Background and Context:

Saul, the first king of Israel, was anointed by the prophet Samuel. Initially, Saul was a humble and promising leader, but over time, he became disobedient to God's commands. As a result, God rejected Saul as king and chose David, a young shepherd, to succeed him. David's rise to prominence began with his victory over Goliath, which earned him the admiration of the people and the favor of Saul's son, Jonathan. However, David's growing popularity and success in battle stirred jealousy and fear in Saul, leading to a series of attempts on David's life.

Biblical Account:

The narrative of Saul's plot to kill David is primarily found in the First Book of Samuel. Saul's jealousy is first evident after David's victory over Goliath, when the women of Israel sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). This comparison incited Saul's anger and suspicion, as he feared losing his kingdom to David.

Saul's Attempts on David's Life:

1. The Spear Incident:
Saul's initial attempt to kill David occurred when an evil spirit from God came upon Saul as he was prophesying in his house. David was playing the harp to soothe Saul, but Saul hurled his spear at David, intending to pin him to the wall. David evaded the attack twice (1 Samuel 18:10-11).

2. Marriage and Deception:
Saul sought to ensnare David by offering his daughter Michal in marriage, hoping that the Philistines would kill David. Saul demanded a dowry of one hundred Philistine foreskins, expecting David to fall in battle. However, David succeeded and married Michal, further increasing Saul's fear (1 Samuel 18:20-29).

3. Jonathan's Intervention:
Saul instructed his servants and Jonathan to kill David. However, Jonathan, who loved David, warned him of Saul's intentions. Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul, temporarily reconciling them (1 Samuel 19:1-7).

4. Michal's Deception:
Saul again attempted to kill David, sending messengers to David's house. Michal, David's wife, helped him escape by lowering him through a window and deceiving the messengers with an idol in the bed (1 Samuel 19:11-17).

5. Pursuit to Naioth:
David fled to Samuel at Naioth in Ramah. Saul sent messengers to capture David, but they were overcome by the Spirit of God and began prophesying. Saul himself went and was similarly affected, unable to harm David (1 Samuel 19:18-24).

Theological Implications:

Saul's relentless pursuit of David highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and disobedience to God. Despite Saul's attempts, God's protection over David is evident, as each plot is thwarted. David's reliance on God and his refusal to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity, demonstrate his faithfulness and trust in God's timing for his ascension to the throne.

Key Themes:

· Divine Protection: God's providence is evident in David's escapes, underscoring the belief that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes.
· Jealousy and Fear: Saul's actions illustrate how jealousy can lead to irrational behavior and a departure from God's will.
· Friendship and Loyalty: Jonathan's loyalty to David, despite his father's intentions, exemplifies true friendship and covenantal faithfulness.
· Moral Integrity: David's refusal to retaliate against Saul, even when justified, reflects his commitment to righteousness and respect for God's anointed king.

References:

· 1 Samuel 18:7-29
· 1 Samuel 19:1-24