1 Samuel 18:9–19:17

The sense of the great service David had done faded quickly from Saul's spirit. And why? Because his object, his idol, was himself, and David's name that day got in the way of it… This roused the jealous sensitivity of the king: "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day on." Yes, and it was an evil eye, and Satan did not fail to take advantage of what the occasion offered.

Jonathan was occupied with David. Saul eyed him from that day on. To him he was an object of jealousy, to Jonathan of admiration. What caused this difference? The songs of the women put Saul in the second place. This the king could not endure. So jealousy took hold of the unhappy king. It urged him along a course his better judgment at times condemned, and he never really turned from it. From this time until Saul's death, David suffered his bitter hatred.

From this day onward Saul eyed David (v. 9). The next day shows the depth of his heart. The evil spirit comes upon him. When he was among the prophets he had been able to give the impression that he depended on the Spirit of God. Once he is handed over to Satan, the fruits of his wicked heart show at once. This man who "prophesied within the house" throws his spear to "pin David to the wall" (vv. 10-11).

The old remedy that had soothed the king, music, now lost its effect. When the evil spirit first came on him, it gave way to the sweet sounds of David's harp. It was no longer so. Evil in the presence of the good it hates tends to move fast and deep.

There is no telling how far this feeling may carry even a child of God, once he willingly allows it. It grows so fast. What starts as envy of another's success, prosperity, and position may soon turn into hatred, and then into plotting against him.

But Saul stood out in base and brutal contrast to the rest of Israel. A bitter and undying hatred sprang up in his heart towards the man who had delivered the people. He eyed David with a jealous eye, and sought to destroy him (verses 9, 10). Saul represents the unconverted man, the man in the flesh… The flesh is that evil principle inside the human heart that shuts out God and Christ. It will always make SELF the supreme object of life, in opposition to Christ. The flesh will have religion, and meetings, and will sometimes tolerate Christians, but it will not have Christ.

We now come to the most terrible thing envy ever accomplished, in Mark 15:10. The chief priests, God's professed servants, handed Jesus, the Son of God, over to Pilate. They did it out of that wretched, miserable feeling of envy, which had eaten away everything even human in their hearts. Here envy led them to CRUCIFY CHRIST.

It takes a very simple heart and a single eye to rejoice in what someone else has done as truly as in our own work. If the glory of God and the good of His people had filled Saul's heart, he would not have spent a thought on the numbers, his or David's. Sadly, he sought his own glory. This was the secret of his envy and jealousy. Oh, what sacred rest, what true dignity, what perfect quietness of spirit comes from self-renunciation! It is the self-renunciation that grows from having the heart wholly occupied with Christ.

When David was anointed, the Spirit of the Lord came on David from that day forward. But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. The servants knew who sent the evil spirit, and looked for a skilful harp player to drive the demon out. God overruled what they did, and brought His anointed to the king.

The demon possesses him again, because he gave way to his temper. He nourished his hatred against David. When the evil spirit came on him, he prophesied. This has been hard for some to understand. Several translators have rendered it "raved"; but that cannot be done. The word "prophesy" is the same word used in chapter 5:5. Prophesying means to speak by inspiration. It does not always mean predicting future events. Besides divine inspiration, there is also a satanic inspiration. Certain groups that claim particular gifts have been restored also claim inspiration, and many have traced that to the influence of demons. Saul spoke words that came from the evil spirit living in him.

Even Saul is here forced to prophesy by the Spirit of God, and this is not the first time in his life. In 1 Samuel 18:10 he had done so by the evil spirit which had come on him. God is able to speak through the mouth of a Saul who at other times is the mouthpiece of Satan. He can do the same through the mouth of a Balaam or of a Caiaphas. This only proves that God uses someone as an instrument if it suits Him. But we must distinguish between the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit and His various operations in power. Power may give great knowledge of the Word, and maybe also the energy to use that knowledge for others. But it never leads us to judge ourselves. It never leads us to take Christ as the One who answers our need. It gives neither repentance nor faith.

But notice: the old remedy that soothed the king, music, had now lost its effect. When the evil spirit first came upon him, it yielded to the sweet sounds of David's harp and hand. It was no longer so. The progress of evil in the presence of the good it hates is apt to be rapid and deep.

To quiet this, David again played the harp for Saul. But this time it had no calming effect. It is the same with the ministry of the Word of God. It stops producing good effects when people have heard it for a long time and treated it with indifference.

David's skill does not remove jealousy and bitter hatred from Saul's heart. The young man had killed the giant who terrified the king and his army. In their victory song the women credited David with ten thousands and Saul with only thousands. This stirred up hidden depths of evil in the king's heart, and he sought to kill David. He knew that God had given the kingdom to David, and he hated him all the more. It was rebellion against God as well as hatred of David. It was the enmity of man's king against God's anointed.

Follow Christ fully. What will be the result? Javelins. If Christ is made much of, Satan must oppose. So we read that three times Saul threw a javelin at David.

This is not yet anger against David. It is anger at people's opinion, which was lifting David up and putting the king down. And it happened at the very moment when Jonathan's faith was giving up everything for the one he loved. The reason is simple: the flesh can never bear being nothing in Christ's presence.

It takes a very simple heart and a single eye to rejoice as honestly in the fruit of someone else's work as in the fruit of our own hands. If the glory of God and the good of His people had filled Saul's heart, he would not have given one thought to the numbers credited to him or to David. Sadly, he sought his own glory. This was the secret of his envy and jealousy.

But notice, the old remedy that soothed the king, music, had lost its effect now. When the evil spirit first came upon him, it yielded to the sweet sounds of David's harp and hand. It was no longer so. The growth of evil in the presence of the good it hates tends to be rapid and deep.

From this day on Saul eyed David. The next day shows the depth of his heart: the evil spirit comes upon him. When he was among the prophets, he had been able to give the impression that he depended on the Spirit of God. Now he is handed over to Satan, and the fruits of his wicked heart show at once. This man who "prophesied in the midst of the house" throws his spear to pin David to the wall.

He was afraid to fight against Goliath, yet he threw his javelin at David, meaning to kill him. And he did it while David was serving him in obedience, playing his harp. This cowardly act by itself proved that Saul was unfit for his place of royal dignity. At this time David was able to dodge the javelin, and also on a later occasion. We might wonder why David came back to play for Saul after that first try on his life. But it proves how real David's faithfulness was.

Saul only saw David. Satan saw in him the type of Christ who is the Son of David. If Satan could only destroy David, where would be the Son and all the promises bound up in Him? … Only Satan's hostility to Christ fully explains Saul's persistent and unnatural desire to kill his own daughter's husband. It began with jealousy. But David's conduct was submissive and never changed, and that would have been quite enough to remove such a feeling — a feeling with no grounds, and for that reason rooted all the deeper — if jealousy had been all.

David came from the brilliant glory of the valley of Elah into very different scenes in Saul's household. There, envious looks and heartless attempts on his life were the only return for the soothing notes of his harp and the brave deeds of his sling and his sword. Saul owed his continuance on the throne, under God, to David, yet the javelin was Saul's return. But the Lord in His mercy kept His dear servant amid all the difficulties of his extremely hard position.

What was the effect on Saul? Did he share the joy of victory, and the delight of his subjects in the victor? No. The flesh only saw a rival. Anger, envy, jealousy and hatred took hold of Saul's heart towards the one to whom he owed his life and his kingdom. At first in secret, then out in the open, he used all the power he had to trap and destroy David.

This is not yet anger at David. It is anger at what people thought, an opinion that was lifting David up and putting the king down. And it came at the very moment when Jonathan's faith was giving up everything for the one he loved. This is because the flesh can never bear being nothing in Christ's presence.

That was a solemn discovery for Saul to make — that the Lord had departed from him. And why had He departed? Because Saul had disobeyed the Lord. He had gone his own way. He lost the kingdom, and God left him as well. He was afraid of David because the Lord was with him. Saul was aware of this, yet the fear of the Lord did not keep him from the dreadful act of trying to kill David.

And the LORD is with him. This was David's greatest asset. All his natural ability and charm would have counted for little without the LORD's presence. We see this in Saul. He had so much that was attractive, but when he lost the Spirit of the Lord, all his personal greatness counted for nothing. Of the blessed Lord Jesus we read in Acts 10 that He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, "for God was with him." And when the hour drew near for Him to go to the cross, He said to His disciples, "You will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me" (John 16:32).

Was this reminder that the man after God's heart was the greater man not a chance for Saul to turn back even now and bow to the government of God? What an act of faith it would have been! And what a lesson to the whole nation, if the king had chosen to give up his throne to the one whom God had so clearly used! But there is no thought of that in his heart.

This honor does what Saul wanted: it takes David out of his sight. But it hands the poor king over to every suggestion of pride and hatred, because he no longer has his servant near him, the model of humility and grace. Poor Saul! By his own choice he robs himself of the only person able to calm him and shield him from the attacks of Satan.

He gives him work far from himself, but where the people see him more than ever. God always carries out His purposes, despite every precaution men take in the flesh.

Saul only saw David. Satan saw in him a picture of Christ, who is the Son of David. If Satan could only destroy David, where would the Son be, and all the promises bound up in Him? ... It began with jealousy. But David's submission never changed, and that would have been enough to remove a feeling so groundless — groundless, and for that reason rooted all the deeper — if jealousy had been all there was.

In verse 12, Saul was afraid of David. He could not bear David's presence, so he "removed him from him" while giving him an apparent honour: he made him "captain over a thousand." This honour removes David from his sight — and this is what Saul wanted. But it hands the poor king over to every suggestion of pride and hatred, once he no longer has his servant near him, the model of humility and grace. Poor Saul! He deliberately deprives himself of the only person able to soothe him and serve him as a defence against the attacks of Satan.

At last, Saul can bear the presence of the sweet singer no longer, and puts him at a distance. Fearing, however, to set him completely aside, he makes him a captain over a thousand. So David can continue his service of warfare and wins the hearts of multitudes of the people.

Then fear comes upon Saul. He realises that Jehovah is with David, and not with himself, so he gives David a lower place away from him. But this brings David still more before the people, and into favour and acceptance with them. And Saul fears the more.

