Jonathan, knowing David's value to the kingdom, will use every effort to force a complete reconciliation between his father, Saul, and David.

David, alone with his friend Jonathan, passionately asserts his innocence of the crimes laid to his charge by the jealous King Saul. David's words here are found throughout his Psalms, where, in touching language, he maintains how bitterly the world has wronged and persecuted him, a righteous, innocent man.

It is interesting to note that David and King Saul must have had some sort of reconciliation after the incident at Naioth. For in verse 5, David is expected to attend Saul's new moon celebration. If David was hiding from Saul, Saul would not have expected David's attendance at his feast.

What have I done: Here, David checks his relationship with Jonathan. David wants to know what Saul thought, but even more importantly, David wants to know what Jonathan thought. In asking, "What have I done?" David want to know if Jonathan has broken his friendship with David and sided with his father, Saul.

Far from it, you shall not die: Jonathan even now refuses to believe that his beloved father really wished to harm David. Recalling to mind Saul's oath ("Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul vowed, 'As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death'" 1 Samuel 19:6), Jonathan attributes his father's recent violence to his temporary madness. Jonathan assures David that he was still David's loyal friend. He had not believed the lies Saul was telling about David.

Saul's rash talk about killing David in 1 Samuel 19:1 confirms Jonathan's statement that his father discloses everything to him. Jonathan urges David that if the king had plans to kill David, he would have consulted him, to whom Saul ever confided all his deepest secrets.

Your father knows well that I have found favor in your sight: Although Saul did not know the entirety of Jonathan's love for David, he was aware of the friendship that existed between them and consequently might keep his purpose a secret from Jonathan, especially since his frankness in speaking opening to his son and servants on a previous occasion resulted in the escape of David.

There is hardly a step between me and death: This statement reveals David's discouragement. David knew that Saul attempted to kill him many times, and it seemed Saul would not quit until David was finally assassinated. David felt his death was inevitable, and one wrong step and he would be dead.

Whatever you say, I will do for you: Jonathan continues to reassure David, bringing encouragement and an offer of help to a very downhearted friend.


2. (1 Sam 20:5-11) David proposes to test Saul's attitude
So David said to Jonathan, "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I ought to sit down to eat with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening. If your father misses me at all, then say, 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, because it is the yearly sacrifice there for the whole family,' If he says, 'It is good,' your servant will be safe; but if he is very angry, know that he has decided on evil. Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?" Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! For if I should indeed learn that evil has been decided by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you about it?" Then David said to Jonathan, "Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?" Jonathan said to David, "Come, and let us go out into the field." So both of them went out to the field.

Tomorrow is the new moon: The new moon called Rosh Chodesh in Hebrew is a one or two day festival. Jewish months, which are fixed to the cycle of the moon, have either 29 or 30 days. At the close of a 30-day month, the 30th day of the outgoing month and the first day of the new month are called Rosh Chodesh making it a two day festival. If the month only has 29 days, only the first day of the new month is celebrated as Rosh Chodesh making it only a one day celebration. As we see from the text in verse 27 that the new moon festival Saul celebrated lasted two days, meaning the previous month before this Rosh Chodesh takes place had 30 days.

Rosh Chodesh was celebrated with special sacrifices described in Numbers 28:11-16:
"Then at the beginning of each of your months you shall present a burnt offering to the LORD: two bulls and one ram, seven male lambs one year old without defect, and three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, for each bull; and two-tenths of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, for the one ram; and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering for each lamb, for a burnt offering of a soothing aroma, an offering by fire for the LORD. Their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine for a bull and a third of a hin for the ram and a fourth of a hin for a lamb; this is the burnt offering of each month throughout the months of the year. And one goat for a sin offering to the LORD; it shall be offered with its drink offering in addition to the continual burnt offering."

Additionally on Rosh Chodesh, trumpets were blown. "Also in the day of your gladness and in your appointed feasts, and on the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God, I am the LORD your God" (Numbers 10:10).

If your father misses me: David asks Jonathan to observe Saul's reaction to David's absence at an important feast held for Saul's high officials and family members. David wonders if Saul would take the opportunity to make peace with David or if he would use the opportunity to continue his desire to slay David.

Yearly sacrifice: The Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 12:5 and following verses) strictly required these great sacrifices to be kept at the Tabernacle. But since the destruction of the Tabernacle at Shiloh, there had been no central sanctuary. From this text, we can see that these sacrifices had been continued, but their observances were relegated to family or tribal centers. It is not clear if David's family actually was hosting a yearly sacrifice and David had wanted to attend it and meant to hide in the field afterwards, or if he regarded the whole story as a justifiable deception to avoid exciting Saul's anger.

For you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you: As the friendship between Jonathan and David had been cemented by the invocation of the name of the LORD, it was firm and assured. David might not look for merely one act of kindness, but for constant truth and help. Moreover, it was Jonathan's own desire for the covenant. Yet, David says, "if there is iniquity in me" (i.e., treason against Saul), if David had not been a faithful and true servant to Saul, but on the contrary, plotted evil against him, then the covenant should be revoked. David refuses to shelter himself under the covenant if he has incurred guilt. He only asks Jonathan, by the authority which he exercises as being the king's son, should himself put David to death, and not deliver David up to Saul.

