Jealousy makes people do silly things. They take and harm even when it is utterly foolish to consider, because of the consequences. Ultimately, the jealousy of the Nations against God is expressed in similar foolishness as they seek to defeat and undermine God’s salvation plan.
In 1 Samuel 19, Saul’s envy came to a head. Multiple times, he sought to kill David, or have him killed. But in all these times God protected his anointed one from harm, showing that Saul’s efforts would come to nothing compared to God’s power. This reminds us that Jesus was also protected by God in his early ministry, only laying down his life at the appointed hour. In the same way, God watches over us and protects our souls, even if our bodies may come under earthly attack.
David’s military success and God’s goodness to him saw him reach great levels of prestige in the land of Israel. Everyone loved David. Everyone except Saul. So Saul spoke to his son Jonathan, and his servants, telling them David needed to be killed (v.1).
Jonathan was a great fan of David, who he saw as a fellow servant of God (v.1) So Jonathan warned David of the plot, instructed him to hide, and promised to speak to Saul about the situation (vv.2-3).
This is exactly what Jonathan did. Appealing to morality and common sense, Jonathan warned Saul that David had done nothing against him, and in fact had done great things for him (vv.4-5). “Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?”
Saul listened to Jonathan’s argument, and swore an oath not to have David killed (v.6). After this, Jonathan brought David back into Saul’s presence, signalling his restoration (v.7). God protected David through Jonathan.
Soon enough David went out to battle the Philistines again, who he struck with such a great blow they fled before him (v.8). Unfortunately, once again Saul’s green envy, stoked by the harmful spirit sent to torment him in judgement, flared up as David was back in court playing the lyre (v.9). Saul tried to stick David with his spear, but only managed to stick the spear to the wall. Meanwhile, David fled from Saul’s presence (v.10). God protected David through circumstance.
So Saul sent assassins to David’s house to kill him in the morning. Thankfully, David’s wife Michal realised what was happening and warned David to flee that night, and let him out the window (vv.11-12). Meanwhile, she took an image/statue of some sort (possibly an idol) and made it look like David, claiming he was sick (vv.13-14).
When Saul sent his minions to force the issue, they found it was a fake! Michal feigned innocence, implying to Saul that David threatened her health if she did not comply (vv.15-17). God protected David through Michal.
Meanwhile David fled to Samuel for protection, and they moved villages (v.18). Yet word still got back to Saul (v.19). So Saul sent “messengers” to take David by any means necessary (v.20). But as they approached, God’s spirit came upon them turning rebellion to praise (v.20).
Not deterred, Saul sent more messengers. Same result (v.21). If at first you don’t succeed, try yet again. Same result.
So Saul, still disobedient to God, took matters in his own hands. He went searching for David and Samuel (v.22). His protest also turned to praise, as he worshipped God (v.23).
His complete humiliation by God led to an idiom noting the strangeness of the situation: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (v.24). God himself protected David from Saul.
David was God’s Anointed, the king who would seek after God’s own heart rather than his own as Saul did. So God protected him despite Saul’s envy and murderous intent.
Yet David was a sinner, and still fell short of God’s glory like you or I. One of his sons would truly live his life totally pleasing to God. Jesus, God’s Son, descendant of David. God’s true Anointed One.
God watched over Jesus all his days, delighting in the Son who pleased him. Despite the early and often intent of the Jewish leadership and authorities to kill Jesus, God protected and preserved him from death until his appointed hour. Only then, when Jesus laid down his life for our sins, did God allow harm to come upon his Anointed.
Because Jesus died for our sins and was raised to life, God promises to protect all of us who belong to him. We will not face the judgement to come. Our souls will be preserved, even though physical harm may come on our bodies in this present age. Our eternal hope and state is sure, and secure.
Whether God chooses to preserve and deliver us from earthly woes now, or allow our bodies to suffer loss, he will not let our souls be snatched away from him. Because God Protected his anointed, and protects those whom he loves and has called according to his purposes.
