The Lord had promised David would succeed Saul as king. But God’s plan didn’t become clear all at once. Soon enough David’s popularity would grow. He also had time to mature in the wisdom needed for governing God’s people.
David’s development reminds us of the growth of his descendant, Jesus, a thousand years later (Luke 2:52).
Also, like Jesus, David shows no impatience to assert his right to the throne. He remains loyal even when abused. God will also keep his promises to you, on schedule.
1Sam 18:6-16
Saul Becomes David’s Enemy…
As David was returning after killing Goliath and as the soldiers were coming back home, women from every town in Israel came out to meet King Saul. They were singing joyful songs, dancing, and playing tambourines and lyres. In their celebration the women sang, “Saul has killed thousands, but David tens of thousands.”
Saul did not like this, and he became very angry. He said, “For David they claim tens of thousands, but only thousands for me. They will be making him king next!” So he was jealous and suspicious of David from that day on.
The next day an evil spirit from God suddenly took control of Saul, and he raved in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did every day, and Saul was holding a spear. “I’ll pin him to the wall,” Saul said to himself, and he threw the spear at him twice; but David dodged each time.
Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with David but had abandoned him. So Saul sent him away and put him in command of a thousand men. David led his men in battle, and was successful in all he did, because the LORD was with him.
Saul noticed David’s success and became even more afraid of him. But everyone in Israel and Judah loved David because he was such a successful leader.
