When Success Brings Friendship and Jealousy (1 Samuel 18:1–30)
David had just done something amazing—he defeated the giant Goliath when no one else would. His life was about to change in big ways. In this chapter, we see David gain new friends, new responsibilities, and a lot of attention. But with that attention came something unexpected: jealousy from someone very close to him.
Let’s take a look at what happened next in David’s journey.
A Special Friendship Begins
Right after David spoke with King Saul, Jonathan, Saul’s son, felt a deep connection with him. The Bible says Jonathan loved David like a brother. He made a promise of friendship and loyalty that would last a lifetime.
As a sign of this bond, Jonathan gave David his robe, sword, bow, and belt. This was more than a gift—it was a way of saying, “I trust you, and I believe in you.” Their friendship is one of the strongest and most faithful in the Bible.
David Wins the People’s Hearts
King Saul saw David’s courage and made him a commander in the army. David continued to succeed in everything he did, and the people began to notice.
As the soldiers returned from battle, women came out singing songs. One of the songs said, “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” It was meant as praise, but it made Saul feel overshadowed.
Jealousy Creeps In
When Saul heard the song, he became very jealous. He thought, “They’re giving David more credit than me! What’s next—giving him the kingdom?”
From that moment on, Saul kept a close and angry eye on David. What started as admiration turned into suspicion.
A Dangerous Turn
One day, Saul was so troubled that he tried to kill David by throwing a spear at him. David dodged the attack, but the danger was now clear.
Even though David had done nothing wrong, Saul became afraid of him. He saw that God was with David, and that only made his jealousy worse.
Saul’s Secret Plan
Saul came up with another idea. He gave David command over a large group of soldiers, hoping David would die in battle. But David didn’t fail—he kept winning. The people loved him even more.
Saul also offered David his daughter Michal to marry. But it wasn’t a kind gesture—it was another trap. Saul asked for a risky “bride price,” hoping David would be killed trying to earn it.
David Surprises Everyone Again
David didn’t brag or act proud. He said he didn’t feel worthy to be the king’s son-in-law. But he completed the challenge Saul gave him—and even more than expected.
Saul had no choice but to let David marry Michal. And to his surprise, both Michal and Jonathan loved David. Saul realized that David was not only winning battles—he was winning hearts.
What Can We Learn from This Chapter?
This part of David’s story teaches us a lot:
- True friendship is rare and valuable. Jonathan stood by David even when things got hard.
- Not everyone will be happy about your success. Like Saul, some people may feel threatened when you do well.
- God protects and blesses His people. No matter what Saul tried, God kept David safe and helped him succeed.
- Stay humble even when things go well. David didn’t let success make him proud—he stayed respectful and faithful.
Final Thoughts
David’s life changed quickly after he defeated Goliath. He became a hero, gained powerful friends, and was given great responsibility. But his rise also brought challenges, especially with King Saul’s jealousy.
Still, David trusted God through it all. And even when others tried to bring him down, God kept lifting him up.
Are you facing jealousy, unfair treatment, or pressure after doing the right thing? Remember David’s story. Stay humble, stay faithful—and trust that God sees and knows how to lead you forward.
1 Samuel 18:1-30 (WEB)
18:1 When he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 Saul took him that day, and wouldn’t let him go home to his father’s house any more. 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David with his clothing, even including his sword, his bow, and his sash.5 David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely; and Saul set him over the men of war. It was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.6 As they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7 The women sang to one another as they played, and said,“Saul has slain his thousands,and David his ten thousands.”8 Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have credited David with ten thousands, and they have only credited me with thousands. What can he have more but the kingdom?” 9 Saul watched David from that day and forward. 10 On the next day, an evil spirit from God came mightily on Saul, and he prophesied in the middle of the house. David played with his hand, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand; 11 and Saul threw the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” David escaped from his presence twice. 12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and had departed from Saul. 13 Therefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.14 David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. 15 When Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he stood in awe of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David; for he went out and came in before them. 17 Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight the LORD’s battles.” For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.”18 David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?”19 But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife.20 Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21 Saul said, I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall today be my son-in-law.”22 Saul commanded his servants, “Talk with David secretly, and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore be the king’s son-in-law.’ ”23 Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. David said, “Does it seem to you a light thing to be the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and little known?”24 The servants of Saul told him, saying, “David spoke like this.”25 Saul said, “Tell David, ‘The king desires no dowry except one hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies.’ ” Now Saul thought he would make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 When his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the deadline, 27 David arose and went, he and his men, and killed two hundred men of the Philistines. Then David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full number to the king, that he might be the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave him Michal his daughter as wife. 28 Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David; and Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him. 29 Saul was even more afraid of David; and Saul was David’s enemy continually.30 Then the princes of the Philistines went out; and as often as they went out, David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed.