I Samuel 18:17-30 - Saul Becomes David's Enemy

I Samuel 18:17-30

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. (verse 28-29)

Message: Saul Becomes David's Enemy

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: This section has the title that 'Saul Becomes David's Enemy.' It seems to me that Saul hasn't liked David very much from the beginning. At first, Saul learns of David after Samuel anoints him and puts him in his court to play the harp, most likely to kind of keep his eye on him. The the Philistines start a conflict with Israel, Saul puts together an army but with Goliath's demand no one is defending Israel until David steps in and slays Goliath. David isn't looking for credit but Saul is looking for it and has to share the limelight with David and this bothers him. But Saul is still king. Jonathan takes a liking to David and they build a special bond. Then there is that verse about an evil spirit coming to Saul (18:10). 

Now for defeating Goliath, the victor was promised Saul's daughter 17:25 based upon the men of Israel hearing this from King Saul. Well that day has now come with 18:17 but Saul once again throws in a caveat. He makes a promise and then he later adds to it and once again he gives David his daughter Merab but then says Davis is to "be a valiant man for me and fight the Lord's battles."  That's Saul for you - make a promise and then adjust it. But David in 18:18 doesn't seem to want the daughter of Saul so instead Merab goes to another man. 

"Now Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David" (verse 20). Saul sets it up. He demands that David bring him 100 foreskins of Philistines he has killed in battle. Saul makes this demand with the idea that David will fail and die in the process. For this in verse 26, "it pleased David to become the king's son-in-law." What does David do? He and his men go and strike down not 100, but 200 men and bring their foreskins to Saul. That's crazy and intense. Foreskins. "So Saul gave him Michal his daughter for a wife." 

And today's highlighted verse, Saul now sees what David can accomplish and he "was more afraid of David." In verse 30, "David behaves more wisely than all the servants of Saul." 

Saul's heart is hardened. He doesn't just stop and accept David, but instead continues to plot against him. I suppose this happens at times in life. No matter the evidence, people still are stubborn and refuse to go along or believe. 

Summary: A daughter is promised to David after Goliath victory, but David wants a different daughter. Saul tries to get David to fail but he is even more victorious and gets Michal and Saul becomes more bothered by David. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "The promise of the Lord’s presence with His people is the greatest assurance we can have."

Prayer: God, you are a great God and thank you for the presence you have in people, in underdogs like David and yet make their name great. They trust in You. I want to trust in You, no matter what comes. I want to be a man of my word and give you glory. Help me to do that as I talk to people even if they don't listen. You are my King. I praise You and thank You for the great work that You have done. Give me wisdom and grace. 

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