1 Samuel 18:6-30: The Rise of David and the Jealousy of Saul
The Celebration of David's Victory
1 Samuel 18:6-7
After David returned from killing the Philistine giant Goliath, the women of Israel came out to meet him, singing and dancing with joy. They sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." This song acknowledges David's military prowess and implies that he is a better warrior than Saul.
The Rise of David's Popularity
1 Samuel 18:8-9
Saul became very angry when he heard the women's song, realizing that the people were giving more credit to David than to himself. From that day on, Saul kept a close eye on David, and his jealousy grew.
Saul's Attempt to Kill David
1 Samuel 18:10-11
The next day, an evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in his house. David played the lyre to soothe Saul, but Saul hurled his spear at David, trying to pin him to the wall. However, David dodged the spear and escaped.
David's Safety in the City
1 Samuel 18:12-16
Saul became afraid of David, realizing that the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. David was made the commander of a thousand men, but Saul was afraid of him. David prospered in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.
Saul's Plan to Kill David
1 Samuel 18:17-19
Saul sent messengers to David's house to kill him, but his daughter, Michal, helped David escape by letting him down through a window. David fled to Ramah, where he met with Samuel.
The Protection of God
1 Samuel 18:20-30
Saul's messengers were unable to capture David because they were met with a prophetic frenzy, and even Saul himself was caught up in it. Eventually, Saul's messengers and Saul himself prophesied, and David escaped to Ramah, where he found safety with Samuel.
