Audio Access Available Above
“The Dangers Of Success” • 6.28.15 • Calvary Christian
Fellowship, Sunday Morning Service
Intro.
- In David's mind, slaying Goliath was just
another routine victory that anybody could have achieved because God's
reputation had been insulted.
- He might have even wondered about how long it
would take him to get back to his sheep! This one battle changes everything for
David. He has become a national hero!
- God has given David a platform upon which
promotion would naturally occur beyond the shadow of anyone's doubt. What would
be required of him now? How would he maintain his walk?
- This chapter gives us three sections to
examine in this regard.
I. David's Success (v.1-5)
II. Saul's Seething (v.6-9)
III. Saul's Subversion (v.10-30)
Text
I. David's Success (v.1-5)
•
I Samuel 18:1 : "Now when he had finished speaking
to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved
him as his own soul." : At the end of chapter 17,
King Saul had Abner bring David to him for a personal interview. As David is
leaving the King's presence, Jonathan, the King's oldest son, the Prince of
Israel, rushes to meet him.
-
I don't think that I am reading too much into this when I say that hearing
David speak to Saul finalized the great impression that David made on Jonathan.
-
Here was a man who was the bonifide hero of the entire nation of Israel. When
he stood before King Saul and spoke, he likely spoke of the Lord's glory and
might.
-
He didn't boast or point to his own exploits in battle. He didn't prattle on
about his strategy or speak of what his plans were for the next giant that he
faced. He just honored the Lord.
-
When Jonathan saw his pure heart for the Lord and his confident trust in him,
he must have soared internally, especially considering what he saw every other
day in the King's presence.
-
Jonathan was a man like David. He had had the same experience the last time the
Philistines thought to come into the land. He knew firsthand what David was
experiencing in this moment.
-
Incidently, I'm convinced that Jonathan hadn't even been allowed to go to this
current battle, lest he again outshine his Father. Was he resentful? Did he
think that the glory should be his?
-
I love what Jonathan reveals here. A man after God's heart isn't concerned with
who God uses to provide victory. He is simply thrilled that God has moved and
victory has been gained!
-
There's no room in the Kingdom for men who are zealous to be the only ones that
God uses!
-
If it won't be me, I pray it will be you! If it's not our church, I pray it
would be a church nearby!
-
Jonathan's heart was not jealous of David, but zealous for the Lord! It's no
wonder that they formed an instant and lasting bond. When two work for the
Lord's glory, that will always be the result.
•
I Samuel 18:2-5 : "Saul took him that day, and would
not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a
covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that
was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow
and his belt. So
David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him
over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and
also in the sight of Saul’s servants." : Saul brought
David into his company of fighting men as had been his policy since becoming
King. David's days of shepherding are officially over.
-
The King has a new man in his entourage. How does Jonathan respond to this
slight?
-
Note this next verse carefully: Jonathan the prince and David made a covenant!
Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne and here is a man popular enough
to catapult beyond him.
-
How would you have treated this moment? How would you have treated this man?
-
Instead of looking at David with suspicion or making him "earn" his
place, Jonathan and David made a covenant of friendship together, initiated by
Jonathan who loved David as himself!
-
There is an ancient saying that I read that captures the thought well.
˚
"Friendship is an entire sameness,
and one soul: a friend is another self."
-
Jonathan sealed this covenant with a gift that only a prince could give,
consisting of royal clothes and armor. Remember, David only recently revealed
himself to be a warrior!
-
Jonathan told him, "You can't
run around dressed like a shepherd anymore!" Jonathan made sure that he
had tools which fit his new occupation as Israel's champion.
-
But don't miss the subtlety here: Jonathan is admitting here that God has
chosen another man other than himself to replace Saul!
-
When he places his robe on him, he's willingly accepting God's sovereign
choice!
-
Jonathan friendship demanded that he invest in David personally, blessing him
out of what he had, with an eye to his success!
-
It's great to love a person because they love the Lord. It's great to welcome
him into fellowship. Are we willing to actually be a blessing to them?
