Background:
Saul, the first king of Israel, was initially chosen by God to lead His people. However, due to his disobedience and failure to fully carry out God's commands, the Lord rejected Saul as king and chose David, a young shepherd, to succeed him. This divine selection of David, coupled with his growing popularity among the Israelites, incited Saul's jealousy and fear, leading to multiple attempts on David's life.

Biblical Account:
The narrative of Saul's renewed attempt on David's life is primarily found in 1 Samuel 19. After David's victory over Goliath and his subsequent successes in battle, Saul's jealousy intensified. Despite David's loyalty and service to Saul, the king's heart was hardened, and he sought to kill David.

1. Saul's Command to Kill David:
In 1 Samuel 19:1, Saul openly commands his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. "Now Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David" . Jonathan, who had formed a deep friendship with David, warns him of his father's intentions and advises him to hide.

2. Jonathan's Intervention:
Jonathan intercedes on David's behalf, speaking to Saul about David's loyalty and the benefits he has brought to the kingdom. In 1 Samuel 19:4-5, Jonathan reminds Saul of David's faithfulness and the victory over the Philistines, which brought great deliverance to Israel. Saul temporarily relents, swearing an oath that David will not be put to death.

3. Saul's Renewed Hostility:
Despite his oath, Saul's hostility resurfaces. In 1 Samuel 19:9-10, an evil spirit from the Lord comes upon Saul as he sits in his house with a spear in hand. David is playing the harp to soothe Saul, but the king attempts to pin David to the wall with the spear. David evades the attack and flees.

4. Michal's Deception:
David's wife, Michal, who is also Saul's daughter, helps David escape. In 1 Samuel 19:11-17, she warns David of the danger and lowers him through a window. To deceive Saul's messengers, she places an idol in the bed and covers it with a garment, claiming David is ill. When Saul discovers the ruse, he confronts Michal, who lies to protect David.

5. David's Flight to Samuel:
David flees to Samuel at Ramah, seeking refuge with the prophet. In 1 Samuel 19:18-24, Saul sends messengers to capture David, but they are overcome by the Spirit of God and begin to prophesy. This occurs three times, and finally, Saul himself goes to Ramah, only to be similarly affected by the Spirit, stripping off his garments and prophesying before Samuel.

Theological Implications:
Saul's relentless pursuit of David, despite clear signs of God's favor upon him, highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and disobedience. Saul's actions contrast with David's faithfulness and reliance on God for protection. The narrative underscores the sovereignty of God in establishing and deposing kings, as well as His providential care for those He has chosen.

Key Themes:
· Jealousy and Fear: Saul's jealousy of David's success and favor with the people leads to irrational fear and attempts on David's life.
· Divine Protection: Despite Saul's efforts, God protects David, using Jonathan, Michal, and even the Spirit of God to thwart Saul's plans.
· Friendship and Loyalty: Jonathan's loyalty to David, despite his father's intentions, exemplifies true friendship and covenant faithfulness.
· Prophetic Intervention: The Spirit of God intervenes, demonstrating His power over human intentions and the futility of opposing God's anointed.

Cross-References:
· 1 Samuel 18:6-16: Saul's initial jealousy and fear of David.
· Psalm 59: A psalm attributed to David during this period of persecution, expressing trust in God's deliverance.
· Acts 13:21-22: New Testament reference to Saul's kingship and David's selection as a man after God's own heart.