God protects the innocent.
In life, we are constantly in competition with others for awards, position, promotion, jobs, and attention. How do you treat others who you feel threatened by? Saul attempted to kill David because he was a political threat. Allowing King Saul to kill David would have secured Jonathan’s position as the successor to the throne. But as we have seen in the previous chapters, Jonathan was a God-fearing prince. Instead of rejoicing, Jonathan stood up to the king’s injustice. God is a protector of the innocent and did not allow any harm to come upon David.
Sometimes we secretly hope the worst for our competitors. Some people even resort to sabotaging others in order to win. But such actions do not please God. Instead God calls us to treat our enemies with kindness (Matthew 5:44, Proverbs 25:21-22). Even though showing kindness may seem like the most ilogical thing to do, it pleases God. And God promises to bless you when you genuinely seek the welfare of others.
Read 1 Samuel 19:1-10.
What does verse 5 teach you about God?
Have you ever been accused even though you were innocent? How did God help you?
David was seen as a political threat to Saul’s dynasty. Compare the difference in the way Saul and Jonathan treated David.
How can you apply this passage to the way you treat others?
God turns evil into blessing.
Saul tried to use Michal to manipulate David (1 Samuel 18:21). But God used Michal to outsmart Saul. Instead of helping her father, Michal saved David. Michal’s actions remind us of how Rahab saved the Israelite spies from capture in Joshua 2:8-21. Because of Rahab’s courage and kindness towards Israel, her family was saved when her city was destroyed. Genesis 50:20 teaches us that God can turn the things people do to destroy us into good. Because God is watching over you, you do not have to be afraid of people’s attempts to bring you down.
1 Samuel 19:11-17.
What was Saul’s intention for giving his daughter in marriage to David? (1 Samuel 18:21)
Why is it significant that God used Michal to save David from Saul?
God’s presence is powerful.
Have you ever wondered if God could really help you solve your problems? David ran to Samuel because he had nowhere else to go. Samuel was at Naioth. Naioth was likely not a fortress but a dwelling place for prophets. When the soldiers attempted to seize David, they fell under the power of God. This is similar to what happened in 2 Kings 1:9-14 when God protected the prophet Elijah from King Ahaziah’s soldiers. Saul too was humbled when He encountered the presence of God. God turned Saul’s threats into praise. God’s presence is so powerful that it can soften the hardest heart. Nothing can stand against the presence of God. God promises in Deuteronomy 31:8 that His presence is not only with you, but also goes before you to protect you.
1 Samuel 19:18-24.
What does this passage teach you about the power of God’s presence?
How does this passage deepen your understanding of God’s promise to you in Deuteronomy 31:8?
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