-
Are we willing to meet the need practically, from our own resource? Jonathan
gave him his robe, his armor, even his sword, bow and belt! Everything David
had had been Jonathans!
-
Here is a man motivated by his love and zeal for God, willing to personally
give of himself to another that God is using! He was certainly going to need
everything Jonathan could give.
-
Saul began to lean upon David immediately, sending him out on varying duties.
Wherever he went, the result was the same. He behaved wisely.
-
The phrase speaks of a man who was careful to seek out the best way to perform
a duty properly. Do you remember what Saul's servant said of him in 16:18? He
was "prudent in speech."
-
While this is not the same word that was used of David in chapter 16, the thoughts are certainly related.
That same behavior pattern is seen here in a higher place of responsiblity.
-
What you practice in private will yield fruit in public! David didn't change
his attitude in life when he became successful. What he had always been was
simply now on display for all to see!
-
Saul promptly promoted David over the men and all the people and the servants
of Saul approved! Think of the ackward nature of his ascension. He's a rookie
with one great win!
-
He is now being asked to supervise men that were perhaps twice his age! We
would have lined up behind him, but think of the chain of command militarily.
-
There were ranks that had been earned and men reaching out for positions higher
up the food chain. Saul propelled David up the ladder with little thought to
that reality.
-
Far from failing under the weight of that action, David thrived! The men
watched how he did things, how conscientious he was and they loved him because
he was one of them!
-
David has favor with the King, with his best friend the prince, with God's
people and Saul's servants. Everything is looking up until verse 6.
-
One battle had changed everything for David. Now, one song will have a similar
effect!
II. Saul's Seething (v.6-9)
•
I Samuel 18:6,7a: "Now it had happened as they were
coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine,
that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing,
to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. So the women sang as they danced,
and said: 'Saul has slain his thousands, " : The slaying of Goliath in Elah had been the beginning. Israel
had pushed the Philistines back into their cities.
-
The women have a great reason to lead the celebration, as most all of their men
are returning home! No wonder they are singing and dancing!
-
The main thoroughfare back into Gibeah of Saul provided the parade route. As
usual, Saul was the highlight of the parade.
-
"Saul has slain his thousands." The tune began with the right lyric,
Saul thought.
-
He hadn't done so well in the last few weeks, but he had been a military hero
in the past. He liked that part. It was the next part that really turned his
stomach.
•
I Samuel 18:7b-9 : "And David his ten thousands.' Then Saul was very angry, and the
saying displeased him; and he said, 'They have ascribed to David ten thousands,
and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the
kingdom?' So Saul
eyed David from that day forward." : David
has ten thousands!? When David heard the lyric, he undoubtedly smiled at the
surprising turn in the song.
-
The first time was pleasant, but the second and third choruses likely caused
him some embarassment. As the song caught on among the crowd, Saul became more
and more agitated.
-
Far from letting it roll off his back and seeing it in the light of the
excitement stirred up from David's recent victory, the King was incensed! He
quaked with anger.
-
A fire had been kindled that could be seen in the face of the inflamed King:
His eyes opened wide, his nostrils flared, his breathing began to be directed.
What an strange sight to see at a parade!
-
Saul shook violently, overreacting to the people's celebration, completely
given over to a bizarre imagination that David would now seize control of the
Kingdom!
-
What had Saul known about David that made him think that this was a
possibility? He knew nothing about David! People like Saul assume their own
motives upon others!
-
This is what Saul would have done with the same political capital that David
now possesses.
-
From this moment on, Saul cast a suspicious eye upon David that will guide his
every move.
-
Where Jonathan did all he could to make sure that David succeeded, Saul will
now take the opposite role, doing all that he can to ruin his rival.
III. Saul's Subversion (v.10-30)
•
I Samuel 18:10,11 : "And it happened on the next day
that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside
the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there
was a spear in Saul’s hand. And Saul cast the spear, for he said, 'I will pin David to the
wall!' But David escaped his presence twice." : For those who love the Lord, the time after a victory is
difficult. Imagine what it's like for a person who only loves himself! Saul had
nothing internally to prop him up.
