Day 111: Saul Tries to Kill David

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 18-19 and Psalm 59.

I. In 1 Samuel 18, Jonathan and David have developed a deep friendship with one another, so much so that Jonathan made a covenant with David. To do this at that time showed great affection, loyalty, and trust. David is successful in all the missions he is sent on by Saul, who then grows very jealous of him as he is loved by the people. Part of his jealousy also stems from his loss of the "Spirit of the Lord," which David clearly has himself.  He tries to kill David, but is unsuccessful. David takes the hand of Saul's daughter Michal in marriage, after doubling the requirement of 100 foreskins of Philistine men (basically, killing these men).

The next chapter sees Saul more openly seeking the death of David, who again eludes destruction by the protection of the Lord. Jonathan warns David to hide himself and then intercedes for him to Saul. The king relented, but later tried to kill David with a spear, so he fled and escaped. Michal helped him escape, and he went to Samuel. Saul sent soldiers to arrest David, but they were moved to prophecy and were not able to carry out his command. Saul himself went, but he too fell into prophecy. 

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

David and Jonathan make a covenant with one another. The relationship between David and  Jonathan is one of the greatest examples of friendship in Scripture. The highest form of friendship is based on virtue - a virtuous friendship. There are many examples in the early Church of saints who form deep friendships because of their mutual devotion to Christ. It is powerful to discover that someone else is captivated by the same thing - or person - that has captivated you. This is the foundation of a virtuous friendship... In his envy and bitterness, Saul tries to kill David several times. So David is on the run from Saul, but whenever he is given the opportunity, he responds with mercy and forgiveness. (p. 238)

II. Psalm 59 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

A lament psalm. The speaker is stalked by bloodthirsty men who are like a pack of wild dogs prowling for food. He protests his innocence, which may imply he was falsely accused of wrongdoing. He seeks protection and vindication from God, who is a fortress, a shield, and a refuge for the faithful. The Psalmist closes with a promise to praise the Lord once deliverance comes. (p. 879)

That's all for today!