Far be it from you: This strong expression bears emphatic testimony to Jonathan's belief in his friend's loyalty. Jonathan refuses to take David's life or even to allow David's life to be touched by his father.

Who will tell me: David now poses a practical problem. If Saul has determined evil against David, and Jonathan intends to warn him, how will he do it? How will Jonathan get the message to David?


B. Jonathan's agreement
1. (1 Sam 20:12-13) Jonathan will discover the state of his father's heart towards David
Then Jonathan said to David, "The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good feeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and make it known to you? If it please my father to do you harm, may the LORD do so to Jonathan and more also, it I do not make it known to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. And may the LORD be with you as He has been with my father.

When I have sounded out my father: Jonathan will find out his father's heart and will report it to David, to let David know if Saul thinks well or evil of David.

And send you away, that you may go in safety: Jonathan know that if his father, Saul, intends evil against David, it means that David must go away. He will not be welcomed in the palace and would not be safe at home with his wife, Michal. By giving David early warning of this, Jonathan will help David "go in safety".

And may the LORD be with you as He has been with my father: Jonathan wants to give David more than a warning. He wants to give him encouragement too. It is as if Jonathan is saying, "David, even if you must leave the palace and your wife and your home to flee as a fugitive, the LORD will be with you."

Jonathan shows his spiritual maturity when he says, "as He has been with my father." One might think that the LORD was against Saul instead of for him. But Jonathan knew that God was for Saul. God had given many opportunities for Saul to repent.

1 Samuel Chapter 19 Part Two (Verses 13-24)

2. (1 Sam 19:13-17) Michal deceives the men who came to kill David
Michal took the household idol and laid it on the bed, and put a quilt of goats' hair at its head, and covered it with clothes. When Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, "He is sick." Then Saul sent messengers to see David, saying, "Bring him up to me on his bed, that I may put him to death." When the messengers entered, behold, the household idol was on the bed with the quilt of goats' hair at its head. So Saul said to Michal, "Why have you deceived me like this and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped?" And Michal said to Saul, "He said to me, 'Let me go! Why should I put you to death?'''

Household idol: The Hebrew word is teraphim. These were household images of the Israelites, originally brought by some of Abraham's family from the land of the Chaldees. ("When Laban had gone to shear his flock, then Rachel stole the household idols that were her father's" Genesis 31:19.) In spite of the strict prohibition of idols, the children of Israel seemed to love to possess these lifeless images. These household images varied in size from the diminutive image which Rachel was able to conceal under the camel saddle ("Now Rachel had taken the household idols and put them in the camel's saddle, and she sat on them. And Laban felt through all the tent but did not find them" Genesis 31:34.) to the life-size figure which the Princess Michal was able to use to make her father's guards believe that her sick husband, David, was in bed. They appear to have been looked on as protector deities, the dispensers of domestic and family good fortune. It has been suggested that Michal, like Rachel, kept this teraphim due to her barrenness.

A quilt of goats' hair: The reason for this act was apparently to imitate the effect of a man's hair around the teraphim's head. Its body, we read in the next clause, was covered with clothes. Some scholars believe that the goat hair was used to keep flies off the supposed sleeper. The goats' hair, being a network of fibers, made it easy for a person to breathe through without suffocating.

Covered it with clothes: The Hebrew word here is beged. It was the every day dress David would have worn. It was a loose mantle worn over a tight fitting tunic (meil). In those ancient days, it was used for warmth by night as well as for protection by day. It is interesting to note that David in his old age still covered up for warmth in bed by using his beged. ("Now the king was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes (beged), but he could not keep warm" 1 Kings 1:1.)

She said, "He is sick.": When the messengers arrived at the house, Michal most probably received the messengers in an outer chamber and pointed to the figure in bed, which would have been located in an inner room. Viewing from a distance, the facade would have fooled the messengers, and it gave David more time to escape.

Bring him up to me on his bed, that I may put him to death: This implies that Saul was not deceived by his daughter's words. This also shows the depth of Saul's hatred for David because Saul wanted to kill David himself.

My enemy: These are the saddest words in this passage. Saul, when describing David, calls him "my enemy". David was really Saul's friend, and David did more to help Saul than just about anyone else. David was only the "enemy" of Saul because Saiu wanted to see David in that light.

He said to me, 'Let me go! Why should I put you to death?': This is an untruth, and a lie very injurious to David's reputation. Far was it from him to either intend or threaten to kill anyone, much less his own wife. But Michal feared her father. Her weakness is to be pitied, while at the same time it is to be condemned and shunned. Torah is very explicit that we are to speak the truth without any exception. ("You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another" Leviticus 19:11.)


C. David pursued by Saul, flees to Naioth

1. (1 Sam 19:18) David visits Samuel at Ramah
Now David fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and stayed at Naioth.

Went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done: The influence and authority which Samuel still preserved in Israel must have been very great for the frightened David to have sought refuge in the quiet home of the prophet. David felt that in the residence of the prophet, he would be safe from Saul's pursuit. It is no doubt that David had had much communication with Samuel since their first meeting in Bethlehem, in which Samuel anointed David to be king.