-
He needed the stimulation of a victory party. He needed to be the center of
attention. He needed the cheers and adulation of the crowd. When that was gone,
the mental fall was precipitous!
-
He went from the emotional high of a victory parade back to the empty quiet
palace, where the distressing spirit waited! Predictably, it rushed upon him
with a vengeance.
-
The translation "he prohecied inside the house" is a poor. The NIV
says that the spirit "came forcefully upon him" and the NLT adds that
he "began to rave around the house like a madman!"
-
He was completely out of control! We aren't told if this was the
"normal" response or if it was heightened, but the Saul's servants
had only one recourse. Bring in the musician!
-
Wait, David doesn't do that anymore, he's the hero remember? David was still
willing to serve, but this time, his music had no effect. Saul simply used this
as an opportunity to kill David!
-
Note two words that really stand out: Escaped and twice! David simply escaped
Saul's presence. He didn't grab the spear out of the wall and attempt to throw
it back!
-
Nobody would have questioned that. The servants would likely have preferred
David's sanity to Saul's insanity, but such an action would establish David's
Kingdom upon infamy!
-
Then, understand that this happened twice. David didn't even utter a threat. He
simply walked away from the situation.
•
I Samuel 18:12-16 : "Now Saul was afraid of David,
because the Lord was with him, but had departed
from Saul. 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. And David behaved wisely in all his
ways, and the Lord was with him. Therefore, when Saul saw that he
behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved
David, because he went out and came in before them." : Saul was afraid of David? Wait, Saul is the one with the spear!
It doesn't say that David was afraid of Saul. Why was David not afraid and why
was Saul so afraid?
-
The answer is the same: The Lord was with David! When you know His presence and
trust His protection, there isn't a giant or an authority on earth that you
fear!
-
When that isn't your heart, like Saul, you'll look for anything that will come
into your hands to throw and you'll find that nothing will penetrate the shield
that is in actuality, the very hand of God!
-
One can never underestimate the fear that God's presence strikes in the hearts
of men and women who wish to resist Him! God had already honored Saul's wish
and departed from him.
-
Saul relocated David to a dangerous area of service, putting him in harm's way
as the captain over a thousand men. In those days, the captains lead from the
frontlines!
-
Despite the difficulty of the assignment, David succeeded in his new employment
because the Lord was with him.
-
Obedience to God's Word and will leads to an awareness of God's leading and
guiding hand, which leads to success! Don't miss the lesson though: David behaved properly.
- He lived life carefully and
strategically. He did the right things and God met him and strengthened his
effort. The fact that he did so well didn't sit well with Saul!
-
To add insult to injury, what had been used to detract from David's reputation
had actually added to it! The people that he led loved him! Saul needs another
strategy.
•
I Samuel 18:17 : "Then Saul said to David, 'Here is
my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife. Only be valiant for
me, and fight the Lord’s battles.' For Saul thought, 'Let
my hand not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against
him.'" : Saul had offered the man who
killed the giant his daughter. Here he adds the condition that he continue to
fight the Lord's battles against the Philistines.
-
How is being married to Merab, whose name means "increase" endanger
David? The Philistines would set their sights upon David with an even greater
focus.
•
I Samuel 18:18-25 : "So 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?' But it happened at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should
have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as a
wife. Now
Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased
him. So 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 be my
son-in-law today.' And Saul commanded his
servants, 'Communicate with David secretly, and say, ‘Look, the king has delight
in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become the king’s
son-in-law.’ So Saul’s servants spoke those
words in the hearing of David. And David said, 'Does it seem to you a light
thing to be a king’s son-in-law, seeing I am a poor and lightly esteemed man?' And the servants of Saul told him, saying, 'In this manner
David spoke.' Then Saul said, 'Thus you shall
say to David: ‘The king does not desire any dowry but one hundred foreskins of
the Philistines, to take vengeance on the king’s enemies.’ But Saul thought to
make David fall by the hand of the Philistines." : Saul just decides to give Merab to another, presumably to
provoke him to anger. He treats his own daughter like a weapon, hoping to
enrage David. Think about what he is doing.
