1 Samuel · chapter 18 of 31
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1 Samuel 18 tells how Jonathan binds himself to David in a covenant of friendship while David succeeds in every military mission. The women sing that Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands, and jealousy drives Saul to hurl a spear at David, send him away and set traps through his daughter Michal. All the while, the Lord is with David.
After the victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17), David goes from unknown shepherd to the most famous man in Israel. This chapter shows two opposite reactions to God's grace on David: the generous loyalty of Jonathan and the destructive jealousy of Saul, the king the Lord had already rejected.
When David finishes speaking with Saul, the soul of Jonathan, the king's son, is knit to David's, and he loves him as himself. Saul keeps David in his house, and Jonathan makes a covenant with him and gives him his robe, tunic, sword, bow and belt. David succeeds in every task Saul gives him, and the king sets him over his men of war, to the pleasure of all the people and of Saul's servants.
When the army returns from battle, women from the towns come out singing and dancing, repeating that Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands. Saul becomes very angry and from that day eyes David with suspicion. The next day an evil spirit comes upon Saul, and as David plays the harp Saul hurls his spear at him twice, but David escapes. Saul fears David because the Lord is with David and has left Saul, so he removes him from his presence and makes him a commander of a thousand. All Israel and Judah love David because he leads them out in battle.
Saul offers David his older daughter Merab, hoping the Philistines will kill him, but then gives her to another man. His daughter Michal loves David, and Saul uses her as a trap: he asks as the bride price one hundred Philistine foreskins. David brings two hundred, and Saul gives him Michal as his wife. Seeing that the Lord is with David and that Michal loves him, Saul grows even more afraid and becomes David's enemy for good. David keeps defeating the Philistines, and his name becomes highly esteemed.
References follow ESV book names and verse numbers. Read each verse in your Bible before the explanation.
Jonathan's soul is knit to David's, and he loves him as himself. Jonathan, the natural heir to the throne, sees David not as a rival but as a friend, and this generous friendship stands in sharp contrast to his father's attitude.
The women's song credits Saul with thousands and David with ten thousands, and Saul is angry because he suspects only the kingdom is left for David to gain. An innocent compliment becomes poison in a heart that does not trust the Lord.
Saul fears David because the Lord is with David and has departed from Saul. The king's real fear is not David's skill but that God is on David's side, something no jealousy or spear can change.
David succeeds in all he does because the Lord is with him. The narrator repeats this phrase like a refrain in the chapter: David's success is not his own achievement but the presence of God.
6 questions with answers and references, ready for Sunday school, small group or a Bible quiz night.
Answer: His robe, tunic, sword, bow and belt. — 1 Samuel 18:3-4
Answer: That Saul had slain his thousands and David his ten thousands. — 1 Samuel 18:6-7
Answer: He hurled his spear at him, twice, but David evaded him. — 1 Samuel 18:10-11
Answer: Because the Lord was with David and had departed from Saul. — 1 Samuel 18:12
Answer: One hundred Philistine foreskins, hoping David would die in the attempt. — 1 Samuel 18:25
Answer: Two hundred, double what was asked. — 1 Samuel 18:27
This chapter sets two mirrors before us. In Jonathan we see a friendship that does not compete: he celebrates what God is doing in another even when it costs him his place. In Saul we see how jealousy grows when we measure our worth by applause. In your group, ask whether you rejoice in the gifts and successes of others in the church or feel threatened by them.
It also encourages us to trust that the Lord's presence is enough, even when someone powerful wishes us harm. David does not answer the spear with revenge; he keeps serving wisely. Look for friendships like Jonathan's that strengthen faith, and guard your heart when other people's praise begins to sting.
1 Samuel 18 ends with David married to the king's daughter, victorious and respected, and with Saul his enemy for good. The hostility that begins here grows in 1 Samuel 19, where Saul orders David killed and Jonathan and Michal protect him.
It is Hebrew language for deep loyalty and sincere affection, which the text explains with a formal covenant. It describes a friendship of commitment, not a romantic relationship, and in that culture it meant protecting the friend's life and family.
The text says an evil spirit from God came upon Saul after the Spirit of the Lord left him (1 Samuel 16:14). Many understand it as a judgment God permitted on a king who had rejected him, without God being the author of evil. The text gives no further detail, so it is wise to speak with caution.
It was a dangerous test: kill a hundred Philistines and bring proof. Saul expected David to die trying, and presented the request as an honor for the king's son-in-law. The narrator makes clear that his plan failed because the Lord was with David.