David was successful wherever Saul sent him
Sat, 26 August, 2006: Today’s Bible readings.
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.
In today’s passage, we see God prospering David in Saul’s court. He given leadership roles in the army, and is meeting with success. But as his military successes grow, Saul becomes jealous, and makes his first attempts upon David’s life. Rather than rejoice in the victories won under David’s leadership (as Jonathan and the people of Israel do), Saul becomes angry and resentful.
What do we learn from this?
It is possible for us to see someone do something well, and resent it. It can be something very important that needs to be done, but if they do it well, we can be jealous of the recognition they receive. “I should get that kind of acclaim for what I’ve done.”
We see how wrong this is when we look at Saul, but do we recognize that we do the same thing with the people around us? This is a direct violation of the tenth commandment not to envy. It is a sin, and we should repent of it.
We also see God’s providence in what is happening in this chapter.
God is prospering David in all his endeavors. David is being groomed for his future role as king, and God is working to give him experiences he will need. Even as Saul in his jealousy is doing what he can to keep David from eventually becoming king, all his actions just further that eventual end. God is working to bring David to the throne, and even Saul’s insane jealousy works, according to God’s providence, to bring this about.
Where is Christ in this passage?
Through many hardships, much suffering, and bitter opposition, David came to the kingship of Israel. We see some of the opposition in today’s reading.
David’s greater Son, Jesus Christ, also faced hardships, suffering, and opposition when He was born, lived and died. He then was resurrected and is now seated on the throne, with all authority over heaven and earth. Jesus Christ is now ruling over all, bringing everything into subjection to Him.
