Initiating Self-Destruction: 1 Samuel 18:6-15
When we walk away from God and irrationally try to solve our own problems, self-destruction is the ultimate outcome. It is one thing to try and solve our own problems through our own understanding. At least that still involves rational thought. Responding irrationally to situations while believing in a beneficial outcome is foolishness. Irrationality seldom solves situations; if we simultaneously no longer walk in God’s light while being irrational, good outcomes are too much for which to hope.
The Hebrew soldiers return with Saul, and their families welcome them home. Since David killed Goliath and made the rout possible, he is the hero. Saul is the king, but David is the hero.
As the women come out to welcome their soldiers home, they begin to sing the praises of the soldiers. The news of the rout surely worked its way back home while the rout was happening. The women are prepared to make David sound like the hero he is. Saul may have killed thousands, but in comparison, David killed ten-thousands. While not a literal count, the message is clear. David is ten times more responsible for the victory than Saul.
While true, the message doesn’t sit well with Saul. He’s the king. He thinks his social position should make him the universal focus of praise. There’s nothing wrong with other people getting praise, but Saul believes no soldiers’ praise should eclipse his own.
As a result, Saul watches David. He looks for an opportunity to do away with him. The next time an evil spirit torments Saul and David plays to soothe him, Saul twice tries to pin him to the wall with a spear.
Saul’s jealousy blinds him. David was the hero, and as a result had the eye of the people. Killing David would have solved nothing. It likely would have put Saul into a more precarious position with the people. Saul is lucky David evaded his assault, but Saul’s jealousy prevents him from understanding the situation fully.
Saul’s next plan is to make David a commander among the soldiers. Saul probably hopes as David goes off to battle he’ll be injured or killed. This isn’t too different from a strategy David himself will use as king, and perhaps this is where David learns the tactic.
The problem for Saul, though, is God continues to be with David. David continues to find success. The soldiers under David learn to trust his leadership. By lashing out to strike David and then making him a commander in the army, Saul’s emotional responses make his situation worse. Saul opens the door for God to use Saul against himself.
Saul’s situation is unraveling. The Spirit of the Lord is no longer present to keep Saul’s irrational responses in check. Saul’s jealousy of David makes him the epitome of someone intent on self-destruction. When we walk away from God and irrationally try to solve our own problems, self-destruction is the inevitable outcome.
