Title: “Friends, Foes, and Favor” Scripture: I Sam. 18
Type: Series on David Where: GNBC 10-6-24
Intro: If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve more than likely been betrayed by someone close to you.
Nothing hurts more than a hurt that you never see coming. Many people refer to this kind of betrayal as being “stabbed in the back.” There’s good reason for that. In the OT, friends protected one another’s flanks in the heat of battle, but occasionally, someone close, perhaps motivated by power, greed, or offense, has been known to thrust a sword into the back of a friend they swore to protect. No one expects a trusted business partner to embezzle from a shared account. We do not see it coming when a spouse commits adultery with someone we know. We do not expect friends to steal money or possessions from the home into which we graciously invite them. Nor do we expect our friends in church to cancel longstanding relationships based on a church division. But it happens. Few people in history have done more for a man than David did for Saul when he killed Goliath. Initially Saul’s reaction was gratitude and support, but in an instance all of that would change. Today we shall see why.
Prop: Follow w/me in I Sam. 18 as we continue to follow the aftermath of David’s great victory.
BG: 1. 3rd in our series “David, A Man After God’s Own Heart”. In an instance David goes from shepherd boy to national hero. Heady stuff!
2. Today’s events take place on heels of David’s greatest victory. Just as soon as people begin to sing David’s praises, Saul becomes consumed with fear and jealousy and seeks to undermine his success.
Prop: Let’s Examine 3 Important Insights into I Sam. 18 and David’s Ensuing Success.
I. David’s Great Day vv. 1-5
A. This Chapter Begins with David Experiencing the Blessing of Fame and Friendships.
1. David had immediately risen from a nobody to a somebody!
a. Illust: 1973 The Carpenters hit “I am on the Top of the World Looking Down on Creation” Such a feeling's coming over me, There’s wonder in most everything I see
Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes, And I won't be surprised if it's a dream. V.2 Everything I want the world to be, Is now coming true especially for me
And the reason is clear, it's because you are here, You're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen…David, Israel’s sweet singer may have been humming this tune just about now.
b. David is rewarded after killing the giant, Goliath. It was a good day for King Saul. Someone else fought and won his battle. It was a glorious day for young David. The stalemate is over. Victory is won without casualties. The king’s cousin, Gen. Abner brings the victorious youth to receive the king’s blessing.
2. Battles change the direction of one’s life.
a. V.2 – Important lesson. Being victorious or by contrast, being defeated, in certain battles in life will unalterably change the direction of one’s life. Ministry, business, family, etc.
b. V.2 Now we will explore this more deeply in a few moments, but I think this started off with good intentions but quickly turned sour. In fact, it reminds me of the old adage: “Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer.”
B. Jonathan Recognizes God’s Favor Upon and Choice of David
1. Jonathan Recognizes in David a Young Man with a similar passion and purpose.
a. I imagine this conversation takes place back in the king’s quarters near the battlefield. Celebration of victory after the battle. (There are 2 camps when thinking of Jonathan and David’s difference in age. Many think probably no more than 5 years apart. I think more likely at least 20 years difference. If Saul is pushing 70’s make sense Jonathan at least 40 yrs. David 15-18 yrs.).
b. “The conversation David has with Saul, clinches matters for Jonathan (18:1). No doubt Jonathan is impressed by David’s victory over Goliath, but David’s words with his father seem to be what impresses Jonathan most. Is it David’s faith in God? Is it the fact that David is careful to give the glory to God? Is it David’s humility and humble spirit? Is it David’s care for the people of Israel? We are not told exactly what impresses Jonathan so much in this conversation, but it is clear that from this point in time onward these two men are kindred spirits.” (Deffinbaum sermon) Jonathan vows loyalty to David even at his own expense!
2. Jonathan Vows Loyalty to the man who will take his position.
a. V.3 – Jonathan “made a covenant” with David. The prince recognized in David a kindred spirit in both their faith and devotion to God. I Sam. 14:6 relates the story of Jonathan’s absolute trust in God and bravery when with only his armor bearer, he attacks a Philistine garrison.
b. V.3 I despise modern liberal scholars/revisionists who attempt to turn the language of this passage into support for a homosexual agenda. Hebrew word “aheb” is a general word for love that was used of Abraham and Isaac (Gen. 22:2), Rebekah and sons (Gen. 25:28), God’s love for humans (Dt. 10:15), love for a dish of food (Gen. 27:4) love of servants for their master (I Sam. 18:21-22). This was a covenant of perpetual friendship. Each was to love the other as self, promote the interest of the other, mutual assistance and defense and to never undermine the other.