David's escape from Saul's javelins added to the evidence that the Lord was with David and not with Saul. This increased Saul's fear of him, so that he removed him to some distance, making him captain over a thousand men. But though absent from Saul's presence, David could not be hidden from the eyes of the people. He "went out and came in before the people," which implies a clear, honest testimony: he had nothing to hide. Earlier we read that he behaved himself wisely (v. 5); now the text adds "in all his ways." This wise behaviour only increased Saul's fear of him, instead of winning his thankful respect, as it did with the people. They loved David for it — a perfectly normal and right reaction, in contrast to the abnormal folly of jealousy.

Saul took step after step to humble David, to show his own ill-feeling, or worse. But God saw to it that each step became only a means in His hands to fit David all the more for the kingdom. "David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and Jehovah was with him." Jehovah was with him in the house of Saul and kept him safe. Jehovah was with him outside the king's house as well. There he proved himself before the people as his servant — all the better because he was Jehovah's servant.

Saul was Satan's tool in his hatred of Christ. Saul only saw David. Satan saw in him a picture of Christ, who is the Son of David… It began with jealousy. But David's submissive conduct never failed, and it would have been quite enough to remove a feeling so groundless — which for that very reason had a deeper root — if that had been all… And all through these scenes the real contest is between two opposing forces — if we may speak this way — the power of God on one side, and the power of Satan on the other.

He had shown himself to be a man whom Jehovah had armed with remarkable strength. But I think the gracious and prudent wisdom of David — with Saul, for instance — is even more astonishing. The strength Jehovah gave his arm was, by comparison, a passing thing. In any case, it was only called for now and then... But his going in and out before the king, and the wise, sensitive, refined and admirable part David played at Saul's court, is a most instructive lesson for our souls.

Before this he had gone where his father sent him, and there Jehovah blessed him and gave him honour. Now he was in a new position. He did not choose this place. God gave it to him, in a setting he had never sought.

Though David was away from Saul's presence, he could not be hidden from the eyes of the people. He "went out and came in before the people," which implies a clear, honest testimony: he had nothing to hide. Verse 5 told us that he behaved wisely; now the words "in all his ways" are added. This wise behaviour only increased Saul's fear of him. It did not win his thankful respect, as it did with the people.

God took care that every step Saul took to humble David, or to show his ill will, or worse, became only a means in God's hands to fit David all the more for the kingdom. Jehovah was with him inside Saul's house and kept him safe. Jehovah was with him outside the king's house too, and there he proved himself before the people as their servant — the better servant because he was Jehovah's servant.

While at the court, and in the camp, God watched over David in a marked way, and raised up friends where they might not have been expected. Twice God preserved him from being struck by the king's javelin.

Saul fears him; for the God who has forsaken him is with David. He employs him at a distance from himself, but there he is more than ever in view of the people. God always carries out His purposes, despite all the merely human precautions of man. David is prudent. He has the wisdom of God, who is with him in all his ways. He is energetic and unassuming, and always successful. All Israel and Judah love him, and before them he goes out and comes in with all the strength and superiority of faith.

Is anyone wise and understanding? Let him show it in his behaviour, which involves more than his words. It takes in his whole manner of life, for "his works" are added here. Compare David, who "behaved himself wisely in all his ways" (1 Sam. 18:14). This is not said of Solomon, though he had such wisdom.

Who else could say, "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way" (v. 2)? We are told "David behaved himself wisely in all his ways" (1 Sam. 18:14), but this was limited, and not perfect. Yet he is a picture of the perfect King... The Lord Jesus waits long for God to establish Him as King, just as David waited to take the throne of Israel, though he had been anointed long before.

Though absent from Saul's presence, David could not be hidden from the eyes of the people. He "went out and came in before the people," which implies a clear, honest testimony: he had nothing to hide. Earlier we were told that he behaved himself wisely (v.5). Now the text adds "in all his ways." This wise behaviour only increased Saul's fear of him. It did not earn his thankful respect, as it did with the people.

Is one wise and intelligent? Let him show it in the way he lives. That is more than his words. It is his whole manner of life, for the text adds "his works" here. Compare David, who "behaved himself wisely in all his ways." 1 Sam. 18:14... true wisdom produces meekness. Meekness judges self, seeks no self-exaltation, and recognises God's rights as supreme over us.

Poor Saul! Troubled by the evil spirit, David plays on the harp to soothe him, and Saul seeks to kill him. David escapes. Saul fears him; for the God by whom he is himself forsaken is with David. He employs him at a distance from himself, but where he is more than ever in the view of the people. God always carries out His purposes in spite of all the carnal precautions of man.

Saul took step after step to humble David, to show his own ill-feeling, or worse. God took care that each step became only a means in His hands to fit David more for the kingdom... The LORD was with him in the house of Saul and kept him safe. The LORD was with him outside the king's house too. There he proved himself before the people as his servant — all the better because he was the LORD's servant.

David came from the brilliant glory of the valley of Elah into very different scenes in Saul's household. There he gave the soothing notes of his harp and the brave exploits of his sling and his sword. The only return he got was envious looks and heartless attempts on his life. Saul owed his continuance on the throne, under God, to David, yet the javelin was Saul's return. But the Lord in His mercy kept His dear servant in all the tangles of his extremely difficult position.

Saul only saw David. Satan saw in him a picture of Christ, who is the Son of David. If Satan could only destroy David, where would be the Son and all the promises bound up in Him?... It began with jealousy, but David's submissive conduct, so unfailing, would have been quite enough to remove such unfounded feeling, had that been all... And all through these scenes the real contest is between two opposing forces: the power of God on one side, and the power of Satan on the other.

Who else could say, "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way" (v. 2)? We are told "David behaved himself wisely in all his ways" (1 Sam. 18:14), but this was limited, and not perfect. Yet he is a picture of the perfect King... just as David had to wait to take the throne of Israel, though anointed long before (1 Sam. 16:13).

Saul's fear of David grew, so he moved him some distance away and made him captain over a thousand men. But being away from Saul's presence did not hide David from the eyes of the people. He "went out and came in before the people," which implies a clear, honest testimony: he had nothing to hide. Earlier we were told that he behaved wisely (v. 5); now the text adds "in all his ways." This wise behaviour only increased Saul's fear of him. It did not win his thankful respect, as it did with the people. They loved David for it — a normal and right reaction, unlike the abnormal folly of jealousy.

But God took care that every step Saul took to humble David, or to show his own ill-feeling, or worse, should only be a means in God's hands to fit David more for the kingdom. "David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and Jehovah was with him." Jehovah was with him in the house of Saul and kept him safe. Jehovah was with him outside the king's house too. There he proved himself before the people as his servant — and he did it better because he was Jehovah's servant.

The daughters of Israel, the people, and Saul's servants love David for his deliverances. Even Saul, at a given moment (1 Sam. 16:21), "loved [David] greatly," because of the relief he brings him in his sufferings. Michal loves David according to nature — which does not stop her from despising him later on (2 Sam. 6:16). Jonathan, last of all, loves him with the only love that is true, good, and lasting. He loves him as his own soul. He cherishes David for what he is in himself.

David's victory over Goliath won the hearts of the tribes of Israel and Judah. But a long time passed before he was undisputed king over them… Judah was faithful to David, and the other tribes of Israel were for the house of Saul… Israel's love for David kept changing. They left David and followed his rebellious son, Absalom… If love for David should have unified the tribes, love for Christ and His interests should unify the believers in Him. Love for David should have refused the subtle schemes of Absalom. Love for Christ should enable believers in Him to refuse the claims of Satan and the world.

No doubt he remembered what Scripture said of David: "All Israel and Judah loved David because he went out and came in before them" (1 Sam. 18:16). This was a good testimony before others. Solomon was concerned about this, as we too ought to be. Yet he did not seem to realise where David's good testimony came from. It grew out of a much deeper work of heart than concern about his testimony. Nor should our first thought be how we affect others. Should we not first consider how we should please the Lord?

So David, while anointed king of Israel, was called to endure the hatred and scorn of the ruling power. Yet all who could trace his moral worth loved him… His way to the throne lay through many sorrows and difficulties. He, like his blessed Master — the One he pictured — was called to suffering first, and glory afterwards.

Saul had once promised his daughter to the man who beat Goliath. He now renews that promise. He offers her to David on one condition: that he will fight the Lord's battles bravely, above all against the Philistines. The craft of Satan that marks the king here shows the true nature of his character. He will expose David to all the dangers of constant warfare. He will also stir up the Philistines against him by special insult, so that they will do all they can to kill him. So while seeking to avoid the responsibility for his death, Saul is really plotting it.

The king is already a murderer in his heart. Soon he becomes one in fact (v. 11). He looks for an underhanded way to rid himself of the man he hates. He promises his daughter Merab to David, but this is only a sham. "Fight the LORD's battles," Saul tells him, full of outward respect. Deep in his heart, though, hatred is boiling, along with the desire to see "the hand of the Philistines … against him."

Saul now tries to trap David. He offers him his eldest daughter, on condition that he should fight the Lord's battles. He is not yet so hardened in wickedness that he would openly lay hands on him. Instead he said, "Let the hand of the Philistines be against him." David never gets Merab. He would have seen the marriage as a most unexpected honour, but it was not to be. "Continual dropping wears away the stone," and this was always the schooling David needed. How he must have winced at each shift and deceit! He was so little prepared for this when he entered the royal circle. … But through it David was learning the deceitfulness of this present evil world.

The honours and riches promised to the man who killed Goliath were not what moved him. After the victory we do not find him claiming them. They were flattering and splendid — the very things a man would grab if he sought his own glory. Instead we hear him saying, "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?"

But God took care of the outcome. Every step Saul took to humble David, or to show his own ill-feeling, or even worse, became only a means in God's hands to fit David the more for the kingdom. … Saul said to David, "Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you for a wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD's battles." This was a mere pretence. … It only gave David the opportunity for fresh victories. … But there was no truth nor conscience toward God in Saul, any more than care for David or regard for the pledged promise of a king.