Naioth: This is not the name of a place, but rather it signifies "dwellings" or "lodgings". It is translated in the Chaldee as "house of study" (i.e., student lodgings). Somewhere near Ramah, Samuel had erected buildings to educate young men in the field of prophecy. Samuel probably took David here as a place of safe refuge rather than his own personal home. At the college, Samuel would be spiritually strengthened by other prophets.


2. (1 Sam 19:19-21) Saul sends messengers to capture David, but they are touched by the Holy Spirit in the presence of Samuel and other prophets
It was told Saul, saying, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers; and they also prophesied. When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.

It was told Saul: Upon hearing the whereabouts of David, Saul sends messengers to arrest him. It is here we gain a most interesting account of Samuel's schools. Evidently, after Saul had become king, Samuel devoted his energy in creating a school for prophet education. It seems Israel had again deviated from its knowledge and worship of God.

Then Saul sent messengers: Saul's hatred for David had abolished all respect and reverence he had for Samuel (under whose protection David now was), and for the college of the prophets, which was a kind of sanctuary to those that fled to it.

The company of the prophets prophesying: When we read the word "prophesying", it is not as if the prophets were all predicting the future. The Hebrew word simply means the prophets were speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is very likely they all gave spontaneous and inspired praise to God.

With Samuel standing and presiding over them: Samuel was the founder and organizer of this school. He held all authority over the school and prophets.

The Spirit of God came upon the messengers; and they also prophesied: Carried away by the religious excitement, the messengers forgot their errand and joined in the chant of the prophets. This was the usual work of the Holy Spirit--to come upon men who did not seek after God, who did not long to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God did this to protect David, and this was His way of disarming those who came to capture David. This was also the Holy Spirit's warning to these men and to Saul. It is as if the Holy Spirit said, "I do not want David captured. I am sending these men home empty handed. Instead of seeking to kill David, you shall be filled with the Holy Spirit."


3. (1 Sam 19:22-24) Saul pursues David himself, but he also prophesies in the presence of Samuel and the prophets
Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu; and he asked and said, "Where are Samuel and David?" And someone said, "Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah." And he proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. He also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"

The Spirit of God came upon him: This was not the first time that Saul experienced a similar influence of the Spirit of God. We are told in 1 Samuel 10:10 that directly after Saul's anointing by Samuel, Saul met a company of prophets who were prophesying at Gibeah, and that "the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them." On that occasion he had been changed into another man. What was the meaning of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the faithless king now? Saul needed to be taught he could not fight against God.

Until he came to Naioth in Ramah: The inspiration of the Holy Spirit reached Saul even before he reached Naioth. Unlike his messengers who were seized by the Spirit when they arrived at Naioth, Saul is overcome while he is still traveling. Saul was to be convinced of the irresistible might of the Holy Spirit against whose influence Saul had striven. Saul was to be taught, if his heart was not already too hard to learn, that in fighting against David he was fighting against God; he was engaging in a futile struggle. For this reason Saul, as the chief agent in David's persecution, was struck down more completely than his servants.

He also stripped off his clothes: The Spirit of God prompted Saul to do this as an expression of deep humility. Saul would not humble himself before God; so God made Saul humble. It is unlikely that Saul stripped himself to be completely naked. The Hebrew word for naked can indicate just stripping down to the undergarments. Saul probably took off his royal robes and laid himself out before the LORD in his plain linen undergarments. It was a way for God to say, "You are not king any more. I have stripped you of your royal glory."

Is Saul also among the prophets: The same saying had taken place before (see 1 Samuel 10:12). This saying had gained popularity among the people. There seemed to be something strange to the people when one so self-willed and disobedient as Saul was receiving the Holy Spirit, a Divine and much coveted gift. This saying expressed astonishment that someone was overcome by a tremendous religious experience.

1 Samuel Chapter 19 Part One (Verses 1-12)

DAVID FLEES FROM SAUL
Psalm relevant to this chapter: Psalm 59

A. Jonathan defends David before his father
1. (1 Sam 19:1a) Saul plots the murder of David, attempting to enlist the help of Jonathan and his servants
Now Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death.

Jonathan his son: Saul puts Jonathan in a trying place. Jonathan loved David, and God made a wonderful bond of friendship between them, sealed by a covenant (1 Samuel 18:1-4). Jonathan knew that David was destined to be the next king of Israel, even though Jonathan was officially the crown prince. Now, Jonathan's friendship was being tested as his father is demanding he kill David.

And to all his servants: Saul is also putting his servants in a difficult place. They all loved David (1 Samuel 18:5), and yet, now, they are being commanded by their king to kill David.

That they should kill David: Saul puts David in a challenging place. Who can David trust now that everyone is commanded to kill him? Even if David trusted Jonathan, David knew that there was at least one loyal man on Saul's staff who would do whatever Saul wanted, without regard to if it was right or wrong.


2. (1 Sam 19:1b-3) In loyalty to David, Jonathan warns David
But Jonathan, Saul's son, greatly delighted in David. So Jonathan told David saying, "Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself. I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you; if I find out anything, then I will tell you."

But Jonathan, Saul's son, greatly delighted in David. So Jonathan told David: Subsequently, this made Saul furious with Jonathan. But, Jonathan knew what he was doing was the right thing to do because his father and king told him to do something which was clearly disobedient to God. Jonathan knew the Bible said, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13).