C. Applic: Great days are in our lives. Don’t waste their importance.
II. The Victory Celebration Goes Sideways! Vv.6-9
A. The Band Plays a Sour Note and the Dancers Song Steps on Saul’s Tender Toes.
1. The Victory Celebration Goes Sideways as the King get’s slighted by the singers.
a. Illust- Who gets top billing at a concert or even at a fight? The perceived best. When Saul hears this song its just like running fingernails down a chalk board. “Saul has slain his 1000’s (Heart swells with pride.) And David has killed his (Giant? No!) “ten thousands”! Was either statement true? No. Poetic license. However, instantly fear and jealous robs Saul of his joy and victory.
b. Think about this. V. 6 the giant is killed. The nation rejoices. The army is returning victorious. David beside Saul. Everything good so far until v.7. Illust: Have you ever been to a fall concert of a 5th grade band: “Hot Cross Buns” is being played masterfully. Parents are beaming with pride and then that one clarinet or oboe squeaks the note and negatively overshadows the rest of the band’s performance. That’s what this song does to Saul, and he can’t get it out of his mind. “David!”
2. What was the context of this celebratory commentary?
a. Was common in ancient Israel and other cultures for women to come out celebrating when me came home victorious from battle. Ex. 15:1-21 women sand when Egyptian chariots drowned. Most likely when Goliath defeated Philistines ran and Israel pursued and cut down many in their army. Impressive victory. Something to sing about.
b. Illust: Old song “What a Difference a Day Makes”. Very hard to believe how short-lived David’s popularity with Saul would last. David went from being the king’s “Apple of his eye” to being the “rotten apple” that needed to be removed from the barrel in about the time it took to sing the refrain.
B. Don’t Allow the Success of Others to Rob Your Joy or Fill you with Fear.
1. Saul became Jealous, Enraged and Fearful at the Woman’s Song of Victory.
a. Illust: There was a sign that sat on Ronald Reagan’s desk when was president that said: "There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." Saul obviously didn’t have the same plaque in his office! That’s the entire problem here. Saul is insecure.
b. Let me take you back in time. When the prophet Samuel came calling, Saul was the man who was less than eager to be 1st in the land is now very annoyed to that that his servants think he is #2 in the land! Don’t forget, Saul has already disobeyed God so egregiously that he knows his kingdom will be taken from him and he has just now had a very strong premonition who it is who will replace him as King.
2. We can all apply lessons from Saul’s sin.
a. Who benefited to the most from David’s success? Saul did. Was it really that bad to celebrate his success? Are you celebrating the success of others or do you respond in fear and jealousy. Who ultimately, was responsible for David’s success? God! Saul was angry at God.
b. As we get older we can either become more territorial, defensive, and jealous, fearing the success of the younger generation or we can graciously choose to encourage, coach, facilitate, and rejoice in their success. Saul forgot a very important lesson each of us needs to remember: Israel was God’s Kingdom and not Saul’s private realm. Same is true with each of us today.
C. Applic: Saul’s jealousy and fear were could have been contained had he chosen to rejoice in David’s success and see this great victory as coming from the hand of God.
III. Saul Seeks to Silence David vv. 10-30
A. Or Attempted Murder By a Maniac
1. Or: Why Can’t David Get the Point!
a. Saul’s fear and jealousy grow into full-blown murderous maniacal mania. V.8 – Very angry. V.9 Says from that day Saul begins to look at David differently. How? “with suspicion” Please notice something. David has not and honestly, never will demonstrate an ounce of disloyalty towards Saul. It is all the by-product bile of Saul’s own rotten jealousy, insipid insecurity, and festering fear.
b. Illust- Jimmy Stewart starred in the 1959 legal classic “Anatomy of a Murder” where the then little known “Temporary Insanity Plea” was successfully employer to get Lt. Coleman Peterson a not-guilty verdict in the killing of Mike Chenoweth. People look at Saul’s behavior and wonder if that’s what’s going on here as he throws the spear. I would argue no. It’s not temporary insanity, but rather the result of ruminating on perceived offenses and fears rooted in jealousy. Christian, hear the WOG: “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Heb. 12:15). V.11 – Saul knows exactly what doing.