But because David was the Lord's chosen, Saul is his enemy, and David is the victim his enemy craved. The more wisely David conducts himself, and the more he shows that God is with him, the more Saul fears him. With a heart beyond reason, Saul hates him and would gladly kill him. In all this he goes the way of Satan, who, knowing the Son of God in his day, trembled before Him and yet sought to destroy Him.

Of course Saul knew that the people thought highly of David, so he used the trick of offering his older daughter Merab to David if David would prove himself brave in fighting the Lord's battles (v.17). David had good cause to be suspicious of this, for Saul had already promised his daughter to the man who would kill Goliath (ch. 17:25). Saul hoped that David would take such risks in his fighting that the Philistines would kill him. But David showed a humble spirit. He protested that he did not think himself worthy to be the king's son-in-law.

"And David said to Saul, 'Who am I?'" — for his humility was real, with nothing put on — and still God worked on his behalf in fresh ways. "Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father's clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?" But there was no truth or conscience toward God in Saul, and no care for David or regard for the promised word of a king. "But at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife."

The Lord had been dishonoured, and His people threatened, and this was "the cause" that moved David to say to Saul, "Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." The honours and riches promised to the man who killed Goliath were not what moved him. After the victory we do not find him claiming them, splendid and flattering as they were — the very things for a man who wanted glory for himself. Instead we hear him saying, "Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father's clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?" and we see him going back to being the king's harpist.

Perhaps it was after he had endured the taunts of Eliab, his eldest brother, who charged him with pride and a bad heart, that he poured out his soul in the words of Psalm 131. Turning away from his brother, his soul turned towards his God with these words: "O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me."

The first thing worth noting is the king's humility. He has no thought of pride. Communion with the Lord, instead of exalting man, lowers him in his own estimation. "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?" David is well aware of his origin and glories in it because this origin exalts the God who took him from the sheepfold!

With fitting modesty, David shrinks from the honour of being linked with the king, but he meets all the conditions, and in the end receives Saul's second daughter as his bride. This is a very faint foreshadowing, may we not say, of the Church, which is given to our Lord as the result of His glorious victory. "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Soon the king, who is already a murderer in his heart, becomes one in fact (v. 11). He looks for a sly way to get rid of the man he hates. He promises his daughter Merab to David, but this is only a sham. "Fight the LORD's battles," Saul tells him, full of outward respect. Deep in his heart hatred is boiling, along with the desire to see "the hand of the Philistines … upon him" (vv. 17-19).

But there was no truth or conscience toward God in Saul, any more than care for David or regard for the pledged promise of a king.

But God took care that every step that Saul took to humble David, or to show his ill-feeling, or even worse, should be only a means in God's hands to fit David the more for the kingdom. The LORD was with him in the house of Saul and kept him safe. The LORD was with him outside the king's house too, and there he proved himself before the people as his servant, the better because he was the LORD's servant.

The time came when David had proved himself equal to the task Saul had assigned to him. He was therefore entitled to marry Merab. But Saul again proved himself untrustworthy by giving Merab to another man (v. 19). This may have been just as well for David, since there seems no sign that he had any love for Merab anyway.

David never gets Merab, though he clearly would have regarded it as a most unexpected honour; but it was not to be. "It is the continual dropping which wears the stone," and this was always the character of the schooling David needed. How he must have winced under each change of mind and each deceit! He was so little prepared for this when he entered the royal circle. The noble and strong can hardly bear the meanness of envy. But it was teaching David the deceitfulness of this present evil world.

Not a word about the earlier wrong done to him. Not a syllable about Merab given to Adriel. Nothing about the king breaking his royal word, so solemnly pledged in the hour of danger in the valley of Elah, and renewed later by Saul himself for fresh services.

Son of Barzillai, the Meholathite, to whom Merab, Saul's daughter, was given as wife after having been promised to David. She bore Adriel five sons, and these were given up to death to avenge the Gibeonites because Saul had killed some of them. In 2 Samuel 21:8 these five sons are named as the sons of Michal, Saul's daughter. They were surely the sons of Merab and not of Michal. It seems most likely that the name Michal here is the mistake of an early copyist.

Every step Saul took to humble David became only a means in God's hands. God used it to fit David all the more for the kingdom. Saul said to David, "Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you as a wife; only be valiant for me and fight the LORD's battles." This was a mere pretence. "For Saul said, 'Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.'" It only gave David the chance for fresh victories… But there was no truth or conscience toward God in Saul. He had no care for David, and no regard for the promise a king had made.

Michal, Saul's second daughter, loves David. Saul tells himself: "I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be upon him" (v. 21). In his thinking this marriage is a new way of getting rid of his future son-in-law. He hides his intent. He orders his servants to speak to David in secret: "Behold, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you" (v. 22). He pretends to feel affection toward him, to push the son of Jesse to his destruction all the more surely.

Michal loved David. She proved her love by saving his life: her plan let David escape the men Saul sent to kill him. In New Testament language she cared for her husband's interests (1 Cor. 7:34).

The daughters of Israel, the people, and Saul's servants love David because he rescued them. Even Saul, at one moment (1 Sam. 16:21), "loved David greatly," because of the relief he brings him in his sufferings. Michal loves David according to nature — which does not stop her from despising him later on (2 Sam. 6:16). Last of all, Jonathan loves him with the only love that is true, good, and lasting. He loves him as his own soul. He cherishes him for who David is in himself.

David humbled himself to be one of that holy gathering. He joined that service, so acceptable and pleasing to God. But one person was watching, and her heart was not in tune with it… The ark of God does not have the first place in her soul. So Scripture calls her here not the wife of David, but Saul's daughter. In her father's time the ark was never thought of, and she, brought up in that neglect, gives no thought to the ark now. For though she loved David (1 Samuel 18:20), she had no heart for God; she was still Saul's daughter. The closest earthly ties with the saints of God cannot bring the unrenewed heart into communion with Him.

God honours the place of natural feelings and responsibilities. But they should never come before the spiritual… Michal was ready to help David on the natural level, but not on the spiritual level.

With fitting modesty, David shrinks from the honour of being linked to the king. Yet he meets every condition, and in the end Saul gives him his second daughter as his bride. This is a very faint foreshadowing, may we not say, of the Church, given to our Lord as the result of His glorious victory. "Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it."

He hides his real purpose. He orders his servants to speak to David secretly. They are to say: "Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you." He pretends to feel affection for him, to push the son of Jesse to his destruction all the more surely.

Deceitfully he commanded his servants to speak to David as though in private confidence. Saul thought very highly of him, they were to say, and would be glad to have him as a son-in-law. David should have suspected this, since Saul had promised him Merab and then not given her. But David did not question it. He thought himself unworthy to be the king's son-in-law, since he was a poor man with no reputation.

To trap David and destroy him, the king demanded a fresh price for his other daughter's hand.

Not a word about the wrong that had been done to him before — not a syllable about Merab given to Adriel. Nothing about the king failing to keep his royal word in the hour of danger, so solemnly pledged in the valley of Elah, or personally renewed later still for fresh service.

The fact was that David, looking to God, was far more jealous for the king's honour than the king himself. So it always is, and should be, wherever there is faith. God may still uphold something altogether unworthy of Himself or of His people. As long as He does, faith bears with it and openly pays all worthy respect. This is not folly; nor is it cringing, though it is far from this generation. It is faith.

Saul only saw David. Satan saw in him a picture of Christ, who is the Son of David… Satan's opposition to Christ is the one thing that fully explains Saul's stubborn and unnatural desire to kill his daughter's husband. It began with jealousy. David's conduct was always submissive, and that alone was enough to have removed such a feeling, had jealousy been all. The feeling had no ground — and for that very reason its root ran deeper. Satan's cunning saw in the young man who killed Goliath the power of God, and the forefather of the One who would crush his head and conquer Death and Hell. That is why Saul's jealousy ripened into Satan's hatred.

This is the same principle as bribery. Let the believer take care to avoid such trapping nets. Accepting flattery is accepting falsehood. Flattery is deceit: it is not even honestly meant, and it is not sober, real fact. Satan is extremely skilled in such methods.

Saul was pleased about this, not because he thought of his daughter's happiness, but because this might lead to David's death. He wanted his own daughter to be a snare to David. He deceitfully ordered his servants to speak to David as though in private confidence. They were to say that Saul really thought very highly of David and would be glad to have him as a son-in-law. David should have suspected this, since Saul had promised him Merab and then not given her to him. But he never questioned it. He considered himself unworthy to be the king's son-in-law, a poor man of no reputation.

In his thoughts this marriage is a new way of getting rid of his future son-in-law. He hides his real aim and orders his servants to speak to David secretly. They are to say that the king delights in him and that all his servants love him. He pretends to feel affection toward David, to push the son of Jesse to his destruction all the more surely.

Not a word about the previous wrong that had been done him — not a syllable about Merab given to Adriel — or of the king's having failed in his royal word during the hour of peril, so solemnly pledged in the valley of Elah, or personally renewed later still for fresh services.

The fact was that David looked to God. He was far more jealous of the king's honour than the king himself was. It is always so, and should be, wherever there is faith. God sometimes upholds what is completely unworthy of Himself or His people. As long as He does, faith bears with it and openly pays all the respect that is due. This is not folly; nor is it cringing, even though it is far from this generation. It is faith.

David's great humility in the face of the king's proposals only moves Saul further along in his wicked plan. Man's hatred and pride never could understand the humility and the love of Christ.

The Lord's anointed proved to be one who was regarded as of no account, for the young David was not even invited to meet the prophet. How suggestive of Him who was "despised and rejected by men"! Notice his occupation: he keeps the sheep. Again suggestive of our blessed Lord.

Oh, to be nothing! This is true liberty — true happiness — true moral elevation. What intense power of attraction there is in one who makes nothing of himself! On the other hand, how repulsive is a pushing, elbowing, self-exalting spirit! How completely unworthy of one bearing the name of Him who made Himself of no reputation!

Michal, Saul's second daughter, loves David. Saul tells himself: "Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him" (v. 21). In his thoughts this union is a new means of getting rid of his future son-in-law. He hides his real intent and orders his servants to speak to David secretly, saying: "Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you" (v. 22). He pretends to feel affection toward him in order to push the son of Jesse to his destruction all the more surely.

And Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, "Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?" Not a word about the wrong already done to him. Not a syllable about Merab, whom the king gave to Adriel. Nothing about the king breaking his royal promise in the hour of danger — the promise made so solemnly in the valley of Elah, and renewed in person later on for fresh service.

David's great humility in the face of the king's proposals only moves Saul further along in his wicked plan. Man's hatred and pride never could understand the humility and the love of Christ.

The fact was that David, looking to God, cared far more for the king's honour than the king himself did. So it always is, and should be, wherever there is faith. As long as God sustains something completely unworthy of Himself or His people, faith puts up with it and openly pays all the respect due. This is not folly, my friends; nor is it cringing, even though it is rare in this generation. It is faith. And so Saul's servants told him how David had spoken.

David should have suspected this, since Saul had promised him Merab and then not given her to him. But this raised no question in his mind. He considered himself unworthy to be the king's son-in-law, a poor man of no reputation (v.23).

Saul, against all honesty and honour, gives Merab to Adriel. But he is still bent on David's destruction, so he offers him Michal as a snare. The price he sets is "a hundred foreskins of the Philistines." David agreed at once. He did not keep to the limit of the contract. Such is the greatness of his nature — he will be no man's debtor — that he goes beyond the condition and "killed two hundred of the Philistines." But the more we are above the spirit of the world, the more it will hate us. So Saul now "was David's enemy continually."

Saul only saw David. Satan saw in him the picture of Christ, who is the Son of David. If Satan could only destroy David, where would the Son be, and all the promises bound up in Him?… Satan's hostility to Christ is the only thing that fully explains Saul's stubborn and unnatural desire to kill his daughter's husband. It began with jealousy. But David's submission never changed, and that alone would have been quite enough to remove such a groundless feeling — groundless, and for that reason rooted all the deeper — had jealousy been all.

The Satanic cunning the king shows here reveals his true character. He will expose David to all the dangers of constant warfare . By a special insult he will stir up the hatred of the Philistines against him, so that they will make every effort to put him to death. So while trying to avoid the blame for his death, Saul is plotting it.

Michal, Saul's second daughter, loves David. Saul tells himself: "Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him" (v. 21). He hides his purpose and orders his servants to speak to David secretly, saying: "Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you" (v. 22). He pretends to feel affection for him, to push the son of Jesse more surely toward his destruction.

Envy here seems to grip Saul so terribly that it gains complete mastery over him. It leads him to try three times to murder David. Some people do not know how quickly and fatally the poison of envy works. To them it seems almost unbelievable that Saul could have sought to kill the very man who had just delivered Israel, and for such a small reason. Yet I am sure of this: anyone who knows anything of his own heart can trace the seeds of great crimes in the feelings that envy stirs.

David stays in his lowliness, and Merab is given to another. Michal gives Saul a more plausible opportunity. David was only required to destroy the power of the enemies of God's people, so he accepts Saul's proposal and succeeds.

The fact was that David looked to God. He cared far more for the king's honour than the king himself did. It is always so, and should be, wherever there is faith. As long as God upholds even what is quite unworthy of Himself or His people, faith bears with it and openly pays all proper respect. This is not folly, and it is not cringing. It is faith. So Saul's servants told him how David had spoken. Saul said, "Thus shall you say to David, 'The king desires no bride-price.'" What he wanted was the death of a hundred Philistines. Yet David's simple mind still clung to the king's honour. Saul had broken his word to David again and again, and still David did not sneer at it.

Still bent on David's destruction, Saul offers him Michal as a snare. The condition is that he bring as bride-price "a hundred foreskins of the Philistines." David agreed at once. He did not stop at the limit of the contract. True to the greatness of his nature — for he will be no man's debtor — he went beyond it and "killed two hundred of the Philistines." But the more we are above the spirit of the world, the more it will hate us. So Saul now "was David's enemy continually."

With fitting modesty, David shrinks from the honour of being joined to the king. Still, he fulfils all the conditions, and in the end Saul gives him his second daughter as a bride. Is this not a very faint picture of the Church, which is given to our Lord as the result of His glorious victory? "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Michal, Saul's second daughter, loves David. Saul tells himself: "I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be upon him" (v. 21). In his thoughts this union is a new means of getting rid of his future son-in-law. He hides his real motive and orders his servants to speak to David secretly, saying: "Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you" (v. 22). He pretends to feel affection for him, to push the son of Jesse to his destruction all the more surely.

Does this not remind us of the spite of the Pharisees? They looked for every way to trap the Lord in His words. They wanted to turn others away from Him and, if possible, to expose Him to judgment from the Romans.

The fact was that David, looking to God, cared far more for the king's honour than the king himself did. So it always is, and so it should be, wherever there is faith. As long as God upholds even what is completely unworthy of Himself or of His people, faith bears with it and openly pays all proper respect. This is not folly, nor is it cringing, though this generation is far from it. It is faith… "And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son-in-law." His simple mind still clung to the king's honour. The word so often broken in his own case drew no sneer from him. He feared God and the king. If the king really thought so of David, he valued it.

David's great humility in the face of the king's proposals only moves Saul further along in his wicked plan. Man's hatred and pride never could understand the humility and the love of Christ.

King Saul used this to his advantage. He told his servants to say that he needed no dowry except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines. That did not guarantee the men would be killed, but this was clearly what Saul had in mind. He expected David to die while trying to kill so many. But David doubled the number to two hundred… Saul could hardly go back on his promise then, and he gave David Michal as his wife (v. 27).

But God took care of this. Every step Saul took to humble David, to show his own ill-feeling, or worse, became only a means in God's hands to fit David all the more for the kingdom… "For Saul said, Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him." It only gave David opportunity for fresh victories.

With becoming modesty, David shrinks back from the honour of being linked to the king. Yet he meets every condition, and in the end Saul gives him his second daughter as his bride. This is a very faint picture, may we not say, of the Church, which is given to our Lord as the result of His glorious victory. "Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her."

King Saul used this to his advantage. He told his servants to say to David that he wanted no dowry except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines. This did not guarantee that the men would die, but that was clearly what Saul had in mind. He expected the Philistines to kill David as he tried to kill so many of them. But David doubled the number to two hundred, killing the men and bringing their foreskins to Saul. Saul could hardly go back on his promise then, so he gave David Michal as his wife.

Saul, against all honesty and honour, gives Merab to Adriel. But he is still set on destroying David, so he offers him Michal as a trap. The condition is that David bring a hundred foreskins of the Philistines as the dowry. David agreed at once. He did not stay inside the limit of the contract. Because of the greatness of his nature — he will be no man's debtor — he goes beyond the condition and "killed two hundred of the Philistines." But the more we rise above the spirit of the world, the more it will hate us.

The fact was that David, looking to God, cared more for the king's honour than the king himself did. It is always so, and should be so, wherever there is faith. As long as God keeps in place even what is completely unworthy of Himself or His people, faith puts up with it and freely pays all the respect due. This is not folly; nor is it cringing... His simple mind still held to the king's honour. The word so often broken in his own case provoked no sneer. He feared God and the king. If the king really thought of him that way, David valued it. That was the feeling of his generous heart.

Notice how they are described — uncircumcised, people without the mark of covenant relationship with God, the covenant God made with Abraham... In spiritual terms, circumcision answers to that sentence of death on ourselves: we should not trust in ourselves, but in the living God... Uncircumcision answers in the same way to confidence in the flesh. And after all, what are the Philistines, for all their greatness, dug in on the shining heights of power and position? In the eyes of faith, what are they but people who have confidence in the flesh? They trust in human power, human wisdom, human forms, everything of man, and they leave God out.

With fitting modesty, David shrinks from the honour of being linked to the king. But he meets all the conditions, and in the end Saul gives him his second daughter as his bride. This is a very faint picture, we might say, of the Church, given to our Lord as the result of His glorious victory. "Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her."

In the end the adversary's schemes fail. David wins the victory and receives the king's daughter as his wife, because the price asked of him for her is the destruction of the Lord's enemies.

Michal, Saul's second daughter, loves David. Saul tells himself: "Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him" (v. 21). In his thoughts this union is a new means of getting rid of his future son-in-law. ... He pretends to feel affection toward him, to push the son of Jesse to his destruction all the more surely.

David's great humility in the face of the king's proposals only moves Saul further along in his wicked plan. Man's hatred and pride never could understand the humility and the love of Christ.

Saul sees more and more that the LORD is with David, and grows still more afraid of him. What a sad development of a sad state of soul! Yet Saul did have fine points of natural character, and at times they showed in better feelings. But God was not in them (1 Sam. 19)... Saul, being forsaken by God, cannot bear that He should be with David.

The king was closed to good and unrelenting toward David. How did this come about? Satan held him fast. The enemy took the very things that even nature would have respected and valued, and turned them only into food for his constant hatred and malice. Such is the power, such the way, of Satan.

The references in 1 Samuel 18:20, 28 are enough evidence that Michal, the daughter of Saul, really loved David. Her father, in his hatred of David, thought to use her as a snare that would cause David's downfall. His efforts failed. Michal loved David, and she proved it by saving his life. Her plan let David escape the men Saul sent to kill him.

How sad that her natural love blinded her eyes when David danced with all his might before the ark of the LORD (2 Samuel 6:12-16). Natural feelings and duties have a place that God honours, but they should never come before the spiritual. Michal was ready to help David on the natural level, but not on the spiritual level.

Though David was now Saul's son-in-law, this did not make Saul feel any more kindly toward him. Saul knew the LORD was with David, and he knew Michal loved him. That knowledge only increased his fear of David and his hostility toward him. Verse 30 notes that the Philistine commanders went out, clearly meaning to attack Israel. In each case David behaved himself more wisely than all Saul's servants, so that his name became highly esteemed.

Saul only saw David. Satan saw in him a picture of Christ, the Son of David... Only Satan's hostility to Christ fully explains Saul's constant, unnatural desire to kill his daughter's husband. It began with jealousy. David's conduct was always submissive, and if jealousy had been all, that alone would have been enough to clear away a feeling so groundless — and being groundless, it had all the deeper root... All through these scenes the real contest, if we may speak this way, is between two opposing powers: the power of God on one side, and the power of Satan on the other.

