1 Samuel 18

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Jonathan’s Friendship with David and Saul’s Jealousy

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. There will always be people who honor the Lord’s servants.

  2. There will always be people who are jealous of the Lord’s servants.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t miss the spiritual picture of Jonathan’s love for David.

QUESTIONS

  1. What were the results of David’s victory over Goliath?

  2. How did Saul respond to David’s popularity?

  3. How did Jonathon fit into this power struggle?

  4. Review how this passage shows the progress of jealousy.

  5. What dowry did Saul require of David? How did David fulfill this?

ANSWERS

  1. Saul set him over the army of Israel. David also became a popular hero in Israel.

  2. He became insanely jealous and tried to kill David twice.

  3. Jonathan would have been king after his father Saul, but he recognized that the kingdom had been given to David. Jonathan showed David respect, honor, loyalty, and help.

  4. a. Jealousy sees others as a threat (verses 8-9). b. Jealousy cannot stand seeing the blessing of God on others (verses 12, 14-15). c. Jealousy does not keep promises (verse 13).

  5. Saul demanded 100 foreskins of the Philistines as a dowry for his daughter, hoping in the process David would be killed. David returned with 200 foreskins, increasing Saul’s jealousy.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Consider Jonathan’s remarkable reaction to David’s popularity and authority. Contrast this with Saul’s reaction. Think of the people God has raised up to be spiritual shepherds and leaders in your life. Do you react to them as Jonathan or as Saul?

  2. Jealousy destroyed the relationship between Saul and David. Even today the sin of jealousy can destroy friendships, fellowships, and churches. What are some practical ways you can guard against jealousy in your own heart?

CHALLENGE

  1. Jonathan is a spiritual picture of the committed Christian who shows love and devotion to the Lord at all costs. Be a Jonathan today.

KEY VERSES

  • “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.” 1 Samuel 18:3

  • “Thus Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David…and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David’s enemy continually.” 1 Samuel 18:28-29

1 Samuel, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid1 SAMUEL 18