2. Saul’s Unbridled Anger, Fear, and Jealousy take a Terrible Turn.
a. Friend, don’t feed your fear or your jealousy! Repent. Seek Christ’s succor! You need grace! V.10 – “An evil spirit from the Lord” – result – “ravings”. Daid was brought into to play the harp to calm the King’s frazzled nerves. In that moment the King is overwhelmed by his evil emotions and attempts to eliminate his perceived replacement. Talk about workplace hostility! You thought your boss didn’t like you!!
b. V.10&12 – I would challenge you NOT to play psychiatrist and psychoanalyze Saul’s response. This is very clearly a spiritual issue. Murder always is. Unbridled anger always is. Jealousy always is. Fear always is.
B. Christian, Be Very Careful Not to Have a “Saul response” to Perceived Competition.
1. Saul Perceived David as Competition when in Fact his Fight was With God.
a. Alistair Begg: “If we could bring Saul in this am and interview him we might as to explain his actions at this period in life. I think he would say something that would shock our modern mindset: “I can explain it very simply. I rejected God and He rejected me.” Don’t let anyone think this was a psychological issue. It was entirely a spiritual issue.”
b. Some have asked me over time: “Pastor, what was Saul’s spiritual condition? Was he a true believer? Was he not now? Let me very gently say, “It’s not our concern.” However, let me also say, don’t waste it as a warning. If Saul was a true believer, he was a troubled believer. Troubled by his own sin. Sin is NEVER accompanied by the presence, peace, and power of God in those whom He indwells. Friend, are you troubled today with sin, jealousy, anger, depression, anxiety, fear? Turn to Christ. Ask to forgive you.
2. When You Recognize Your “Saul Like Attitude” Repent as God Gives you and me grace.
a. Later in both men’s lives we see in I Sam. 26:21 an interesting exchange. Saul has been chasing David in an attempt to kill him. David has had the opportunity to kill Saul but refuses to “touch the Lord’s anointed”. When the King learns of David’s fealty, it convicts the king to his core. “I have sinned. … I have acted foolishly, [I] have made a great mistake.”
b. That’s good, you see, because that’s the turning point in a life. That was the turning point in the story that Jesus told in Lk 15, wasn’t it, after he’d told about the lost coins and the lost sheep, and then the lost boys—one a kind of superficial snob in the back yard, and another one who’s a real stem winder who wants to go it alone and sow his oats. What was the turning point? “I have sinned against heaven, and in [your] sight.”[10] Friend have you made that confession of sin?
C. Applic: In spite of Saul’s two-fold attempts to kill David, it does not work. Once again, David succeeds while Saul fails: Because the Lord is with David, he cannot be killed before his time; because the Lord has left Saul, he cannot do anything right. Christian, are you a Saul or a David today?
IV. Saul Attempts to Kill His Competition with “Kindness” vv. 13-30
A. Saul Attempts to Undermine David’s Success.
1. Saul Rightly Recognizes David’s Success.
a. V.12 – Saul fears David’s success. V.14 – Saul sees that David, like Joseph of old, is prospering in all that he does. V.15- What was Saul’s response to this success: dread. Saul responds to David’s success with fear and dread. Fear and dread are allowed to loom large in lives where gratefulness is not practiced.
b. Illust: The Anxiety & Depression Assoc of American (11-22-23) states: “Gratitude can be a game changer. It helps train your brain to notice and appreciate the little things in life and, in doing so, shifts your life experience tremendously. Gratitude can increase your happiness and wellbeing, life satisfaction, even overall health while decreasing the stuff we all want less of like anxiety, depression, and anger.” Illust: There are at least 7 signs of someone cultivating a grateful heart: 1. You aren’t always trying to prove yourself 2. You aren’t petty 3. You are generous 4. You don’t begin a lot of sentences with “If only…” 5. You aren’t always trying to get ahead 6. People around you know you appreciate them 7. You know you are appreciated. (WTTB) I think Saul failed in at least 6 if not all 7 of these signs. How about you and me?
