1 Samuel 18:7,8

1 Samuel 18:7

This incident teaches three things respecting good and bad men.

I. The wicked are often jealous of a good man's popularity. Saul's behaviour to David reveals the progress of jealousy in four stages, (1) There is anger. (2) There is envy. (3) There is madness. (4) There is murder. Jealousy is a foolish, a wicked and a dangerous passion.

II. The wicked are often terrified by a good man's security. Saul's fear led to the adoption of the most desperate means to ruin David. (1) Saul resolves to dismiss David. (2) Saul endeavours to provoke David. (3) Saul determines to kill David.

III. The wicked are often defeated by a good man's valour. In David's conduct in his encounter with the Philistines, there are three things to be noted. (1) David fulfils the king's stipulation. (2) David thwarts the king's purpose. (3) David wins the king's daughter. God can make the impediments that are thrown in the way of His children aids to their progress.

Parker, City Temple,vol. i. p. 79.

References: 1 Samuel 18:9. Parker, vol, vi., p. 351. 1 Samuel 18:12. Ibid.,vol. vii., p. 1. 1 Samuel 18:17. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. v., No. 250; Ibid., Evening by Evening,p. 111. 1 Samuel 18:30. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. x., p. 331. 1 Samuel 19:2. S. Cox, Expositions,1st series, p. 416. 1 Samuel 19 W. M. Taylor, David King of Israel,p. 52.