-
He threw a spear twice, hoping to kill him or make him defend himself, causing
him to look like a traitor. Now, he removes his daughter from him in order to
publically shame and anger him!
-
David didn't bite on either opportunity so he tried another daughter and
another plan.
-
Saul sees the door open again when his daughter Michal professes her love for
him! He's excited to use his other daughter, not to bless, but to trap David!
-
Some scholars believe that Michal had revealed herself to be impetuous and
self-centered, and certainly not very spiritual. I don't think it's much of a
stretch, which we will eventually see.
-
Saul's design here is to couple his carnal daughter with this spiritual man of
God, in the hopes of dividing his heart's attention and making him more
vulnerable against his enemies!
-
Even a man like Saul knows that a mismatched, unequally yoked marriage, brings
devastation to a person's effectiveness for God!
-
Saul makes sure to remove any hesitancy, as David is told through back channels
not to worry about providing a dowry, the ancient equivalent of the pre-nup, for
Michal.
-
Saul simply required that he provide 100 Philistine foreskins, a feat which
would require Philistine deaths and provoke Philistine retribution. Notice
David's response in verse 26.
•
I Samuel 18:26,27 : "So when his servants told David
these words, it pleased David well to become the king’s son-in-law. Now the
days had not expired; therefore David arose and went, he and his men, and killed two
hundred men of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, and they
gave them in full count to the king, that he might become the king’s son-in-law.
Then Saul gave him Michal his daughter as a wife." : David knew exactly how to get a 100 foreskins!
-
The King put a time limit on the delivery of this dangerous and disgusting
dowry. David planned out an attack and successfully took out 200 Philistines.
-
What occurred next is summarized for us. No need for detail! David's men made a
full count, not giving 100, but 200 foreskins to Saul. Saul could not believe
it! David had actually survived!
-
To make matters worse, David is now in his very family! Epic fail!
•
I Samuel 28-30 : "Thus Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal,
Saul’s daughter, loved him; and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David’s
enemy continually. Then the princes of the Philistines went out to war. And so it
was, whenever they went out, that David behaved more wisely than all the
servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed." : Everything Saul tried turned right around on him. He tried to kill
David personally. He tried to humiliated him publically.
-
He hoped the Philistines would damage him permanently! He wanted to see Michal
compromise him perpetually, but doggone it, Michal loved him!
-
Their marriage, at least at first, was successful! Does Saul give up and
recognize that he cannot fight God's decree? No Saul ever has! A person like Saul
only digresses toward greater fear!
-
Against all wisdom, Saul became David's enemy continually. The highest power in
the land of Israel was now focused upon the eradication of one man that God
determined to promote!
-
Predictably, the Philistines retaliated against David, but as always, David
conducted himself better than any other servant in Saul's service!
-
I imagine the men coming back into town and Saul hoping that David was absent
from the roll call. Each time, his name was called, Saul would just wish not to
here him say "here."
-
But then came his voice, "David, here. Hey Dad!" The royal headache
continued as David's name grew in great popularity. The phrase would sound like
this: The Beloved became precious!
Conclusion
- Why
didn't God just remove Saul? One commentator put it best this week when he
remarked that the best way to get a Saul out of a system is to place a person
near a Saul!
-
Saul's refuse to bow to God's wisdom. They throw spears, conceive underhanded
plots, seek to position men for destruction.
- The
Lord allows people like this in his people's life in order that they might see
the futility and be soured on ever trusting in these fleshly measures.
- A
person after God's heart won't return a spear that has been thrown. They won't
let public shaming produce a public fit of rage.
-
They won't do anything that endangers God's presence with them, nor casts
aspersion on the name of the God that has called them!
-
David shows us a King who would not return insult for insult and would humble
himself to serve. This is a wonderful picture of Jesus, the person who is your
hero and example!
- He
is the One whose character that David reflects and the One that God's Spirit
injects! May He grant you and I the wisdom to ask that His strength be great
toward us in producing this character.
No comments:
Post a Comment