1 Samuel 18 (Listen)
David and Jonathan’s Friendship
18:1 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. 5 And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
Saul’s Jealousy of David
6 As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.1 7 And the women sang to one another as they celebrated,
“Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands.”
8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.
10 The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. 11 And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice.
12 Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. 13 So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. 14 And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him. 15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.
David Marries Michal
17 Then 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.” For Saul thought, “Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” 18 And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father’s clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” 19 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.
20 Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21 Saul thought, “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.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time,2 “You shall now be my son-in-law.” 22 And Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in private and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king’s son-in-law.’” 23 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?” 24 And the servants of Saul told him, “Thus and so did David speak.” 25 Then Saul said, “Thus shall you say to David, ‘The king desires no bride-price except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, that he may be avenged of the king’s enemies.’” Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the time had expired, 27 David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, which were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife. 28 But when Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, 29 Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.
30 Then the commanders of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed.
(ESV)
1 Samuel 18 Commentary
In 1 Samuel 18, David and Jonathan formed a deep friendship, with Jonathan making a covenant (1 Samuel 18:1-3). As a sign of his loyalty, Jonathan gave David his robe, weapons, and belt (1 Samuel 18:4). David excelled in battle, gaining favor with Saul and the people (1 Samuel 18:5).
As the army returned, women sang praises of David’s victories, which provoked Saul’s jealousy (1 Samuel 18:6-9). The next day, Saul was tormented by an evil spirit. He attempted to kill David with a spear, but David escaped (1 Samuel 18:10-11). Seeing that the Lord was with David, Saul feared him and sent him away as a military commander. However, David continued to find success and gained admiration from the people (1 Samuel 18:12-16).
Saul offered his daughter Merab to David in marriage, hoping the Philistines would kill him, but she was given to another (1 Samuel 18:17-19). When Saul learned that Michal (his other daughter) loved David, he saw another opportunity to trap him and set a bride-price of 100 Philistine foreskins (1 Samuel 18:20-25). David, undeterred, killed 200 Philistines and married Michal (1 Samuel 18:26-27). Realizing the Lord was with David, Saul’s fear turned into lifelong enmity (1 Samuel 18:28-29). Despite Saul’s hostility, David continued to succeed, gaining renown as a great warrior (1 Samuel 18:30).
Jonathan & David
It is important to understand that Jonathan and David represent a Godly friendship between two men of faith. The giving of Jonathan’s robe, military tunic, sword, bow, and belt sealed their covenant friendship. This was a recognition of David’s rightful place as the next king of Israel. Jonathan was legally the rightful heir (as Saul’s firstborn son), but he recognized that God had rejected his father and accepted David. Jonathan not only loved David as his close friend, but he demonstrated that love by transferring the royal power from Saul’s family to David’s.
“In a single day David had acquired the finest sword in the Philistine army as well as one of the finest swords in Israel’s armory; he had been permitted to wear the king’s clothing in the time of conflict and was given princely clothing in times of peace. The fact that Jonathan gave David the garb and armaments originally reserved for the heir to Saul’s throne clearly possesses symbolic and thematic significance.”
The New American Commentary
It is also no coincidence that in the same chapter where Jonathan pledges his loyalty and honor to David, Saul is driven to jealousy.
Hey, Jealousy
In 1 Samuel 18:6-9, we see a pivotal moment in David’s life that forever altered his relationship with Saul. As the army returned from battle, women from all the cities in Israel danced and sang, celebrating David’s victories over the Philistines with the famous refrain: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” This catchy, celebratory song became the “Billboard Top Hit” of the Near East, spreading far and wide.
Yet, for Saul, it was not just a victory song. It was a personal attack. The lyrics were a direct comparison and they highlighted David’s immense popularity and success. Saul, who had already struggled with insecurity and pride, felt humiliated and threatened by the growing adoration of David. Jealousy took root in his heart, and from that moment on, Saul’s view of David would be clouded with bitterness and envy.
After Saul gave in to his jealousy, a spirit was permitted to torment him which made him a false prophet (1 Kgs 22:21–23). Ironically, David’s musical talent no longer soothes him. It now escalates him into rage. After twice trying to pin David to the wall with a spear, Saul arranged for David to command an army with the hope that he would be killed in battle. Again, there is thick irony here as this is exactly what David would later do to Bathsheba’s husband Uriah when he wanted to dispose of him (2 Samuel 11:26-27).
All of Saul’s attempts to destroy David only elevated his reputation in Israel. Enraged, Saul saught any opportunity to end David’s life including arranging a marriage to his daughter. It is significant, in my opinion that Saul was fearful of David (1 Samuel 18:12). Because he lacked faith in God, his fear drove him to insanity.
Steady David
David, on the other hand, was steady. While Saul allowed jealousy to drive his actions, David chose to respond with wisdom and humility. David took everything in stride. He did not retaliate. He did not fear. He trusted that God was in control. This response is remarkable, especially when we consider the context of David’s rise to fame. Many celebrities (athletes, entertainers, and politicians) are often consumed by the fame and success they acquire. Studies show that a significant number of professional athletes go bankrupt within just a few years of retirement. Yet, through his fame, David maintained his integrity and trust in God.
David’s success was rooted in his steadfast trust in God and his willingness to live according to God’s ways. The contrast between David and Saul offers a powerful lesson for us today. Our reactions to life’s challenges reveal the true state of our hearts. Saul’s heart was filled with fear and jealousy, which led to destructive choices. David, on the other hand, had a heart that desired to know and serve Him with everything.
“1Sa 18:5 suggests that David was the head of Saul’s personal body-guard, but now he is demoted to being merely the captain over one thousand men. Did this change David? No! His faith was in the Lord, and he continued to serve and honor his king. This made Saul all the more afraid! The king knew that God had departed from him and had given blessings to David. It takes real faith to experience a demotion before the eyes of the people and still maintain your humility and service.”
Warren Wiersbe