No good could reach the king, and nothing could soften him toward David. How did this happen? Satan held him fast. The enemy took the very things that even nature would have respected and valued, and used them only to feed Saul's hatred and malice without end. Such is the power, such the way, of Satan.

Saul sees more and more that the LORD is with David, and grows still more afraid of him. What a sad development of a sad state of soul! Yet Saul did not lack fine natural qualities, which showed themselves at times in better feelings. But God was not in them (1 Sam. 19)… Saul, being forsaken by God, cannot bear that He should be with David.

Then fear comes upon Saul. He realizes that the LORD is with David, and not with himself. So he gives David a lower post, away from his own presence. But this only brings David more before the people, and wins him their favour and acceptance. And Saul fears the more.

Such bitter and undeserved hatred may surprise us. But it only shows us the malice of the worldly man who professes to serve God — malice that no amount of goodness or service will disarm.

But the more we are above the spirit of the world, the more it will hate us. And Saul now becomes "David's enemy continually." This faithful servant must have learned by now that all his goodness and service in the court had counted for nothing.

Saul was his tool in his hatred of Christ. Saul only saw David. Satan saw in him the picture of Christ, who is the Son of David. If Satan could destroy David, where would the Son be, and all the promises bound up in Him?… It began with jealousy. But David's submissive conduct never wavered, and had jealousy been all, that would have been quite enough to remove a feeling so groundless — groundless, and for that very reason rooted deeper. Satan's wisdom saw the power of God in the young man who had killed Goliath. It saw the ancestor of the One who would crush Satan's head and conquer death and hell. That is why Saul's jealousy ripened into Satan's hatred. And all through these scenes the real contest is between the opposing forces — the power of God on one side, and, on the other, the power of Satan.

Verse 30 notes that the commanders of the Philistines went out, clearly aiming to attack Israel. But each time, David acted more wisely than all Saul's servants, so his name became highly esteemed.

By grace David was able to walk in this wisdom. He had none of the habits of a court. That only gave the Spirit of God a better opportunity! The reason is simple. What is the source of a believer's lowliness, his obedience, his generous kindness, his unflinching courage? It is not at all a question of what the man once was in the flesh, but of what God makes Christ Himself to him by faith.

So we see how the design, the hidden snare, the carefully laid plans to overthrow David, all come to nothing. First there was corruption, then violence — equally useless. Saul was now bold enough to tell Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. The liar and murderer was at his usual work.

He employs him at a distance from himself, but where he is more than ever in the view of the people. God always carries out His purposes despite all the fleshly precautions of man. David is prudent. He has the wisdom of God, who is with him in all his ways.

After the overthrow of the giant, David got a measure of recognition in Israel. 1 Samuel 18 says that all the people approved of him (verse 5); the women sang his praises (verse 7); all Israel loved him (verse 16); and his name was highly esteemed (verse 30). But Saul stood out in base and brutal contrast to the rest of Israel. A bitter and undying hatred for the people's deliverer sprang up in his heart.

So David succeeds better than all Saul's servants, and his name was highly esteemed (v. 30); a lovely picture of the Lord at the beginning of His career (Luke 4:15)!

But in all who clung to earthly things, this display of power and glory only stirs up greater fear and hatred. It smoulders for a while, then bursts out in argument against Stephen. Yet he behaves more wisely than all the servants of Saul (1 Sam. 18:30; Acts 6:8-10), so that the name of Christ is highly esteemed.

In the previous chapter Saul had used roundabout ways to rid himself of the Lord's anointed; here he sets up a real conspiracy against him: "Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David." Jonathan preaches grace to his father by setting before him what David was, what David had done for him at the risk of his own life, and by reminding him that he himself, Saul, had at first rejoiced when he saw these things.

First there was corruption, then violence — equally useless. Saul was now bold enough to tell Jonathan and all the rest "that they should kill David." The liar and murderer was at his usual work. "But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David." In such a sad picture of king Saul, is it not refreshing to see this? The Holy Spirit worked everything that was of God at that time, and afterwards sketched the history for us. He has also shown us that God does not leave Himself without witness of His grace. He who pulls back the veil from Saul's most secret wickedness lets us see the devotion of Jonathan. He tells the story of what God works in love, and what Satan works in murderous hatred and pride. Jonathan then only clings to David the more because of his father's hostility.

The love will soon be tested and will prove true. "And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David." Will the son obey his father's command? He knew David "in the Lord," that is, on the ground of a "most holy faith," and "strong in the Lord and in the power of his might." Nothing could make him lift a hand against one who was his closest friend and the Lord's anointed. He would serve him, whatever it cost; but murder him! The very thought was disgusting to him.

The contrast between Saul's attitude to David and Jonathan's was very great. The poor jealous king was now often troubled by an evil spirit. He hated David and wanted to destroy him. He even told Jonathan, as well as his servants, to kill David. Jonathan, for his part, "delighted much in David." This was the rock on which father and son split, and the break could not be undone. In the same way today every person's eternal destiny is settled by the attitude of his soul toward the Son of God.

Jonathan should have gone out to David. If he had, he would have suffered loss and shame from Saul, but he would have had David's company, and later high honour in David's kingdom. He did well in delighting much in David. He was right to speak about David to his father Saul. But he lacked one thing. He drew back from the path of separation with David. He was not with David in the mountains and woods of his rejection. Perhaps he thought he could "do more good," as people say, by staying in Saul's house.

The contrast between Saul's attitude to David and Jonathan's was very great. The poor jealous king, now often troubled by an evil spirit, hated him and would destroy him… Jonathan, for his part, "delighted much in David." This was the rock on which father and son split, and the break was final. In the same way today, the attitude of a person's soul towards the Son of God settles his eternal destiny. "What do you think of Christ?" is the great question that will either make or break everyone who hears it.

To my mind, Jonathan, Saul's son, shows us those in whom the Spirit of Christ will work in Israel. Saul pictures that part of Israel which goes deeper and deeper into dark evil, because it does not value Christ. In the end the devil has full power over it… Here was a loving heart that wanted to give David this needed service. He gave it even though his own father was the one involved — a father who, sad to say, now showed open murderous malice.

That love will soon meet the test, and it will prove true… Will the son obey his father's command? He knew David "in the Lord" — that is, on the ground of a "most holy faith"… Nothing could persuade him to lift his hand against his close friend, the Lord's anointed. He would serve him, whatever it cost; but murder him! The very thought was hateful to him.

God's ways with His people are touching and gracious! He may see that His servant must learn, through a bitter process, the evil of keeping company with the world, and that he must separate from it. At the same time He provides him with a devoted heart he could fully trust. David had one green spot, one sheltered place. Like a guardian angel it kept him safe from the scheming of malice and all unkindness. The One whom David pictured knew little of such a resource on earth, though no one valued it more than He… When we sink so low that we must "stay in a secret place" and hide, we do not only prove that God is our resource; we settle it for ourselves. When better days return, the soul can compare the rest it had when it seemed to have nothing with the rest it has when natural resources are plentiful. If we are faithful, we value the natural less and less beside the divine. However hard we try, we can never find in the lower resource the rest we have in the higher.

Jonathan was willing to speak up for David… In these words we can almost hear the Christian speaking up for his Saviour and Lord. The hated one's words and works had been very good, and his hand had worked a great salvation for Israel. Who dares to accuse the words or the works of the Son of God? Who can deny that He has worked "such a great salvation" for His people? David "put his life in his hand"; our blessed Lord went immeasurably further, for He laid down His life for the sheep.

Saul hates him, but Jonathan delights much in him. How precious! And he tries to save his life… And here is just where Jonathan, with all his love and delight in David, fails. He does not follow David, but stays in the house of Saul, where "David's place was empty." He refused to share David's rejection, and he suffered loss for it: he died on the mountains of Gilboa, among the enemies of the man he loved.

The contrast between the attitude of Saul and Jonathan towards David was very great. The poor jealous king was now often troubled by an evil spirit. He hated David and wanted to destroy him. He even told Jonathan and his servants to kill David. Jonathan, for his part, "delighted much in David." This was the rock on which father and son split, and the division could not be undone. In the same way today, the attitude of a person's soul towards the Son of God settles his eternal destiny. "What do you think of Christ?" is the great question. It will either make or break every person to whom it is put.

Jonathan truly loved David and warned him of Saul's intentions. Still, Jonathan thought he could reason with Saul and persuade him that David was not an enemy, but a true friend. He told David to stay hidden from Saul, while he himself pleaded for him with his father. Then Jonathan "spoke well of David to Saul his father" (v. 4). How fitting it is if we today will speak well of the Lord Jesus before others who oppose Him!

Jonathan, Saul's son, seems to me to picture those in whom the Spirit of Christ will work in Israel. Saul pictures the part of Israel that goes deeper and deeper into dark evil, because it does not value Christ. In the end it falls right under the power of the devil... Here was a loving heart, eager to do this needed service for David. Yet the man in question was his own father, who sadly showed murderous hatred.

Jonathan preaches grace to his father. He sets before him what David was, and what David had done for him at the risk of his own life. He also reminds Saul that he himself had rejoiced at first when he saw these things: "You saw it, and rejoiced." David's activity was far above anything Jonathan could do for him, and Jonathan knew it, even though he loved David as his own soul.

Saul listens to Jonathan and swears, "As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death." God sets grace before the heart of the natural man, and this halts the growth of his wickedness for a moment. But this is not conversion. Saul's plan to murder David changes, yet he does not repent.

Follow Christ fully. What will be the result? "Javelins." If we make much of Christ, Satan must oppose... Yes, David risked his life, but Jesus laid down His for us. We have every reason to "speak well" of Him. But if we do, what then? Look out for javelins. Satan cannot touch Christ, but he will touch you if he can.

He could speak for David, and speak nobly and well; but he could not — or rather, did not — follow him. Yet Jonathan was not idle in David's cause, though his efforts were misdirected. He laboured to persuade Saul and his followers to receive him again, and for a moment seemed to succeed... But his father's heart had not changed, and David had to flee for his life again. It is the story of Christendom briefly retold: kind efforts by true Christians to reconcile worldly people to an acknowledgement of Christ, while their hearts are far from Him.

