College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 18 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 18
David's covenant with Jonathan. David's spirit was of such nature that Jonathan was immediately attracted to him. David made a covenant with Jonathan which was later renewed. The effect of the covenant was that David and Jonathan agreed not to harm each other. In case of the death of either the other agreed not to harm the descendants of the deceased.
Saul's jealousy of David. David carried out all of his responsibilities with effectiveness. He won such favor in the eyes of the people that he became a national hero. The song which the people sang concerning the exploits of Saul and David aroused the jealousy of Saul because it was more favorable to David than it was to Saul.
David driven out of Saul's court. Saul's jealousy became so intense that he tried to kill David, not once but twice. Finally David was sent from the court to serve with the army in a distant outpost.
David, the king's son-in-law. It was understood by the men in the army that whoever slew Goliath would become the king's son-in-law, but Saul shamed David in the sight of Israel by giving his oldest daughter Merab to another man, When Saul found out that Michal loved David, he attempted to ensnare David by having him kill 100 Philistines as a dowry. When David did twice what was expected of him, Saul could hardly refuse to give Michal to him as his wife. This Saul did although he knew that all Israel loved David greatly and he himself feared David more and more.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Kindred spirits are attracted to one another. Though Saul was afraid of David, Saul's son Jonathan was a good man and found a fast friend in David. David's speech before Saul after David had killed the giant was of such humble nature that Jonathan's soul was knit to the soul of David immediately. Men today often find their closest friends among fellow workers in the church. Such ought to be the case with God's people. Their closest friends ought to be those who are of like precious faith.
2.
Two wrongs do not make a right. David did what was expected of him even though Saul treated him shamefully. He must have been tempted to retaliate against Saul's injustices, but the idea of gaining revenge never gained the upper hand in David's thinking. It seemed that the more Saul oppressed David the more faithful David was to the tasks assigned him by Saul. David's actions remind us of the injunction of the apostle Paul to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
CHAPTER 18 IN REVIEW
1.
What was the name of Saul's son?
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2.
What items did Saul's son give David?
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3.
How many slain did the people ascribe to David?
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4.
How many slain did the people ascribe to Saul?
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5.
To whom did Saul give his older daughter in marriage?
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6.
What was the name of the daughter of Saul whom David married?
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7.
What rank did David hold in Saul's army?
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8.
How many men did he have under him?
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9.
How many foreskins of Philistines did Saul demand of David as a dowry?
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10.
How many foreskins did David secure?
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