1 Samuel 18:29

And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.

And Saul {H7586} was yet the more {H3254} afraid {H3372} of {H6440} David {H1732}; and Saul {H7586} became David's {H1732} enemy {H341} continually {H3117}.

This only made Sha'ul the more afraid of David, so that Sha'ul became David's enemy for the rest of his life.

he grew even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy.

And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul was David’s enemy continually.

Commentary

1 Samuel 18:29 describes a critical turning point in the relationship between King Saul and David, solidifying Saul's deep-seated fear and perpetual animosity towards the young hero. This verse highlights the destructive power of jealousy and insecurity, as Saul's apprehension evolved into an unyielding hatred.

Context

Following David's triumphant defeat of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50), his popularity soared throughout Israel. The women's song, proclaiming that "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7), ignited a furious jealousy in Saul. Despite David's unwavering loyalty and success in all his endeavors (1 Samuel 18:14), Saul repeatedly attempted to harm him, even throwing a spear at him (1 Samuel 18:11). This verse marks the point where Saul's fear of David's ascendancy becomes a constant, consuming enmity, driving much of the subsequent narrative.

Key Themes

  • The Destructive Power of Jealousy and Insecurity: Saul's fear was rooted in his insecurity about his own kingship, which he perceived David as threatening. This verse shows how unchecked envy can corrupt the heart and lead to irrational, persistent malice.
  • Divine Favor vs. Human Opposition: David's success was a clear sign of God's favor, while Saul, having been rejected by God for disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23), increasingly found himself in opposition to God's chosen one. Saul's enmity was not just against David, but indirectly against God's plan.
  • The Nature of Unrelenting Enmity: The phrase "became David's enemy continually" emphasizes the permanent and unyielding nature of Saul's hostility. It was not a passing emotion but a fixed state of mind, dictating his actions from this point forward. This deep-seated fear and animosity stemmed from the conviction that David was destined for the throne, a truth hinted at previously after Saul's disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "afraid" is yare (יָרֵא), which can mean fear, dread, or reverence. Here, it conveys a profound dread and terror of David's growing influence and potential to usurp his throne. The word for "enemy" is oyev (אוֹיֵב), signifying an adversary or one who hates. Crucially, "continually" is tamid (תָּמִיד), meaning perpetually, always, or without ceasing. This strong adverb underscores the unwavering and persistent nature of Saul's hatred, indicating it became a defining characteristic of his remaining reign.

Practical Application

The narrative of Saul and David serves as a powerful cautionary tale against allowing jealousy and insecurity to fester. It reminds us that:

  • Unchecked envy can destroy relationships and personal peace: Saul's life became consumed by his obsession with David, leading to his downfall.
  • Fear often stems from a lack of trust: Saul's fear of losing his position overshadowed his trust in God's sovereignty.
  • Perseverance in the face of unjust opposition: David's response to Saul's continuous animosity, marked by patience and loyalty, offers a model for responding to those who oppose us without cause.
This verse teaches us to guard our hearts against bitterness and to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when facing significant adversity.

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Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 4:4

    ¶ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

  • John 11:53

    Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

  • 1 Samuel 18:12

    ¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

  • James 2:19

    Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

  • Genesis 4:4

    And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

  • Genesis 4:8

    ¶ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

  • 1 John 3:12

    Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
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