Jonathan loved David and warned him of Saul's intentions. He advised David to remain hidden from Saul, while Jonathan interceded for him with his father… He speaks of the negative fact that David had in no way harmed Saul. Then he speaks of the positive fact that David's works had been very good. This included venturing his life against Goliath, which had caused Saul and all Israel to rejoice.

Jonathan preaches grace to his father by presenting to him what David was, what David had done for him at the risk of his own life, and by reminding him that he himself, Saul, had at first rejoiced after he had witnessed these things: "You saw it, and rejoiced." How far superior David's activity was to all that Jonathan could do for him! Jonathan knew this, even though he loved David as his own soul.

Jonathan was willing to speak up for David. His protest as given in 1 Samuel 19:4-5 is deeply touching… In these words we can almost hear the Christian speaking up for his Saviour and Lord. The hated one's words and works had been very good, and his hand had worked a great salvation for Israel. Who dares to accuse the words or works of the Son of God? Who can deny that He has worked for His people "so great salvation"? (Heb. 2:3). David "put his life in his hand"; our blessed Lord went immeasurably further, for He laid down His life for the sheep.

And as Jonathan spoke good of David, oh can we not speak good of Jesus? Has He not worked a great salvation? Apart from Jesus, is there anything truly great or good? Has any other one glorified God about sin, as He has on the cross?

By presenting grace to the heart of the natural man, God allows his wickedness to be stopped for a moment. But this is not conversion. Saul's murderous intention changes, yet he does not repent. He takes back his decision and makes a new resolution when faced with the appeals of a man of faith. But the resolution is barely made before he shows himself in no way free from his impulses. His behaviour proves that he is a miserable slave of Satan.

But it was a mere passing emotion; not a trace of divine feeling had any place in his soul. Rocky ground hearers are very emotional. They seem full of divine joy while the wonders of divine grace are set out. But it passes quickly, like the dew before the sun (Matt. 13:20-21).

Three times he had tried to kill David. But when David is out of sight, Saul tries to kill Jonathan, who stood up for him. That is just like the Christian; when Christ is out of sight, he has to stand up for his Lord, and is persecuted.

We may well marvel at his simple-hearted admiration of David, his great love for David, his delighting much in David, his speaking well of David, and his effort to ensure the safety of David. In much of this we might well copy him. But how very sad is the failure: with so much that is praiseworthy, he was held back from that complete devotion that would share all the dangers and hardships in the outside place.

Jonathan however, positively loved David and warned him of Saul's intentions. Still, Jonathan thought he could reason with Saul and persuade him that David was not an enemy, but a true friend... Then Jonathan "spoke good of David to Saul his father." How appropriate it is if we today will speak good of the Lord Jesus before others who oppose Him! He speaks of the negative fact that David had in no way harmed Saul, then of the positive fact that David's works had been very good, including venturing his life against Goliath, which had caused Saul and all Israel to rejoice.

When speaking of David to Saul his father, Jonathan says, "he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine." Jesus did more than that. He laid down His life to save me, and He has done it. Christ, the Son of God, has not only risked His life for you and me, but He has laid it down, everlasting praise to His blessed name!

The hated one's words and works had been very good, and a great salvation had been worked for Israel by his hand. Who dares find fault with the words or the works of the Son of God? And who can deny that He has worked "such a great salvation" for His people? (Heb. 2:3).

Jonathan reminded his father that at the moment of David's victory over Goliath — "you saw it, and rejoiced." But it was only a passing emotion. Not a trace of divine feeling found any place in his soul. Hearers who are like rocky ground are very emotional. They seem full of divine joy while the wonders of divine grace are set out. But it soon passes, like dew before the sun (Matt. 13:20-21).

So it is not that Saul's heart never softened — it did soften from time to time. But he was no longer in any way master of his own movements. He was only a slave of Satan, little as he realized it himself.

But what Jonathan's heart was set on did not run with God's purpose about David. If it had, it would have drawn him out of Saul's house. Left to its own aims, it would bring David back to the house of Saul — and that is what it did... A loving, kindly spirit tends to smooth the way. It draws together people whom God intends to walk in completely different paths.

In the previous chapter Saul had used roundabout ways to rid himself of the Lord's anointed. Here he sets up a real conspiracy against him: "Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants that they should kill David." Jonathan preaches grace to his father. He sets before him what David was, and what David had done for him at the risk of his own life. He also reminds him that Saul himself had rejoiced at first when he saw these things: "You saw it, and rejoiced."

Then Jonathan "spoke well of David to Saul his father" (v.4). How fitting it is if we today will speak good of the Lord Jesus before others who oppose Him! He speaks of the negative fact: David had in no way harmed Saul. Then he speaks of the positive fact: David's works had been very good. David had risked his life against Goliath, and that had caused Saul and all Israel to rejoice.

Saul listens to Jonathan and swears: "As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death!" (v. 6). By presenting grace to the heart of the natural man, God allows a brief halt in the growth of his wickedness. But this is not conversion. Saul's murderous intention is changed, yet he does not repent. He takes back his decision. Faced with the urging of a man of faith, he makes a new resolution. But the resolution is hardly made before he shows he is in no way free from his impulses. His behaviour proves that he is a miserable slave of Satan.

Then Jonathan persuades his father to stop. Saul uttered a meaningless oath: "As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death." And Jonathan brought David to Saul.

It is not that Saul's heart never softened. Indeed it did soften from time to time. But he was no longer in any way master of his own movements. He was only a slave of Satan, little as he realised it himself.

Now we shall have to trace what follows. Every effort to escape the slavery of the devil only proves that the devil is the stronger of the two. Flesh in the highest place only brings a man under the power of the enemy more surely and more quickly. So, despite his oath and Jonathan's acting on it, "Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before."

Jonathan's reasoning is of course plain and right, and on this occasion it has a good effect on Saul. Jonathan therefore brings David back again to his former position in Saul's company. We may be sure that David would be constantly on his guard at this time. Experience would teach him to be cautious.

Saul's hatred grows, and now he tries to enlist Jonathan, along with his other servants, against David. But Jonathan had already given his allegiance to David, and nothing could make him lift his hand against him. For the time, this checks Saul's persecution. Jonathan gets his chance to speak well of David. He recalls David's glorious victory. He reminds the king how the king himself rejoiced at that time. He appeals to his sense of honour, if nothing else. Saul listens for the time and promises to spare David, who now returns to his old work in the king's house.

Then Jonathan "spoke good of David to Saul his father" (v.4). How appropriate it is if we today will speak good of the Lord Jesus before others who oppose Him! He speaks of the negative fact that David had in no way harmed Saul, then of the positive fact that David's works had been very good.

When God presents grace to the heart of the natural man, He lets that man's wickedness be halted for a moment as it grows. But this is not conversion. Saul's murderous intention changes, yet he still does not repent. He takes back his decision. He makes a new resolve when a man of faith urges him. But no sooner is the resolve made than he shows he is in no way free from his impulses. His behaviour proves that he is a miserable slave of Satan.

So it is not that we find no softening of heart in Saul. We do find it from time to time. But he was no longer master of his own movements in any way. He was only a slave of Satan, little as he realised it himself.

For a brief moment (19:7) David had respite. Not for long; the evil spirit again dominates the miserable king. David seeks shelter from the king's fury in his own home, but as quickly leaves it; for even there the hate of Saul would reach him.

God's ways with His people are touching and gracious! … Jonathan warns David, speaks to his father for him, and Saul relents, and "he was in his presence as before."

Within their own range and purpose, Jonathan's desires would bring David back to the house of Saul, and in fact they did. "He was in his presence as before." The kindness of a loving spirit tends to smooth the way. It draws people together whom God has set on entirely different paths. … Few dangers are like this. Jonathan had faith, but it was a faith that in practice brought David back into its own circumstances, where the evil spirit from the Lord was.

As for David, he does not change. "He was in his presence as before" (v. 7). The grace that has led him until now still marks his person and his behaviour.

Jonathan's appeal has power over his father, and for a time all is well. But God has forsaken Saul, and Saul cannot bear that He should be with David. War breaks out. David is God's own instrument in what He does for His people, and he defeats the Philistines and drives them away.

Notice that it is the Philistines who are there, and through them the power of faith is put in question. The battle of God and of faith is fought with them. There David always succeeded, and there Saul failed.

A fresh victory of David's wakes up again the evil spirit that had taken control of Saul. As long as the believer does not trouble Satan by winning victories over his followers, his hostility stays asleep, as it were; but his deadly hatred soon wakes up. We see this hatred against David at the very moment when the evil spirit seems to be calmed by the relief David kindly brings the king. So a moment comes when the only thing the believer can do is to flee, to escape like a bird out of the trapper's net.

Another war takes place (v.8). David leads the armies of Israel and wins a great victory. Many Philistines are killed, and the rest retreat in confusion. This did not make Saul value and honour David. Instead it deepened his jealousy. His real enemy was only his own pride, which opened the door for the evil spirit to turn him in hatred against David. Yet it is again made clear that the evil spirit could not do this without God's permission. God in His sovereign government allowed it because Saul was stubborn. Saul had refused God's Spirit, so he had to learn by experience that he had chosen a spirit of evil. That experience should have woken his conscience and driven him to the Lord, but he would not yield to God.

When God sets grace before the heart of the natural man, He allows his wickedness to be held back for a moment in its growth. But this is not conversion. Saul's murderous intention is changed, and still he does not repent. He takes back his decision and makes a new resolve when a man of faith urges him. Yet no sooner is that resolve made than he shows he is in no way free from his own impulses.

So it is not that we find no softening of heart in Saul. We do find it from time to time. But he was no longer in any way master of his own movements. He was only a slave of Satan, little as he realized it himself.

He knew that God had given the kingdom to David, and he hated him all the more. It was rebellion against God, as well as hatred of David. It was the enmity of man's king against God's anointed — the same feeling that said, when Jesus, the true Heir, came, "This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance."

