Giants, Jealousy, and the Hand of God: The Rise of David and the Fall of Saul

Welcome to Day 77 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are beginning the book of 1 Samuel. In 1 Samuel 17-19, these chapters mark a pivotal shift in Israel’s history as David steps into the spotlight, not just as a warrior but as God’s chosen leader. In 1 Samuel 17, David's faith leads him to an astounding victory over Goliath, proving that God empowers the faithful regardless of size or status. In 1 Samuel 18, David’s rise in fame sparks jealousy in King Saul, leading to a deep but dangerous contrast between David’s growing favor with God and Saul’s descent into paranoia. By 1 Samuel 19, Saul’s hatred drives him to relentless attempts on David’s life, but God’s protection over David is evident through the intervention of Jonathan, Michal, and even divine intervention through prophetic disruption. These chapters highlight the power of faith, the destructiveness of envy, and God's sovereign hand over His anointed servant.

1 Samuel Chapter 17: This chapter recounts one of the most famous stories in the Bible—David’s victory over Goliath. The Philistines challenge Israel with their giant warrior, Goliath, instilling fear in Saul’s army. Young David, delivering food to his brothers, is outraged at Goliath’s defiance of God’s people and volunteers to fight. With unwavering faith, he rejects armor, relying only on a sling, five stones, and the power of God. His single, divinely guided stone strikes Goliath’s forehead, bringing the giant down, and Israel triumphs. This chapter demonstrates that true victory comes not by human strength, but by faith in God.

1 Samuel Chapter 18: David’s victory over Goliath catapults him into the public eye, earning him praise and a deep friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan. However, as David’s fame grows, Saul’s insecurity turns into jealousy, especially when women sing songs of David’s greater success. In a failed attempt to control him, Saul offers his daughter Michal in marriage, hoping to ensnare David, but she instead loves and supports him. Saul’s attempts to kill David begin subtly—through manipulative military assignments and spear attacks—but God’s favor protects David. This chapter contrasts David’s humble faithfulness with Saul’s downward spiral into fear and envy.

1 Samuel Chapter 19: Saul’s hostility toward David escalates as he openly orders his assassination. Jonathan, who deeply loves David, pleads with his father to spare him, and Saul briefly relents—only to attempt another attack. Michal helps David escape by deceiving Saul’s men, showing her loyalty to her husband over her father. David flees to Samuel in Ramah, where an extraordinary event occurs: Saul’s soldiers, and eventually Saul himself, are overcome by God’s Spirit and begin prophesying instead of attacking. This divine intervention reaffirms that no human force can thwart God’s plan for David. Saul’s decline is now undeniable, and David’s dependence on God is his only refuge.

From Loss to Redemption: A Journey of Faith and Favor

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The book of 1 Samuel is named after Samuel, the prophet and judge who played a significant role in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of Israel’s monarchy. The name Samuel comes from the Hebrew "Šəmuʾēl", which is often interpreted as "heard by God" or "name of God." This reflects how Samuel’s mother, Hannah, prayed for a son, and God answered her request (1 Samuel 1:20).

Purpose of the Book:

The primary purpose of 1 Samuel is to document the shift in Israel’s leadership from judges to kings. It highlights the establishment of monarchy, focusing on three key figures: Samuel (the last judge), Saul (Israel’s first king), and David (Israel’s greatest king-to-be). The book demonstrates God’s sovereignty in appointing leaders, the consequences of obedience and disobedience, and how God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The authorship of 1 Samuel is uncertain, but Jewish tradition (Talmud - Baba Bathra 14b-15a) attributes it to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad based on 1 Chronicles 29:29, which states:

"Now the acts of King David, first and last, indeed they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer."

This suggests that Samuel wrote the portions covering his life (1 Samuel 1-24), while Nathan and Gad may have contributed the rest after Samuel’s death. Other biblical references to Samuel’s writings include 1 Samuel 10:25, which states that Samuel recorded events in a book and laid it before the Lord.

Outside the Bible, Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian from the 1st century, supports the view that prophets recorded historical events, affirming Samuel’s role in writing and preserving Israel’s history (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 6, Chapter 13).

Key People:

1. Samuel – The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a priest who anoints both Saul and David as kings.

2. Saul – The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience.

3. David – A shepherd who is anointed as Saul’s successor; he defeats Goliath and gains fame.

4. Hannah – Samuel’s mother, who prayed for a child and dedicated him to God.

5. Eli – The high priest who raises Samuel but fails to correct his wicked sons.

6. Jonathan – Saul’s son and David’s close friend, known for his loyalty and bravery.

7. Goliath – The Philistine giant defeated by David with a slingshot and faith in God.

8. Doeg the Edomite – A servant of Saul who betrays and kills the priests of Nob.

9. Abigail – A wise woman who prevents David from committing bloodshed and later becomes his wife.

Conclusion

The book of 1 Samuel marks a pivotal transition in Israel’s history, shifting from the era of judges to the establishment of monarchy under Saul and David. It highlights God's sovereignty in choosing and rejecting leaders, emphasizing that obedience and faithfulness matter more than outward appearances. Ultimately, 1 Samuel sets the stage for God's covenant with David, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah through his lineage.