We are under authority and commanded to submit to God's order of authority in many different relationships. There is a command for children to submit to their parents, from citizens to their governments, from employees to their employers, from Christians to their church leadership and from wives to their husbands. But in all these instances, we are never excised from sin because we obeyed an authority that told us to sin. In this case, it would have been wrong for Jonathan to have obeyed his father and kill David.

Looking to the New Testament, Jonathan could say what the apostles said when they were told to stop preaching the gospel, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Additionally, Jonathan also had the heart of the apostles. In Acts 5, the apostles were beaten severely and were willing to suffer for what was right before God. Rejoicing, they counted it worthy to suffer for His name (Acts 5:40-41). Jonathan was willing to endure the consequences for obeying God.

Be on guard in the morning: Saul's purpose was taking shape, and as there are always men ready to commit a crime at the bidding of the king, there was the danger that the secret murder might occur quickly. Jonathan, therefore, warns David of the king's malice and urges David to hide himself until Jonathan is able to make an entreaty for him.

In the field: The field is the open common land which surrounded the royal palace. It is likely that Saul took regular walks in the morning. When Saul took his scheduled walk, Jonathan would join him and hold a conference with his father apart from the royal court. After probing his father's real feelings, Jonathan would continue his walk and meet David to communicate to him the result of Jonathan and Saul's conversation.

Jonathan did more than refuse to help Saul. Jonathan helped David. Jonathan could have said, "I want no part of this. I am not going to help my father do something I know is wrong. But, I will not try to interfere with his plan either. I will just be neutral and let God work it out." But Jonathan did not take this passive attitude, but instead, he acted as he thought was only right to do.


3. (1 Sam 19:4-5) In loyalty to David, Jonathan speaks to Saul
Then Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Do not let the king sin against his servant David, since he had not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you. For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause"

Jonathan spoke well of David: Had Jonathan simply advised David to flee, without endeavoring to bring Saul to a better mind, he would have acted to the prejudice of his father's interests. Instead, Jonathan tells Saul about David's great virtues and unrivaled gifts.

Do not let the king sin against his servant: Jonathan was bold enough to tell his father that his anger and jealousy against David was sin. Moreover, Jonathan told his father that David had not sinned against Saul. Saul felt that David had sinned against him in some manner, and he felt righteous in his cause. Jonathan delivered a needed word of correction.

For he took his life in his hand: David voluntarily exposed himself to great peril to kill Goliath. The meaning of the Hebrew is a figure of speech. It is that of taking treasure out of a safe place and carrying it about with the risk of losing it. Jonathan reminds Saul of the triumphal victories that David did for Israel. Saul knew that David killed Goliath, but he could not believe that David did it for a righteous reason. Jonathan tries to bring Saul back to reality. He reminds his father, "You saw it and rejoiced." When David first killed Goliath, Saul rejoiced just like everyone else. But now, Satan had filled Saul's mind with envy and jealousy.

Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause: In Saul's mind, there was a cause, and David was not innocent. But the truth was, there was no cause, and David was innocent. Again, Jonathan tries to call Saul back to reality.


4. (1 Sam 19:6-7) The reconciliation between Saul and David
Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul vowed, "As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death." Then Jonathan called David, and Jonathan told him all these words. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as formerly.

Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan: This took great humility for Saul. It is easy to say, "I am the king. I am right. I do not care what you say." But, in this case, Saul listened to his son and turned from his evil ways.

Saul vowed, "As the LORD lives...: This shows that the LORD had genuinely touched Saul's heart. God used Jonathan, but it was not the work of Jonathan. It was the work of the LORD, and Saul recognized this by declaring a vow.

He was in his presence as formerly: It seems everything was back to the way it was. David seems to have been received on terms of intimacy and affection by Saul. The command to kill David is revoked.


5. (1 Sam 19:8-10) David escapes another attempt on his life
When there was war again, David went out and fought with the Philistines and defeated them with great slaughter, so that they fled before him. Now there was an evil spirit from the LORD on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, and David was playing the harp in his hand. Saul tried to pin David to the wall, but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, so that he stuck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

When there was war again: In the context, this speaks of more war between Israel and the Philistines, but it was also true spiritually. At the end of 1 Samuel 19:7, there was a truce in the spiritual war involving David and Saul. But whenever we are at a time of cease-fire in the spiritual war, we know the battle will begin again before long. It can always be said of our lives, "Then there was war again."

David went out and fought with the Philistines: The friendly relations between Saul and David continued for some time, but when at length war broke out again, David left his usual place of playing the harp in the presence of Saul and went out to war. David once again was blessed with tremendous success, whereupon Saul's envy and jealousy returned.

There was an evil spirit from the LORD: At this point, the evil spirit is no longer called "an evil spirit from God" (as in 1 Samuel 18:10) but it is "an evil spirit from the LORD". (The word "LORD" in the English Bible is the Hebrew yod-hey-vav-hey, pronounced "Yahweh". Yahweh is built on the Hebrew word for "I am" and is God's covenantal name. Any time God makes a covenant with Israel, LORD (or yod-hey-vav-hey) is the name always given for God.) It is important to note the change of the evil spirit from "God" to "LORD" as this symbolizes Saul has broken his covenant with God. In 1 Samuel 19:6, Saul vows to God that he would not kill David. But now, when Saul's heart is changed, and rage and jealously provoke him to once again desire to kill David, Saul has broken his vow with God. Subsequently, God now must punish Saul for his disobedience.