Evil as well as good has its commission from God — not its existence, but its liberty to act, and the limits of its action. So we see with Job in early times, and in Ahab's case later; and what a comfort it is to know this. This is how the wrath of man is made to praise Him, while the rest of it He restrains. Nothing can escape the divine government by being evil, or by admitting that it is. How could it? Only in this way can we be at peace, sure that no waves can rise higher than the footstool of His throne.

God did not only allow Saul to take his own headstrong way. Since Saul had refused the Spirit of God, God left him open to the opposite of this, an evil spirit. God allowed the evil spirit to trouble Saul, to wake him up to the folly of his own self-will. Disobedience to God does not leave us in a merely negative state, but in a state of positive evil.

Instead of making Saul appreciate and honour David, this brought on deeper jealousy. His real enemy was only his own pride. That pride opened the door for the evil spirit to turn him in hatred against David.

Again Saul threw his javelin at David, intending to kill him. What was the value of his sworn oath that David would not be killed (v.6)? This breaking of his oath shows Saul's painful incapacity for ruling over men.

Now we have to trace how every effort to escape the devil's slavery only proves that he is the stronger of the two. Flesh in the highest place only brings a man under the enemy's power more surely and more quickly.

His watchful eye is on David, and he is clearly looking for a chance to be rid of him. Yet he would still make use of David's playing, and David takes up the harp again when the evil spirit torments the king.

David's harp does not act directly on Satan, but on Saul. Its strange power to soften and subdue the savage temper of the rejected king, though only for a time, drives back and shuts off the power that assails him. For the time being he is set free.

Follow Christ fully. What will be the result? Javelins. If we make much of Christ, Satan must oppose. So we read that three times Saul threw a javelin at David (1 Sam. 18:10-11; 1 Sam. 19:9-10). Satan cannot touch Christ, but he will touch you if he can. When David was off the scene altogether, Jonathan spoke up again for his worth, and so Saul threw a javelin at him to kill him (1 Sam. 20:33).

Again he seeks to kill David, and again David escapes. It is just as our Lord passed through the middle of His enemies who wanted to lay hands on Him. He went on His way, for His hour had not yet come.

Again Saul threw his javelin at David, intending to kill him. What was the value of his sworn oath that David would not be killed (v. 6)? This breaking of his oath shows Saul's painful incapacity for ruling over men. David was on guard, however, and again dodged the javelin and escaped from Saul's house (v. 10).

By presenting grace to the heart of the natural man, God allows his wickedness to be held back for a moment. But this is not conversion. Saul's murderous intention changes, yet he still does not repent. He takes back his decision and makes a new resolve when a man of faith urges him. Yet no sooner is that resolve made than he shows he is in no way free from his impulses.

Twice God kept him from being struck by the king's javelin (1 Sam. 18:11)… Then Saul ordered Jonathan and his servants to kill him. Here again the unhappy king's purpose failed, because Jonathan befriended him. A third personal attempt on David's life (1 Sam. 19:10) came to nothing, just like the other two. What folly to fight against God! But what power the enemy can have over a man! … Neither man nor devil can prevail against God.

Follow Christ fully. What will be the result? "javelins." If Christ is made much of, Satan must oppose. So we read (1 Sam. 18:10-11; 1 Sam. 19:9-10) that three times Saul cast a javelin at David. But Jonathan "delighted much in David" (1 Sam. 19:2), and began to "speak good" of him to Saul (1 Sam. 19:4-5). Yes, David risked his life, but Jesus laid down His for us. Well may we "speak good" of Him. But if we do, what then? Look out for javelins.

Saul, I think, is a picture of the world taking a religious title, just as Christendom is kept going by the world. The more faithful we are to it, the more we stir up its hostility. But how useful this hostility is to the man of God! If he stays faithful, it drives him in the end away from all connection with it. However much he may serve, he can never win.

A fresh triumph of David's re-awakens the evil spirit that had taken control of Saul. As long as the believer does not trouble Satan by winning victories over his followers, his hostility stays asleep, as it were. But his deadly hatred soon wakes up. We see this hatred against David at the very moment when the relief David kindly brings the king seems to calm the evil spirit. A moment comes, then, when the only thing the believer can do is to flee, to escape like a bird out of the fowler's net.

Instead of love to David, he showed him anger (1 Sam. 18:8), violence (1 Sam. 18:11), deceit (1 Sam. 18:21), and murder (1 Sam. 19:1, 10; 1 Sam. 20:33). Jesus, God's anointed Man, went through the same in far greater measure. In prophecy it could be said of the Lord Jesus, "So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love", and again, "More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me" (Ps. 109:5; Ps. 69:4). The important lesson we learn from this tragic episode in Saul's life is that the flesh has no appreciation of Christ.

A fresh victory of David's re-awakens the evil spirit that had taken control of Saul. As long as the believer does not trouble Satan by victories won over his followers, his hostility stays asleep. But his deadly hatred soon wakes up. We see this hatred against David at the very moment when the gracious relief he brings the king seems to subdue the evil spirit. A moment comes, then, when the only thing the believer can do is to flee, to escape like a bird out of the fowler's net. Now David's death is fixed and final. Michal's natural affection for David moves her to help him in her own way. God uses here the human feelings that stirred her.

God is never limited in His resources. So He had instruments other than Jonathan for the help of His persecuted servant. Michal used a trick to help David escape when Saul would have murdered him in his bed. Samuel sheltered him at Naioth when his own home was no longer safe.

Saul's messengers were prowling round the house, like dogs greedy for their prey. David was far from afraid. He expected their defeat and disappointment with scorn. He rejoiced in the power of the Lord and His mercy. And he prepared a song for the morning that Saul had appointed for his death — "But I will sing of your power, yes, I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning, to you, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy."

The account in this chapter has its counterpart in Psalm 59, written when Saul sent men to watch David's house to kill him. Saul's messengers were men of blood, gathered against him. They went round the city during the night. Meanwhile David was lifting his heart in prayer to the Lord. He looked to Him for deliverance, sure that He would be gracious toward him. They sought his life not for any wrong he had done, but because he belonged to the Lord. For the moment he does not ask the Lord to kill his enemies, or to kill Saul, so that David's people may not forget these things. The godless king must stay alive until the patience of the Lord's anointed has had its perfect work.

Michal clearly loves David. But that love does not seem joined with genuine faith here. Still, we would not brand her as being entirely like her father. Her act involved deception, which we do not excuse. It has some likeness to what Rahab did, when she sent the spies away in peace. But Michal does not seem as loyal in heart as Jonathan. Still, her scheme shows at least her willingness to help her husband, and he escapes safely.

Saul sends to his daughter's house, David's wife, to take David, but Michal lets him down through the window, reminding us of Paul's escape from the plotting of the Jews in Damascus. What a unity underlies all truth, whether it is the hostility of the natural heart or the path of faith through the world!

David was driven from the court and looked for shelter in his house. At once Saul sent messengers "to watch him, that he might kill him in the morning." His wife, Saul's daughter, told him of the danger and he escaped. From that night he never again had a settled home while Saul lived. This is history. Psalm 59 gives us much more. According to its title it was written when Saul's plot was discovered, and with knowledge of the men Saul sent.

A fresh triumph of David's re-awakens the evil spirit that had taken control of Saul... A moment comes, then, when the only thing the believer can do is to flee, to escape like a bird out of the fowler's net. Now David's death is decreed, and nothing will reverse it. Michal, moved by her natural affection for David, comes to his help in her own way. God used here the human feelings that stirred her.

God is never limited in His resources. So He had instruments other than Jonathan for the help of His persecuted servant. Michal used a trick to help David escape when Saul would have murdered him in his bed. Samuel sheltered him in Naioth when his own home was no longer safe.

Michal clearly has love for David, but it does not seem to be joined with genuine faith here. Still, we would not brand her as being entirely like her father. Her act, with its deception, which we do not excuse, has some points of likeness to Rahab, who sent out the spies in peace. But she does not seem as loyal in heart as Jonathan. Her plan shows at least her willingness to help her husband, and he escapes safely.

Why did Michal not tell Saul frankly that she did not want her husband killed? Clearly her love for David took second place to her fear of Saul. She lied to her father, telling him that David had threatened to kill her if she did not let him go.

While Saul's messengers were prowling round the house, like dogs greedy for their prey, he was far from afraid. He expected their defeat and disappointment with scorn. Rejoicing in the power of the Lord and His mercy, he prepared a song for the morning that Saul had appointed for his death: "I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning."

Saul shows that it was not a passing passion, but the renewal of a relentless hatred with a definite purpose. He sends to his daughter's house, David's wife, to seize David, but Michal lets him down through the window, reminding us of Paul's escape from the plots of the Jews in Damascus (Acts 9:23-25). What a unity underlies all truth, whether it is the hostility of the natural heart or the path of faith through the world!

So David, though anointed king of Israel, had to endure the hatred and scorn of the ruling power. All who could see his moral worth loved him... David knew he was anointed king, but Saul held the throne. He was quite content to wait on God and to accept His timing meekly... His way to the throne lay through many sorrows and difficulties. He, like his blessed Master, was called to suffering first, and glory afterwards.

This is a Hebrew word in the plural. It refers to household idols, like the ones Rachel stole from her father. There, as in other places, the word appears as "images," with "teraphim" in the margin (Genesis 31:19, 34, 35). Michal the wife of David had one in her house, and laid it in the bed when David escaped (1 Samuel 19:13, 16). Micah also had them in his house, and regarded them as "gods" (Judges 17:5; 18:14-20). People used them in some way for divination — for seeking hidden knowledge. They stand among the images and idols that Josiah cleared out of the land.

This passage also shows us that there was an image (a teraphim) in David's house. Certainly, David did not worship it, but its presence allows us to conclude that he put up with it… The image (teraphim) ranks below the idol. It is a household god of lower rank. People give it a certain importance, and even consult it at times. Such superstitions quickly lead to true idols… Often the believer lacks the energy to drive these causes of stumbling out of his family. Each one of us must watch this carefully, even though, like Jacob and David, we may think they have no influence over our own life. Michal, Saul's daughter, had clearly brought the image into David's household, and so she became a snare to the man of God.

