King David 101

“And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousand, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” ⁹ And Saul eyed David from that day on.” 

1 Samuel 18:8-9, ESV

The phrase here suggests anger that has been intensified. King Saul was not just annoyed or irritated; it was much more than that. He saw and heard the women as they gathered—with their tambourines and music they began to rejoice over the victories of David. Rather than rejoicing David’s success, he made a choice (a decision) to be jealous. 

Something inside of him was very wrong and terribly twisted. 

Unrighteous anger twists the heart of a man into something that disturbs even our closest friends. When we act out of this anger, it distorts and then blinds us and we become unrecognizable. We no longer can hear the voice of our kind and gentle God, He who laid down His life for His friends. 

Saul was terribly wrong. From this minute on a jealous anger would drive him to a breaking point. He was now consumed with anger, jealousy, and ultimately murder. He wanted David dead. “And Saul eyed David from that day on.” (v. 9.) 

“Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.” 

Proverbs 27:4 

I once learned the proper way to kill a diamond-back rattlesnake. Obviously, you must be careful, and Saul was not. The snake’s venom would destroy him; he had been bitten, and he would not survive. Jealousy over David’s victories would totally ruin him. Saul’s envy will poison his heart and soul. 

Please do not be consumed by this sin. A disciple must learn how to work through the issues of jealousy, envy, and evil. The Holy Spirit will see that we will see these things head on. God will not allow us to fully enter His kingdom if we hold on to jealousy and anger. 

Rather than focus on what others have, we’re called to accept and receive what we’ve been given. We should rejoice in Him who gives gifts to those He has chosen. We must stay faithful and celebrate His gifts to others without becoming angry and spiteful. 

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” 

Romans 12:10 

Jealousy is like drinking something poisonous and hoping that the other person will die.