Saul tried to pin David to the wall: Again, Saul was overcome by an evil spirit, and again he has a spear in his hand. This time, the evil spirit overtakes Saul with such violence that Saul is no longer able to restrain his hand. This time, Saul releases the spear. The Hebrew is different here than what it is in 1 Samuel 18:11. In chapter 18, the Hebrew implies Saul simply lifted his spear toward David. In 1 Samuel 19:10, the Hebrew implies Saul actually threw his spear at David.

And David fled and escaped that night: David never return to the palace until he is the king of Israel, some 20 years later! From now until the day of Saul's death, David lives as a fugitive.


B. David flees from Saul

1. (1 Sam 19:11-12) David escapes with the help from his wife Michal
Then Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. But Michal, David's wife, told him, saying, "If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death." So Michal let David down through a window, and he went out and fled and escaped.

Saul sent messengers to David's house: Psalm 59 is referred by its title to the present occasion. (Psalm 59 title: "Prayer for deliverance from enemies. For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A mikhtam of David, when Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to kill him.") The psalm supplements the history given in this account. It shows not only was David in danger from Saul, but he was also in danger from ruffians among Saul's followers who prowled about the streets of Gibeah threatening his life.

Michal, David's wife, told him: Michal saves the day! Michal was Saul's daughter and thus had conflicting loyalties. Should she act in her father's interests or in her husband's interests? To her benefit, she made the right choice and supported her husband, David.

Michal acts according to the principle of Genesis 2:24: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Although the Genesis passage speaks specifically of the husband, it expresses a principle that applies to both partners in a marriage that the former family loyalties and obligations are set aside to the loyalty and obligation to the new family.

Told him: Michal helped David by warning him. She perhaps saw the king's guards coming before David did. She also knew the character of her father better than David did. Michal was probably less surprised than David to find the king's guards were against him. And David did well to receive this warning from his wife. Sometimes men are so hard headed and so hard hearted that they never hear how God might warn them through their wives. If David would have ignored this warning because he did not like the source of the information, he might have ended up dead.

So Michal let David down: Michal knew well her father's character. Now that the veil of Saul's dark side was publicly lifted, there was no hope any longer for her husband, David, to serve King Saul. She knew David's only hope of surviving was to flee. She "let David down through a window" because the king's guards were watching the door. With this desperate flight began David's long weary wanderings, those perpetual risks of death, which continued until the death of King Saul.

1 Samuel Chapter 18 Part Two (Verses 12-30)

3. (1 Sam 18:12-16) David is transferred from the palace to the army
Now Saul was afraid of David, for the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. David was prospering in all his ways for the LORD was with him. When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly, he dreaded him. But all Israel and Judah love David, and he went out and came in before them.

Saul was afraid of David: A new feeling arose in Saul. To his jealously succeeded a sense of powerlessness as Saul realized that a higher power was with David, while Saul had lost his Divine protection. Not being able to, even in his sane hours, to endure the presence of one whom he knew would sooner or later take his place, Saul honorably dismisses David from his presence and installs David as commander of a thousand men.

Appointed him as commander: Saul's desire was not to bless David, but to set him up for harm. Although David had defeated Goliath and had some successful campaigns against the Philistines, David was still relatively young and inexperienced. In a jealous fit, Saul hoped this military appointment might lead to David's injury or death.

He went out and came in before the people: This is a Hebrew figure of speech meaning "David conducted successful military campaigns."

David was prospering in all his ways for the LORD was with him: Despite David's military inexperience, he prospered because God was with him. David could have easily protested his military appointment and claimed he did not have the experience worthy of such a high command. But David did not complain. Again, David puts his trust in God and allows God to lead his battles.

Moreover, David could have complained that he was a victim. Saul was trying to set up David for failure. But David never gave in to a victim mentality. He did not give in to the thinking that his fate was in Saul's hands. Instead, David trusted God with his fate.

He dreaded him: This is a stronger expression that than used in verse 12. A better rendering of the Hebrew would be "He stood in awe of him" denoting primarily the avoidance of the feared person.

But all Israel and Judah: The distinction mentioned of the two divisions of the chosen people seems to point to the fact that the compiler of the Books of Samuel lived after the final separation of the ten northern tribes from Judah and Benjamin. Although David was from the southern kingdom of Judah and Benjamin, the future king was equally popular with the northern tribes.


C. Saul sets a trap for David, but he escapes and is blessed

1. (1 Sam 18:17-19) Saul intends to kill David
Then Saul said to David, "Here is my oldest daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife, only be a valiant man for me and fight the LORD'S battles." For Saul thought, "My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him." But David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my life of my father's family in Israel, that I should be the king's son-in-law?" So it came about at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.

Here is my oldest daughter Merab: This was but a fulfillment of a much earlier promise given in 1 Samuel 17:25 in which King Saul promised his daughter in marriage to the hero who should slay the Philistine giant. For one reason or another, Saul had declined, or at least postponed, the carrying out of his pledge. Now, Saul seems to have a motive in giving his daughter in marriage--Saul expects David to fight his battles, treacherously hoping David may fall by the hand of the Philistines.

Only be a valiant man for me and fight the LORD'S battles: Saul works as a clever manipulator. He takes advantage of David's loyalty and patriotism ("only be a valiant me for me"). He also takes advantage of David's courage and heart for the LORD ("fight the LORD'S battle").

My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him: The marriage offer "seems" like a gesture of kindness and goodness on Saul's part. And David was supposed to believe that Saul had forgiven him. But true to Saul's distressing spirit which plagued him, Saul had evil motives. Saul still wanted David dead and out of his way. But, now instead of threatening David with spears, he used cunning manipulation to have David killed. From a fleshly standpoint, this was a pretty clever plan on Saul's part. It was smart in the flesh, but God would not honor Saul and his secret motives. Manipulation tries to maneuver people and events to accomplish a hidden agenda. It is smart in the flesh, but it will never be blessed by God.

Moreover, Saul was setting a trap for David by offering Merab in marriage because a dowry would be necessary for Merab. In that day, a dowry was required whenever a man married. The dowry was paid to the bride's father. The more important and prestigious the bride and her family, the higher the dowry price. Since David was from a humble family, there was no there was no way he could pay the dowry for the daughter of a king.

Who am I...that I should be the king's son-in-law: David more than likely was not aware of Saul's evil motives. David had a humble heart and knew he came as a shepherd boy from a lowly family. Although David was nationally famous and loved by all Israel, he did not see himself as highly important. When the hand of Merab is offered to David in marriage, David did not think, "Well, it's about time! I am glad Saul has finally taken notice of my importance in the land of Israel."

She was given to Adriel: When David hesitated to marry Merab, Saul tried another tactic. Saul gave his daughter to another man. Perhaps, Saul's motive was to drive David into a jealous rage. Perhaps, Adriel was from a wealthy family and was able to offer a large sum of money and gifts for Merab. Whatever the reason for Saul giving away Merab to another man, the ultimate motive was to renege on his promise and to take away one of David's promised rewards for killing Goliath. Unfortunately for Merab and Adriel, there five sons are killed when David avenges the Gibeonites (see 2 Samuel 21).

Meholathite: A town in the valley near Beth-shean, it was the birthplace of the prophet Elisha (1 Kings 19:16).


2. (1 Sam 18:20-25) David's agreement to marry Michal
Now Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David. When they told Saul, the thing was agreeable to him. Saul thought, "I will give her to him that she may become a snare to him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him." Therefore, Saul said to David, "For a second time you may be my son-in-law today." Then Saul commanded his servants, "Speak to David secretly, saying, 'Behold, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; now therefore, become the king's son-in-law.'" So Saul's servants spoke these words to David. But David said, "Is it a trivial in your sight to become the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man and lightly esteemed?" The servants of Saul reported to him according to these words which David spoke. Saul then said, "Thus you shall say to David, 'The king does not desire any dowry except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to take vengeance on the king's enemies.'" Now Saul planned to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.

Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David: It should not surprise us that Michal was attracted to David. David was a mighty war hero and had gained much fame throughout Israel. But as is evident later in their marriage, Michal was not really attracted to David's heart for the LORD. It is the love of the younger of the two princesses for her father's enemy that gave Saul a fresh excuse to expose David's life to great peril. At the same, it would appear to David and everyone else that Saul was endeavoring to carry out an old promise.

She may become a snare to him: Saul may have meant this in two ways. First, Saul still wanted David to be snared by the dowry. But secondly, Saul knew Michal's heart and character. Saul knew that she could be a snare to David and his trust in the LORD, which, as it turns out, is true in some regard. (See 2 Samuel 6:16-23 for more details.) Moreover, it seems David learned some of Saul's tactics. When David loved Bethsheba, David ordered Uriah (Bathsheba's husband) to be placed in a very dangerous military position and then have David's troops withdraw, ultimately causing Uriah to be killed (2 Samuel 11). Upon Uriah's death, David was freely able to marry Bathsheba.

For a second time you may be my son-in-law today: The word translated "today" is a Hebrew idiom, which simply implies Saul wishes for David to be his son-in-law in a very short period of time.

Then Saul commanded his servants: It seems that David was not eager to embrace Saul's offer. Therefore, Saul privately orders his servants to persuade David to accept Saul's offer to become his son-in-law.

I am a poor man: David dwells upon this fact that he is unable to give the expected dowry for the princess.

The king does not desire any dowry except one hundred foreskins of the Philistines: Now Saul builds on his clever plan. David will not marry Michal because he does not have enough money for her dowry. David is too humble to ask for different terms for payment of the dowry. So, Saul suggests his terms. Saul phrases the dowry in a very clever way. "The king does not desire any dowry" makes it sound as though Saul does not want anything from David. "Except one hundred foreskins of the Philistines" makes it sound as if Saul is not asking for much. In reality, Saul is asking for something far greater than a large dowry. Saul is asking David to put his life at risk in order to fulfill Saul's demands for marrying his daughter.