---

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet. 

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 1 Samuel 17, God’s character in 1 Samuel 17 is revealed as mighty, sovereign, and faithful to those who trust in Him. He is the defender of His people, empowering the weak to overcome the strong. Through David, God demonstrates that victory is not achieved by human strength or weapons but through unwavering faith in Him. His power is displayed when He enables a shepherd boy to defeat a seasoned warrior, proving that He is the ultimate deliverer.

In this chapter, God is referred to as Jehovah Sabaoth, meaning “The Lord of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). This name signifies God as the commander of the heavenly armies, the supreme ruler over all forces. David’s declaration that he comes in the name of Jehovah Sabaoth emphasizes that God, not earthly power, determines the outcome of battles. The lesson God teaches in this chapter is that faith and dependence on Him bring victory, not human ability or might. He calls His people to trust Him in their battles, knowing He is their ultimate champion.

In 1 Samuel 18, God’s character is revealed as one who grants favor, ordains relationships, and sovereignly directs the course of His chosen ones. Despite Saul’s jealousy and attempts to harm David, God’s presence remains with David, allowing him to prosper. His providence is evident in the deep friendship between David and Jonathan, which serves as a divine bond of loyalty and protection. God’s faithfulness ensures that His plans will prevail, regardless of human schemes.

Although no specific Hebrew name of God is directly mentioned in this chapter, His role as Elohim, the sovereign and powerful Creator, is evident. Elohim orchestrates David’s rise, protects him from Saul’s jealousy, and blesses him with wisdom and success. The lesson in this chapter is that God’s favor cannot be hindered by human opposition. Even when others seek to destroy His plans, He continues to guide and protect those who walk in obedience to Him.

In 1 Samuel 19, God’s character in 1 Samuel 19 is displayed as both protector and sovereign over all things. When Saul’s hatred intensifies, God intervenes through Jonathan, Michal, and even through His Spirit, frustrating Saul’s plans. This shows that God not only shields His chosen ones but also confounds the schemes of the wicked. His presence overrules human intentions, ensuring His purpose is fulfilled.

The name of God that aligns with this chapter is Ruach Elohim, meaning “Spirit of God.” When Saul’s men and eventually Saul himself are overtaken by the Spirit and begin prophesying, it demonstrates God’s absolute authority over both friend and foe. The lesson from this chapter is that God’s protection is not limited to human intervention; He can directly act to defend His people. No enemy can thwart His plans, and those who trust in Him can find refuge in His presence.

---

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

---

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

1. How does God demonstrate His power and sovereignty in David’s victory over Goliath?

2. In what ways does God show His faithfulness and protection over David despite Saul’s jealousy?

3. How does the name Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts) reveal God’s role in David’s battle against Goliath?

4. What does the story of Saul’s men prophesying in 1 Samuel 19 reveal about God’s control over human affairs?

5. How does God’s presence with David contrast with His departure from Saul?

6. How does God use both people (Jonathan and Michal) and supernatural intervention (prophecy) to accomplish His will?

Questions About Themes:

1. What does David’s battle with Goliath teach about faith and trusting in God rather than human strength?

2. How does jealousy and insecurity, as seen in Saul, lead to destructive behavior and distance from God?

3. What role does divine protection play in David’s journey, and how does it foreshadow his future kingship?

4. How does the relationship between David and Jonathan illustrate the theme of covenant loyalty?

5. What does Saul’s increasing paranoia and hostility toward David teach about the dangers of rejecting God’s will?

6. How does the Spirit of God disrupting Saul’s plans in 1 Samuel 19 highlight God’s ultimate authority?

Reflective Application Questions:

1. What “giants” in your life are you facing, and how can you trust God like David did in 1 Samuel 17?

2. Are there areas in your life where jealousy, fear, or insecurity are affecting your relationships, as seen with Saul?

3. How can you strengthen godly friendships like David and Jonathan that encourage faithfulness to God?

4. Have you ever felt like God was protecting you in a difficult situation? How did that experience shape your faith?

5. In what ways can you rely more on God’s Spirit rather than your own abilities when facing challenges?

6. How do these chapters challenge you to trust in God’s plan even when others try to stand in your way?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans