Saul plots to kill David

1 Samuel Chapter 19

Saul urged his servants and his son Jonathan to assassinate David, but Jonathan was his friend and told David what his father was planning. He told him to find a hiding place in the fields and Jonathan planned to talk to his father there and learn his plans.

The next morning Jonathan spoke to his father telling the king many good things about David. He urged his father not to sin against David and pointed out the times David had helped the king, including killing Goliath. So Saul listened to his son and vowed that David would not be killed. Then Jonathan went to David and told him everything was as it had been before.

War broke out shortly after, and David led his troops against the Philistines and attacked them with such fury, they ran. But one day Saul was at home when the tormenting spirit of the Lord came upon him again and as David played his harp, Saul threw a spear in an attempt to kill him. David dodged the spear and escaped. Then Saul sent troops to watch David's house and they were told to kill him. But David's wife Michal warned him to get away and she helped him climb through a window to escape. Then she took an idol and put it in his bed, covered it with blankets and used a cushion of goat's hair at its head. When the troops came to arrest David, she told them he was sick and couldn't get out of bed. But Saul ordered the troops to bring David in his bed. Then the troops discovered the trick of the idol and goat's hair.

Saul questioned his own daughter and asked why she let David escape. She claimed he threatened to kill her if she didn't help. Meanwhile David went to Ramah to see Samuel and told him what Saul had done. Samuel took David to live with him to Naioth, but when Saul heard this, he sent troops to capture him. But when the troops arrived and saw Samuel prophesying, the Spirit of the Lord came upon them and they also began to prophesy. When Saul heard this, he sent even more troops, but the same thing happened, and again a third time. Finally, Saul himself went to Ramah and asked where Samuel and David were. Someone told him they were at Naioth, but on the way to Naioth the Spirit of the Lord also came upon Saul and he too began to prophesy. He tore off his clothes and lay on the ground all day and night, prophesying in the presence of Samuel and the people who watched exclaimed, "What? Is Saul a prophet too?"

BIBLE NOTES SHOW that is not alright for a son to disobey his father as Jonathan did. But when a father instructs his son to break God's laws, the son should obey God rather than man.
In verses 20-24, Saul joins a group of prophets and prophesying for the second time. The first time in chapter 10 was when he was anointed king and did not want to accept responsibility. This time Saul was consumed with jealousy over David's growing popularity. But the Spirit of the Lord immobilized him so he was unable to harm David. In both instances, Saul spoke God's words, but he was far from thinking God's thoughts.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? It shows the loyalty of Michal for her husband, she too risked her life to protect David. And the true meaning of friendship is shown when Jonathan warned David of his father's plan. Jonathan was a true friend who risked being killed by his own father to help his friend. What kind of friend are you? Are you just a lunch buddy who seldom makes a commitment to your friends. Or can you honestly say you would be there for one of them in their time of need. Most of us aren't ever going to be asked to risk our lives for our friends, but it happens today in many war-torn countries across the globe. I hope you can step up, if the time ever comes. God will let you know. His power is so strong that he disabled Saul so David would not be killed. God does not change, he can still immobilize evil people from doing evil things. God is on your side. Keep believing!

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. But she must learn to eat and drink normally. 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 ended up having a stent put in and is back to work. 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.