3. (1 Sam 18:26-27) David fulfills Saul's request for a dowry and marries Michal
When his servants told David these words, it pleased David to become the king's son-in-law. Before the days had expired David rose up and went, he and his men, and struck down two hundred men among the Philistines. Then David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full number to the king, that he might become the king's son-in-law. So Saul gave him Michal his daughter for a wife.

It pleased David: Besides the great honor, David, not suspecting any malicious purpose on Saul's part, may have hoped that marrying Michal would put an end to the miserable state of things which existed between him and Saul.

Before the days had expired: The dowry was given within the fixed time frame set by Saul. Before it had expired, David set out with his men and made an incursion into the Philistine territory.

Two hundred foreskins: David provides Saul twice the number of Philistine foreskins as Saul had required. Perhaps David was trying to prove with this abundance of foreskins that he was worthy enough to marry Saul's daughter. Or perhaps, David knew Saul was a man of trickery and wanted no doubt to exist in Saul's mind that David was the right person for Michal.


4. (1 Sam 18:28-30) David's constantly growing popularity
When Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and the Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him, then Saul was even more afraid of David. Thus Saul was David's enemy continually. Then the commanders of the Philistines went out to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed.

When Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David: The success of David's last expedition and the return of David with double the number of Philistine foreskins which Saul had required filled the unhappy king with dismay. Saul's daughter's love, too, for David contributed to Saul's continued hatred and fear of David. Moreover, as David grew closer and closer to God, the further David got from Saul.

The commanders of the Philistines went out to battle: Saul's cunning plan against David continues. After David ruthlessly defeated 200 Philistines and killed the Philistines honored champion, David find himself a marked man. The Philistines wanted retaliation against David.

David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul: Saul's plan completely backfires. David not only survives the battles with the Philistines, but he also becomes more popular with all of Israel and draws closer to God. As much as Saul is defeated in this round, he will continue to use more manipulation and violence against David in an attempt to save his kingdom from being taken away from his descendants.

1 Samuel Chapter 18 Part One (Verses 1-11)

CONFLICT BETWEEN SAUL AND DAVID

A. David, Jonathan and Saul
1. (1 Sam 18:1-4) The friendship between David and Jonathan
Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.

Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul: We have in this and the following chapters a detailed account of David at the Court of Saul. This conversation is a continuation of the discourse begun in 1 Samuel 17:55. When David returned from killing Goliath, the Philistine, Abner took David and presented him to King Saul. With the start of this conversation, a new beginning commences. We are told of the beginning of Jonathan and David's friendship, of the growth of Saul's hatred toward David and of the trials which befall David which eventually drives him away and compels David to lead the life of an outlaw. Jonathan's love for David is as beautiful contrasts sharply with Saul's deep cruelty toward David.

The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David: The Hebrew here is very strong. The same expressive phrase is used of Jacob's love for Benjamin in Genesis 44:30-31a: "Now, therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the lad is not with us, then, as his life is bound up in the lad's life, when he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die." An interesting note, Jonathan was the oldest son of Saul, making Jonathan both a prince and the slated next king of Israel. ("Ner became the father of Kish, and Kish became the father of Saul, and Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal" 1 Chronicles 9:39.) On the other hand, David was the youngest of eight brothers.

Saul took him that day: It appears that before this, David had not had his constant residence at the court. It seems from the text, prior to this, he would come to the court to soothe Saul, and when Saul became well, David returned home to his father. From this time forth, it appears David did not have the luxury of returning back to his family.

Jonathan made a covenant with David: We are not to suppose this happened immediately. David most likely continued on friendly terms with Saul for a considerable period, during which time he went on many military expeditions and grew in military renown. During this time, David and Jonathan's friendship blossomed and grew deeper and deeper until they entered this solemn bond of mutual friendship--a bond of true friendship and faithfulness to one another.

Jonathan stripped himself of the robe: In confirmation of the bond, Jonathan gave David his robe (in Hebrew meil), a tunic worn close to the skin. Additionally, Jonathan gave David his battle accessories--his sword, bow and belt. In clothing David with his own princely attire, Jonathan was showing David his greatest personal honor. Such a gift is still highly esteemed in the East. An example of honor given by clothing one in royalty attire can be seen in Esther 6:7-9: "Then Haman said to the king, 'For he man whom the king desires to honor, let them bring a royal robe which the king has worn, and the horse which the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown has been placed; and let the robe and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble princes and let them array the man whom the king desires to honor and lead him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him, "Thus it shall be done to the man whom the king desires to honor."'"


2. (1 Sam 18:5-9) Saul's jealousy of David
So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?" Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on.

David went out: David was appointed to some post of command and "went out" on military expeditions. On these campaigns, David "prospered". This word combines the ideas of prudence and subsequent success. In spite of his sudden promotion, which might have naturally excited the jealousy of the courtiers, David won their good-will. This verse is a summary of events which may have occupied a very considerable amount of time. It was only gradually that David's fame became so great as to rouse great hatred in Saul's mind.

When David was returned: The triumphant return of David does not refer to the homecoming after the death of the giant, Goliath. But this event occurs after the close of the campaign which followed the event. A series of victories after the fall of the dreaded champion--very likely spread out over a considerable period of time--had restored the supremacy of Israel in the land of Canaan. In this war, David established his character for bravery and skill.