2. Saul Seeks to “Reward” David’s Service
a. Saul seeks to “reward” David’s faithfulness v. 13 by making him a commander of a 1000 men. Certainly, Saul was thinking “I will put this brash young man as leader of a unit and he will be killed.” However, it doesn’t happen! Vv.14-15 – God blesses David. He prospers and Saul is filled with even more dread. Next Saul offers first one and then another daughter to David in pledge for his loyalty. All the while, however, Saul plans for this marriage to Michal “to be a snare to him”. Commentators differ, some think this refers only to the dangerous dowry, whereas others think Saul knew the character of his daughter who would one day criticize King David’s devotion to God in bringing the ark to Jerusalem. (II Sam. 6:16ff.
b. V.25 – Certainly Saul had no intention of David successfully marrying his daughter. The dowry was a very dangerous (And bizarre!) one. Young men, be very grateful you only have to buy your fiancé a diamond today! What was the dowry- 100 Philistine foreskins!!! Ever the overachiever, David to Saul’s shock, returns with 200!!
B. Four Final Observations.
1. Much to his distress, Saul now must give David his daughter’s hand in marriage. This represents more than just having his plans fail, again -- and even worse, David succeeds, again. Now Saul, who greatly fears David and wants him eliminated, has two of his own family members bound to David by love and a covenant. The chapter begins with the account of Jonathan’s love for David and his covenant with him. The chapter now ends with Michal’s love for David and her marriage covenant with him. Somehow David has managed to win over two members of Saul’s immediate family. Now, the very ones Saul assumed he could depend on to help him be rid of David are on David’s side. Saul, his plans, and his kingdom are falling apart.
a. First: God is bringing to pass the things He has purposed and promised. In chapters 13 and 15, God indicates to Saul that his kingdom will end. In our text, we watch his reign unravel. Saul continues to lose a grip on his own life and on his kingdom. David is anointed as the new king of Israel in chapter 16, and we see how God prepares the way for David’s reign.
b. Second observation: God’s Word is absolutely certain and sure. God warns Saul of discipline to come if he does not repent, and Saul most certainly does not repent. God sees to it that Saul’s kingdom will be removed, in spite of Saul’s fervent efforts to prevent it. On the other hand, God has promised David a kingdom, and our text assures us that nothing short of the complete fulfillment of God’s promise should be expected.
c. Third, in Jonathan we see a most excellent illustration of the love which God requires of us. We are repeatedly instructed to “love our neighbor as ourselves” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; 22:39, Mark 12:31; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). This is precisely what Jonathan does with respect to David v.1. Saul saw David as a threat to Jonathan yet Jonathan never treated David as a threat.
d. Fourth, we see in Saul what we see in our Lord’s disciples during His earthly ministry, and what we often see in the church today – competition, jealousy, and self-assertion. David is the most faithful servant Saul has ever had, and yet Saul is threatened by David’s competence, by David’s success. The disciples were continually seeking to assert themselves, arguing over who was the greatest.
C. How Can We Apply the Experience of Saul and David in our Lives Today?
1. God has equipped His Church for success. Each Christian a spiritual gift or gifts, to enable him or her to excel in a certain ministry. We can either rejoice in the strengths God has given others, and seek to benefit from their ministries, or we can resist them with a competitive spirit. One has to wonder how much the criticism of other Christians, their ministry, and their doctrine is really rooted in jealousy and envy, rather than in faithfulness to God and His Word. I think about half of all Christian podcasts would cease over night if this principle was applied.
2. Finally, Jonathan and Saul each illustrate the two logical responses to the fact that Jesus is God’s King. David is God’s choice for Israel’s next king. Saul seems to know this, and he strongly opposes it, even to the point of endeavoring to put David to death. Jonathan seems to know this as well, and even though it means that David will reign in his place, Jonathan enters into a covenant relationship with David and relinquishes his right to reign.
D. Applic: God has appointed His Son, Jesus Christ, to establish the Kingdom of God and to rule over every creature on this earth, as well as in heaven. Like Saul, we can seek to prolong our own reign and resist the inevitable reign of God’s King. If we do, we do so to our own destruction. Or we can relinquish any thought of reigning and submit to God’s King, the Lord Jesus Christ, as Jonathan submitted to David.