Michal, to gain time for David, had put a "teraphim" in David's bed (v. 13). This was an image in human form. It was truly idolatrous, yet Israelites too often used it alongside the worship of God. Poor Michal! She did not know the power of God, nor did she have real faith in His faithfulness. She thought it necessary to at least partly trust in idols! But we all may too easily become skilled at practising deception.

And Michal practised a deception. Like Rachel, she had teraphim — the idol-images in wide use among the Chaldeans and other nations. Jehovah had forbidden them, and yet people used them in secret (Judges 17:5; 18:14). Michal's image must have been fairly large. She arranged it in the bed and then told the messengers, "He is sick." When they uncover the trick, she lies again and says that David threatened her life. The Scriptures record these wrongs, and that is only proof of how honest they are. The Holy Scriptures never approve such things. In all these attempts on David we also see a foreshadowing of the attempts made on the life of our Lord.

Michal avoids her father's wrath by acting before him as though she were one of David's enemies, forced by his threats to let him escape: "He said to me, 'Let me go. Why should I kill you?'" (v. 17). How different her heart is from Jonathan's! He openly defended the one he loved dearly, at his own risk and peril.

Saul gave his daughter Michal to be David's wife, thinking in this way to trap him. But she became David's deliverer. This called forth Psalm 59. David had faith that God would laugh at his enemies: God was his defence and the God of his mercy.

Michal did not get what she wanted by telling Saul's messengers that David was sick. Saul was so set on killing him quickly that he ordered his servants to carry David to him in his bed. Of course they then found out the trick, and Saul was angry with his daughter for helping her own husband! Instead of calling David her husband, Saul calls him "my enemy," which was not true, for David had no hatred toward Saul.

This passage also shows us that there was an image — a teraphim — in David's house. David did not worship it, but its presence shows that he put up with it. Strictly speaking the teraphim was not an idol, and Scripture keeps the two apart… It ranks below an idol. It is a kind of household god. People treated it as important and even asked it for guidance at times. Superstitions like this soon lead to real idols… Often a believer lacks the energy to clear such traps out of his family… Michal, Saul's daughter, had clearly brought the image into David's home, and so she became a snare to the man of God.

God had forbidden such images, yet people used them in secret (Judges 17:5; 18:14). Michal's image must have been fairly large; she laid it in the bed and then told the messengers, "He is sick." When they uncovered the trick, she lied again and said that David had threatened her life. Scripture records these wrongs, and that is one proof of how honest it is — yet it never approves them. In every attempt on David's life we see a foreshadowing of the attempts later made on the life of our Lord.

Michal, to buy time for David, had put a "teraphim" in his bed (v.13). This was an image in human form, idolatrous in itself, yet Israelites too often used it alongside the worship of God. Poor Michal! She did not know the power of God, and she had no real faith in His faithfulness. She thought she had to put at least some trust in idols! But any of us can quickly become expert at deceiving people.

Michal escapes her father's anger by acting as though she were one of David's enemies, forced by his threats to let him go: "He said to me, 'Let me go. Why should I kill you?'" (v. 17). How different her heart is from Jonathan's, who openly defended the one he dearly loved, at his own risk and danger.

God is never limited in His resources. So He had others besides Jonathan to help His persecuted servant. Michal's trick let David escape when Saul would have murdered him in his bed, and Samuel sheltered him at Naioth when his own home was no longer safe.

The account in this chapter has its counterpart in Psalm 59, written "when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him." While Saul's messengers, violent men gathered against him, went around the city through the night, David was lifting his heart to the Lord in prayer. He looked to Him for rescue (vv. 1-2), sure that He would be gracious to him (v. 10). They wanted his life not for any wrong or sin of his, but because he belonged to the Lord.

Michal did not gain what she wanted by telling Saul's messengers that David was sick. Saul was so determined to kill him quickly that he ordered his servants to bring David to him in his bed. Then, of course, they discovered the trick, and Saul was upset with his daughter because she had helped her own husband. Instead of calling David her husband, Saul calls him "my enemy," which was not true, for David had no hostility toward Saul.

David runs away. Saul shows that this was not a passing burst of feeling, but the return of that relentless hatred which had a settled purpose.

He knew that the kingdom had been given to David by God, and he hated him all the more. It was rebellion against God, as well as hatred of David. It was the enmity of man's king against God's anointed — the same feeling that said, when Jesus, the true Heir, came, "This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance."

Saul's messengers, men of blood gathered against him, went round the city during the night. All that time David was lifting up his heart in prayer to the Lord. He was looking to Him for deliverance, sure that He would be gracious toward him. They were after his life not for any transgression or sin of his, but because he belonged to the Lord.

While Saul's messengers were prowling round the house, like dogs hungry for their prey, he was far from afraid. He looked on them with scorn and expected them to fail and be disappointed. Rejoicing in the power of the Lord and His mercy, he prepared a song for the morning that Saul had appointed for his death.

For the moment he is not asking the Lord to kill his enemies, or to kill Saul. The wicked king must stay alive until the patience of the Lord's anointed has done its perfect work. Later God will destroy the enemy to establish his reign.

Michal, moved by her natural affection for David, comes to his help in her own way, God using here the human feelings that stirred her.

Michal used a trick. Like Rachel she owned teraphim, the idol-images so widely used among the Chaldeans and other nations. God had forbidden these, yet people still used them in secret (Judges 17:5; 18:14). Michal's image must have been fairly large; she laid it in the bed and then told the messengers, "He is sick." When the messengers discover the trick she lies again, saying that David had threatened her life. That Scripture records these wrongs is evidence of its honesty; but the Holy Scriptures never approve such things. In all these attacks on David we also see a foreshadowing of the attacks later made on the life of our Lord.

No one had been allowed to touch him; and though there was only a step between him and death, God occupied that step, and no one was allowed to harm him.

Michal did not get what she wanted by telling Saul's messengers that David was sick. Saul was so determined to kill him quickly that he ordered his servants to bring David to Saul in his bed. Then of course they discovered the deception, and Saul was upset with his daughter because she had been helpful to her own husband! Instead of calling David HER HUSBAND, Saul calls him "my enemy," which was not true, for David felt no hatred toward Saul.

This passage also shows us that there was an image (a teraphim) in David's house. David did not worship it, but its presence shows he put up with it… A teraphim ranks a little below an idol. It is a kind of household god, treated as having some importance, and people even consult it at times. Such superstitions soon lead to real idols… Often a believer lacks the energy to clear these stumbling blocks out of his family. Each of us must watch this closely, even if, like Jacob and David, we credit them with no influence over our own life. It seems Michal, Saul's daughter, brought the image into David's household, and so she became a snare to the man of God.

Michal, to gain time for David, had put a "teraphim" in David's bed (v.13). This was an image in human form. It was truly idolatrous, yet Israelites too often used such things alongside the worship of God. Poor Michal! She did not know the power of God, nor did she have real faith in His faithfulness. She thought she had to put at least part of her trust in idols! And any of us can become skilled at deception all too easily.

Michal escapes her father's anger by acting as though she were one of David's enemies, forced by his threats to let him go: "He said to me, 'Let me go. Why should I kill you?'" (v. 17). How different her heart is from Jonathan's. He took up the defence of the one he dearly loved, in the open and at his own risk.

Michal used a trick. Like Rachel she had teraphim, the idol-images so widely used among the Chaldeans and other nations. The LORD had forbidden these, yet people still used them in secret (Judges 17:5; 18:14). Michal's image must have been fairly large; she laid it in the bed and told the messengers, "He is sick."… The Scriptures record these wrongs, and that is one proof of their genuineness; but the Holy Scriptures never approve such things. In all these attacks on David we also see a picture of the later attacks on the life of our Lord.

The account in this chapter has its counterpart in Psalm 59, given "when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him." Saul's messengers were violent men, banded together against David, and they went round the city through the night. While they did, David was lifting up his heart in prayer to the Lord. He looked to Him for rescue (vv. 1-2), sure that He would be gracious to him (v. 10). They were after his life for no transgression or sin of his, but because he belonged to the Lord.

God is never limited in His resources. So He had helpers other than Jonathan for His persecuted servant. Michal used a trick to let David escape when Saul would have murdered him in his bed, and Samuel sheltered him at Naioth when David's own home was no longer safe.

He gave his daughter Michal to be David's wife, and thought to trap him this way; but his wife became his deliverer. This is what brought out Psalm 59. He had faith that God would laugh at his enemies: God was his defence and the God of his mercy.

Michal practised a deception. Like Rachel she had teraphim — the idol-images used so widely among the Chaldeans and other nations... She arranged it in the bed and then told the messengers, "He is sick." When they found out, she lied again and said that David had threatened her life. The Scriptures record these misdeeds, and that is evidence that they are genuine. Yet the Holy Scriptures never approve such things. In all these attempts on David we also see a foreshadowing of the attempts later made on the life of our Lord.

Michal avoids her father's anger by posing as one of David's enemies. She claims his threats forced her to let him go: "He said to me, 'Let me go. Why should I kill you?'" How different her heart is from Jonathan's! He defended the one he loved dearly, out in the open and at his own risk.

Michal clearly loves David. But that love does not seem to come with genuine faith here. Still, we would not brand her as being just like her father. Her deception, which we do not excuse, is in some ways like the act of Rahab, who sent the spies away in peace. Yet she does not seem to be as loyal in heart as Jonathan. Still, her scheme shows at least her willingness to help her husband, and he escapes safely.

Michal is moved by her natural affection for David. She comes to his help in her own way. God uses here the human feelings that stirred her.

Michal did not achieve what she wanted by telling Saul's messengers that David was sick. Saul was so determined to kill him quickly that he ordered his servants to bring David to him in his bed. Then, of course, they discovered the deception. Saul was upset with his daughter because she had helped her own husband. Instead of calling David HER HUSBAND, Saul calls him "my enemy." That was not true, for David felt no hatred toward Saul.

Michal had shown no faithfulness to David in 1 Samuel 19:17. She told her father that David had threatened to kill her if she did not let him escape from Saul. Why should he want her returned when she had proven undependable? Was it only his own rights he was thinking about?