The women came out: The women came out to celebrate to escort the victors home with singing and dancing. Dancing was the usual expression of rejoicing upon occasions of national triumph. For example, Miriam and the women of Israel celebrate after God delivers Israel through the Red Sea: "Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing. Miriam answered them, 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and his ride He has hurled into the sea'" Exodus 15:20-21. As a rule, these dances were confined mostly to women, with David dancing in 2 Samuel 6:14 being an exception.

When women sing and dance in your honor, you are popular. When "women came out in all the cities of Israel", you are VERY popular. When you are praised and popular, it isn't wise to let it go to your head. David was happy to hear these affirming words, but he did not let it dominate his thinking or change his opinion of himself. He kept the heart and mind of a shepherd, even in times of great success. And this was not easy. This was a test, one the devil wanted to use to bring David down, and one the LORD wanted to use to build David up. David never received this kind of affirmation when he kept his father's sheep. The sheep never danced and praised him. Now that David has been appointed a military post and has been victorious, he faces the challenge success. hen people can handle the trials of adversity, but they fall prey to pride when success is sprung upon them.

Because David could be so content and happy before the LORD in keeping sheep with no praise or popularity, it puts David's heart in the right place to handle it when he received praise and fame. Out in the shepherd's field, David had his heart set; he was doing everything for the LORD. Because his heart was right in the shepherd's field, David behaved wisely in all his ways when accolades and popularity came his way. Moreover, David lived his life more for the LORD than for people. It was not that David did not care about people or what they thought, but he could put the opinion of man in the right perspective. David cared more about the opinion of God.

Saul has slain thousands, and David his ten thousands: These words seem to have been sung in a call and response manner, similar to the way the psalms are composed. This refrain became very popular, so popular that is became widely known even among the Philistines. ("Is this not David, of whom they sing in the dances, saying, 'Saul has slain thousands, and David his ten thousands?" 1 Samuel 29:5)

Now what more can he have but the kingdom: Although many years had passed since Saul first heard for Samuel the Divine sentence of his rejection from the kingdom, yet, it was a thing the king could never forget. No doubt, Saul had looked for signs of the person destined to be his successor. And now, when he had stood powerless before the enemy, a shepherd boy had stepped forward and given him the victory. David, a military novice, had shown so great of qualities of bravery and military skill that people reckoned him at ten times Saul's worth. Had Saul been the high-minded man he was at the time he was appointed as king over Israel, he would have banished such thoughts from his mind. Unfortunately, Saul's mind had become consumed with discontent and brooding thoughts. Saul would now look upon David with suspicious thoughts in everything that David did.


B. Saul's first attempt to kill David

1. (1 Sam 18:10) The scene in Saul's royal court
Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul's hand.

An evil spirit from God: The evil spirit comes over the unhappy king in quite a new form. Up until this time, when the evil spirit came upon Saul, the madness showed itself as a hopeless melancholy--an entire indifference to everything connected with life. Now, the new phase of Saul's madness presents itself as a murderous jealously that fills Saul's whole soul, and drives him to open deeds of rough violence.

David was playing the harp with his hand: The same hands that had killed Goliath and carried the trophy of his severed head now sweetly played music unto the LORD, ministering to a troubled king. David obviously had skillful hands, both in war and in music. More remarkable was his humble heart. Most men, after the fame that came to David, would consider this kind of service beneath them. David was a great military leader, famous in all of Israel and had women dancing and singing his praises. Yet, he faithfully performed this job of personally ministering to Saul with music.

And a spear was in Saul's hand: The spear served as a scepter and was the symbol of royalty. The king often held the spear in his hand, especially when he held council or sat in a place of authority. ("Then Saul held that David and his men who were with him had been discovered. Now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing around" 1 Samuel 22:6.)


2. (1 Samuel 18:11) Saul brandishes a spear at David
Saul hurled the spear for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David escaped from his presence twice.

Saul hurled the spear: Both the Chaldee and the Septuagint render this verse as "Saul lifted the spear" or "Saul brandished the spear". This translation would make more sense since it is hardly credible that if Saul had actually thrown the spear, David would have returned a second time to the king's chamber.

If a spear is in your hand, you will probably use it. As Saul held the spear, the distressing spirit moved him. Instead of receiving ministry from David's music, the distressing spirit prompted Saul to lash out at David. We must say that the distressing spirit did not make Saul do this. Bit, the spirit prompted him to do it. Saul was able to choose and never lost his free will. The same music ministry that once soothed Saul and made him refreshed, giving him relief from the distressing spirit (1 Samuel 16:23) now had no effect at all. David's music ministry and heart did not change. However, Saul's heart did, which set the stage for violence and hatred of David.

David escaped twice: It is amazing that after David was threatened once that he even returned to Saul's presence a second time. But, David was submissive. He knew Saul's heart, and he knew he had to trust God. After God delivered David from the hand of Goliath, who was David to doubt God's saving power? If David would have struck Saul after being threatened, we can suppose David would have still become king. But if David would have done this, he would have surrendered his destiny to be the greatest king in Israel's history. He would still have become king, but he would not have become the king the LORD destined him to be.