Jonathan is a friend and Saul jealous

1 Samuel Chapter 18

After David spoke to Saul, he met Jonathan, Saul's son. There was an immediate bond between them and they became best friends. From that day on, Saul kept David at the palace and wouldn't let him return to his home. Jonathan made a vow to be David's friend and sealed the pact by giving David his robe, tunic, sword, bow and belt.

Whatever Saul asked of David, he did successfully and Saul made him a commander in his army. But something happened when the victorious army came home after killing Goliath. Women came out from the towns along the way and celebrated and cheered king Saul and sang and danced to these words: "Saul has killed his thousands and David his ten thousands"; this made Saul very angry. He was jealous that David was credited with killing more than he and he feared the people would make him their king.

The next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul and he began to rave like a madman. David began to play his harp, but Saul had a spear and hurled it at David who jumped aside and escaped. This same thing happened another time too, because Saul was afraid of David and he was jealous the Lord had left him and was now with David. Finally Saul banned David from his presence and appointed him commander over only a thousand men. But David faithfully led his troops into battle and continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him. When Saul recognized this, he was even more afraid, but by then all of Israel and Judah loved David.

One day Saul told David that he was ready to give him his eldest daughter Merab as his wife, but first he had to prove himself a warrior by battling the Philistines. Saul hoped the Philistines could kill David for him.

Meanwhile David exclaimed, "Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king's son-in-law. My father is nothing." So when the time came for the wedding, Saul instead gave his daughter Merab in marriage to Adriel, a man from Meholah. But Saul's daughter Michal had fallen in love with David and this made Saul delighted when he heard it. Saul thought of another way to have David killed by the Philistines and he said, "Here is a way for you to become my son-in-law after all." Then he told his men to tell David that Saul really like him, and to accept the king's new offer. But David replied, "How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter of a king?"

His men reported back to Saul what David said. Saul sent them back to David to say that the bride price for his daughter was one hundred Philistine foreskins. Vengeance was what Saul wanted, but in his mind he still wanted David to die in battle. David, however, was delighted to accept Saul's offer and before the time limit expired he killed two hundred Philistines and presented their foreskins to Saul. So Saul gave his daughter Michal to David as his wife.

When Saul realized how much the Lord was with David and how much Michal loved him, he became even more afraid of David and remained his enemy for the rest of his life. During the battles that remained with the Philistines, David's name became famous throughout the land.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Jonathan and David's lifelong friendship was rooted in their committment to God. They never let anything come between them and drew closer when their friendship was tested. Jonathan knew David would be the next king, not he. But this fact did not weaken his love for his friend.
Jealousy clouded Saul's judgment, but David continued to protect him. While Saul became arrogant, David remained humble.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Jealousy is a sin, it can start with resentment and build to murder. Jealousy has not changed since bibical days. We must beware of letting jealousy get a foothold in yourlife. Has someone you know turned their jealousy against you? In relationships, at work? Some people try to intimidate us and manipulate us because they see their own shortcomings. But instead of striking back, take the response to befriend them as David kept loving Saul. And ask God to continue to love you and love them, just as David did.
David's popularity could hav make him arrogant like Saul, but he succeeded and became famous and refused to use his popularity to his advantage. Don't you allow popularity to twist your perception of your own importance. How you react when you are in the spotlight or in charge, shows the depth of your character.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Arlene’s nephew David, Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family and my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, is now able to speak and is working on rehab for paralysis. Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: A photo of her shows a chubby, alert baby who is breathing on her own. Her eyesight problems seem to be no longer a problem. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. Update on Mark: He has some paralysis on one side from the stroke, his eyesight has been impaired too. But he has gone home and his wife cares for him. Soon he will begin therapy. Continue to pray for his healing. Pray also for my aged friend Elaine who underwent surgery and is home healing slowly. Update on Craig: he went back to work too soon and ended up having a stent put in. Keep him and his family on your list for prayers. Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.