The Attack

The Demon of Jealousy Enters Saul’s Heart

Saul opened his heart to the spirit of jealousy that poisoned his soul. The king of Israel was opposing his will to the will of the Infinite One. He allowed his emotions to control his judgment until he was plunged into a fury of passion. He had fits of rage, times when he was ready to kill any who dared to oppose him. From this frenzy he would lapse into despondency and self-contempt, and remorse would take possession of his mind. 1TC 456.5

He loved to hear David play the harp, and this seemed to charm the evil spirit away for the time. But one day when David was bringing sweet music from his instrument, accompanying himself as he sang praises to God, Saul suddenly threw a spear at him. God preserved David, and he fled from the rage of the maddened king. 1TC 456.6

As Saul’s hatred of David increased, he watched all the more intently for an opportunity to take his life, but none of his plans were successful against the one anointed by the Lord. David trusted in Him who is strong to deliver. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), and David’s prayer was that he might walk before God in a perfect way. 1TC 457.1

The people quickly saw that David was a competent person. With wisdom and skill he managed the matters entrusted to him. The counsels of the young man were safe to follow, while at times the judgment of Saul was unreliable. 1TC 457.2

Saul was afraid of him, since it was evident the Lord was with him. The king felt that the life of David cast reproach on him, since by contrast it presented his own character as inferior. Envy made Saul miserable. What great mischief this evil trait has worked in our world! Envy is the child of pride, and if it is allowed to remain in the heart, it will eventually lead to murder. 1TC 457.3

The king kept watch, hoping to find something to serve as an excuse to take the young man’s life and still be justified before the nation for his evil act. He laid a trap, urging David to fight against the Philistines with still greater vigor, promising the oldest daughter of the royal house as a reward. David’s modest answer to this offer was, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” The monarch showed his insincerity by marrying the princess to someone else. 1TC 457.4

Michal, Saul’s youngest daughter, was offered to David on condition that he give evidence of having slaughtered a specified number of their enemies. “Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines,” but David returned as victor from the battle, to become the king’s son-in-law. “Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him,” and the enraged king was still more sure that this was the man whom the Lord had said was better than he and who would reign in his place. No longer concealing his feelings, he ordered his officers to take the life of the one he hated. 1TC 457.5

Jonathan reminded the king about what David had done to preserve the honor and life of the nation, and what terrible guilt would rest on anyone who murdered the one whom God had used to scatter their enemies. The conscience of the king was touched. “And Saul swore, ‘As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.’” David was brought to Saul, and he served in his presence as in the past. 1TC 457.6