“The following day an evil spirit from God came powerfully over Sha’ul, so that he fell into a frenzy in the house. David was there, playing his lyre as on other occasions. This time Sha’ul had his spear in his hand; and he threw the spear, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David dodged out of the way twice.”-1 Samuel 18:10-11
From verse 10, the scene shifts to Saul’s palace where David is playing the lyre.
Not only is David the chief musician but because of his exploits on the battlefield, he is also now a successful military leader.
But the situation suddenly turns ugly and bizarre.
While David is playing music to soothe the king’s depression, Saul grabs his spear and hurls it at David with the firm intent of nailing David to the wall.
Fortunately, David was nimble enough to dodge the flying missile.
Now, isn’t it interesting that Saul was carrying a spear with him?
This was NOT normal.
Most kings usually held a royal scepter to symbolize their power.
But for Saul, his spear was his scepter.
In other words, Saul’s spear symbolized his dangerous and murderous nature.
Now what was going on in Saul’s deranged mind that caused him to attack David?
In one word, fear.
Saul didn’t know God had anointed David as the next King of Israel…
But he had enough sense to recognize a threat to his throne.
Dav7d’s popularity had reached immense levels – both inside the king’s court and with the general public.
This was only going to further fuel the king’s jealousy and insecurity.
David had proven himself an effective warrior…
And had garnered the love of the people.
This made him dangerous to Saul…
Especially since Saul couldn’t control him or public opinion.
So what takeaway am I getting from this?
To me the lesson to be learned is simple…
Saul is the King of Israel with all of the accompanying power and respect that comes with his throne…
In comparison, David is a commoner who has risen up the ranks but is still nothing compared to Saul in terms of power, prestige, and wealth.
Yet, despite all his earthly advantages, Saul has been reduced to a paranoid madman who has lost total control of his mental faculties and his soul.
David, on the other hand, despite his earthly disadvantages, is emotionally stable and confident in his abilities.
Of course, later on, we’ll see David tested to the brink of despair.
But the lesson remains the same.
David possesses a stable and unbreakable emotional, mental, and spiritual foundation that will see him through any challenge or hardship whereas Saul has completely LOST his marbles.
What’s the difference?
The difference is one word: God.
Those who have God in their life possess an unfailing passion and purpose that is guaranteed to see them through any challenge in life.
Those who don’t are destined to descend into total hopelessness and madness…especially as they near the end of their lives.
This is especially true of wealthy people who have spent their whole lives chasing after money and sex, and now as they get old, realize it was all complete and utter meaninglessness.
Ya feel me here?
I leave you with these words of wisdom from King Solomon:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.”
-Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“What good will it be for
someone to gain the whole world,
yet forfeit their soul?
Or what can anyone give
in exchange for their soul?”
-Matthew 16:26
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