1 Samuel 18:6-16 English Standard Version (ESV)
Saul’s Jealousy of David
6 As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. 7 And the women sang to one another as they celebrated,
“Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands.”
8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.
10 The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. 11 And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice.
12 Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. 13 So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people.14 And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him.15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him.16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.
DEVOTIONAL
SOAP: 1 Samuel 18:14
David walked closely with God on and off the battlefield. He was submissive to God’s authority, and God honored his wise choices. He gave God the glory for his success and maintained an attitude of humility. Rather than take matters into his own hands, David trusted that God would defend him when he was unjustly accused.
A wise soldier always follows orders and sticks to the battle plan. Like David, we need to trust that God is in control even when circumstances seemingly don’t make sense. Rather than asserting our own way, we must look to our Avenger and ask Him to defeat our enemy.
Almighty God, help us to walk wisely today. Surround us with your protection in these difficult days. Thank You for being our Defender. May we follow faithfully after You, rather than running ahead and demanding our way. Amen.