I Samuel 18
Saul's Thoughts
I must admit, that young David fellow did a good job killing the giant, Goliath. He had gumption coming into my tent chamber asking to fight that rude Philistine. David practically rebuked our own Israelite soldiers...and me for not trusting God to fight the giant.
I couldn't blame the other men. To lose meant the soldier not only would lose his life but also the entire Israelite army would have been doomed to slavery to the Philistines. That didn't bother David. He didn't look at what would happen if we lost. He only looked at the victory.
Since he proved himself a warrior, I kept the lad in the army for other battles. Victory became a part of our daily routine. David spent much of his free time singing songs to the Lord. He dedicated everything to God including the battles. Why, he acted almost fearless.
In all David's fearlessness, though, he never disobeyed my orders. I naturally placed him over the men of war. And even though he was younger and shorter, the men respected him. Even my servants came to respect him and obeyed any command he gave.
One day, as we returned after another battle with the Philistines, Israelite women gathered along the road to greet us. They cheered, danced, and sang. Some swung their tambourines with joy and others played different instruments. It was a great sight to see as we walked toward the city!
The closer I marched with the men, the better I could hear the words of their song:
"Saul has slain his thousands
And David his ten thousands"
Wait, what did they say? Did they say David killed ten thousands but I have only killed thousands? If they sang songs such as this, then soon they would want him king instead of me!
Treachery.
I shall watch this David who seems to want to take my throne from me. He may have the Lord close to him, but I still have my throne.
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1. What did Saul think of David at first?
2. How did Saul reward David?
3. What did the other soldiers and servants think of David?
4. What happened one day after a battle with the Philistines?
5. Why was Saul angry?
6. What did he think would happen?
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