The Death of Envy

HIGHLIGHT: 1 Samuel 18:1-9 - After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

5 Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.

6 When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals.[a] 7 This was their song:

“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”

8 This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” 9 So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

EXPLAIN: David has become part of the King's family, unofficially. He has killed Goliath, and so Saul treats him well. This also helps Saul with the people because of David's popularity. Jonathan, the son of the King, has become David's best friend. It would remind most people of a child's friend who begins to come over often to hang out with their child.

The catch here is how David became popular. He was willing to risk it all by fighting and then overcoming Goliath. This has made Saul excited - you can almost see him taking credit for the decision to send David out to face Goliath. Not only does he do that, but the narrative continues to talk of how whatever mission Saul sends him on, David is successful. Once again, you can almost hear Saul talking about his eye for assessing talent.

The it happens. In verse six, the tone begins to change. David has come home from a mission - that Saul sent him on - and has been successful. The women of the towns come out as King Saul - the leader - rides through town and they are singing...David's praises.

In that moment, jealousy

Then in verse six the tone begins to change. David is coming back from a mission Saul has sent him on to kill the Philistines, and David has been successful. The women come out from their homes and begin to sing and dance with joy! This is a party atmosphere. However, their praises are for David and not Saul. This does not make Saul happy, but rather jealous. Saul is noted as saying that if this is what they are singing now, then the only place they can go forward is for David to have the kingdom.

APPLY:When Saul was anointed as King, his number one job was not secular or political in nature. Instead, this appointment by God was holy and sacred in purpose. Saul was to be a visual reminder who would helptlhe people to look towards God for direction, purpose, hope and security in life.

Saul did a great job in the very early days pointing people back to God ~ God is the one that saves. In this moment, however, his eyes are no longer focused squarely on pointing people back to God. His eyes had become focused on himself, his glory and even his legacy. Envy had found a home within Saul's heart.

Envy, an emotion that happens when one person looks at someone else's achievement or abilities and wishes for them, is dangerous on several levels. First, it causes the one with envy to forget just how important and how much they have to offer the world. God has created each of us with personalities and abilities that add much to the people around us. A co-worker who is envious of others who got the promotion or job have forgotten that they have much to offer the company.

Envy also takes a toll on the people around us. Whenever someone who has envy is living among people they are jealous of, then the relationships are not whole or complete. A spouse envious of the other has forgotten that they are a team and the toxins of envy will tear at the fibers of the relationship.

Leaders, such as Saul, must also remember that envy can have it's adverse effects on their team members. When a leader brings on talented team members who get the office/organization buzzing with their successful accomplishments that leader should have a huge smile. When the organization accomplishes their mission then success can be shared throughout the team.

RESPONSE: Lord, may I always know you have created me with abilities to help others. Please let your love flow through me that my goal is to see them succeed in their own calling.