Favor That Frightens
Chapter Overview
1 Samuel 18 highlights David’s growing favor with the Lord and people, while Saul’s jealousy increases. Jonathan’s covenant with David shows loyalty and love, while Saul’s schemes against David show insecurity, fear, and pride. This chapter is a study in contrasts: covenant love vs. destructive envy.
Full Chapter (CSB)
(I’ll provide selected key verses here for focus, but let me know if you’d like the entire chapter typed out in full word-for-word.)
1 Samuel 18:1–4
“When David had finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan was bound to David in close friendship, and loved him as much as he loved himself. Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him return to his father’s house. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as much as himself. Then Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his military tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.”
1 Samuel 18:7–9
“As they danced, the women sang:
Saul has killed his thousands,
but David his tens of thousands.
Saul was furious and resented this song. ‘They credited tens of thousands to David,’ he complained, ‘but they only credited me with thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?’ So Saul watched David jealously from that day forward.”
1 Samuel 18:28–29
“Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved him, and he became even more afraid of David. As a result, Saul was David’s enemy from then on.”
Key Themes
Covenant Friendship (vv. 1–4)
Jonathan and David’s bond reflects selfless love and loyalty.
Jonathan’s act of giving his robe and weapons symbolizes recognition of David’s calling and destiny.
Application: True covenant friendships don’t compete; they celebrate God’s purpose in the other person’s life.
Jealousy vs. Favor (vv. 5–9)
David succeeds because God is with him.
Saul’s jealousy rises when David receives more praise.
Jealousy blinds us to God’s will and causes us to fight against His plans.
Application: Be careful not to resent others’ promotion. God’s favor on someone else does not mean He has forgotten you.
Saul’s Schemes vs. God’s Protection (vv. 10–30)
Saul tries to kill David multiple times.
He even uses marriage alliances to trap David.
Yet, each time, God protects and prospers David.
Application: When God’s hand is on your life, no weapon formed against you will prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Reflection Questions
Jonathan laid down his robe and sword for David. What “robes” (titles, pride, positions) might God be asking you to lay down in humility for His plan?
How do you respond when others are celebrated more than you? With joy, indifference, or jealousy?
Have you ever recognized God protecting you even when people tried to sabotage you? How did that grow your faith?
Prayer
“Lord, help me walk in covenant love like Jonathan, not jealousy like Saul. Teach me to rejoice in others’ victories and trust You with my own. Protect me from schemes of the enemy and keep me focused on Your purpose for my life. Amen.”
Journal Prompts
Write about a time when you saw God’s favor in your life despite opposition.
Reflect on a covenant friendship in your life—how has it shaped your walk with God?
List areas where jealousy may try to creep in, and surrender them to the Lord.
Life Application
Practice celebrating others’ success this week—send a message of encouragement or compliment someone excelling.
Identify one area of hidden jealousy in your heart and confess it before God.
Pray for God to send (or strengthen) covenant friendships in your life.
Summary:
1 Samuel 18 shows us the beauty of covenant friendship and the danger of jealousy. Jonathan models humility and loyalty, while Saul models insecurity and envy. David’s story reminds us that God’s favor cannot be stopped by human schemes.