Topical Bible: Envy: Saul

◄ Envy: Saul ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Envy, a destructive and consuming emotion, is vividly illustrated in the life of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul's envy is most prominently directed towards David, the young shepherd who would later become his successor. This envy not only reveals Saul's personal struggles but also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing jealousy to take root in one's heart.

The seeds of Saul's envy are sown following David's victory over Goliath, the Philistine giant. David's triumph brings him widespread acclaim, and the women of Israel sing, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). This comparison ignites a deep-seated jealousy in Saul, as he perceives David as a threat to his throne and legacy. The Scripture records, "And Saul was very angry, and this song displeased him. 'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,' he said, 'but to me they have ascribed only thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?'" (1 Samuel 18:8).

Saul's envy manifests in various attempts to eliminate David. Initially, Saul tries to pin David to the wall with a spear (1 Samuel 18:11). When this fails, he devises more subtle schemes, such as sending David into dangerous battles, hoping he would be killed by the Philistines (1 Samuel 18:17, 25). Despite these efforts, David continues to prosper, and Saul's fear and envy only grow stronger.

The spiritual dimension of Saul's envy is significant. The Bible notes that "an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul" (1 Samuel 18:10), suggesting that Saul's unchecked jealousy opened the door to spiritual torment. This spiritual decline is further evidenced by Saul's increasing paranoia and irrational behavior, as he becomes consumed by his desire to destroy David.

Saul's envy ultimately leads to his downfall. His relentless pursuit of David drives him to neglect his kingly duties and alienate those around him, including his own son Jonathan, who forms a covenant with David (1 Samuel 18:3). Saul's inability to overcome his envy results in a tragic end, as he dies in battle against the Philistines, a king who had lost the favor of God and the respect of his people.

The account of Saul serves as a powerful reminder of the corrosive nature of envy. It illustrates how jealousy can distort one's perception, lead to irrational actions, and ultimately separate individuals from God's purpose for their lives. Saul's life warns believers to guard their hearts against envy and to seek contentment and trust in God's sovereign plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 18:8
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Saul Envies David for his Glorious Success, and Takes an Occasion ...
... 1. Now the women were an occasion of Saul's envy and hatred to David; for they came
to meet their victorious army with cymbals, and drums, and all ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 saul envies david.htm

Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy.
... he set forth to them the prosperity which had been shown to him in visions, their
malevolent disposition broke forth into envy. Moreover, that Saul the king ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise x on jealousy and.htm

How David Fled to Ahimelech and Afterwards to the Kings of the ...
... at a great deal of pains for them, and after that honor they envy them; and ... This
reflection is openly confirmed to us from the example of Saul, the son of Kish ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how david fled.htm

Weak People Fall an Easy Prey to Heresy, which Derives Strength ...
... approved should afterwards fall back? Saul, who was good beyond all others,
is afterwards subverted by envy. [1860] David, a good man ...
/.../the prescription against heretics/chapter iii weak people fall an.htm

The Appointment of a King Over the Israelites, Whose Name was Saul ...
... 3. But as soon as Saul came into the house of his kinsman Abner, whom ... the kingdom,
and what belonged thereto, which he thought would procure him envy, and when ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 the appointment of.htm

How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ...
... in answer, "What hath he done that thou wilt punish him?" Saul no longer ... They also
lamented their age, and that familiarity which envy would deprive them of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david upon.htm

A Soul's Tragedy
... It has been suggested that Saul did not 'cast' his spear, but only brandished it
in his fierce threat to pin ... Envy, allowed to have its way, becomes murderous. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a souls tragedy.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... [23] Through envy, David underwent the hatred not only of foreigners, but
was also persecuted by Saul king of Israel. [24]. Footnotes: ...
/.../chapter iv many evils have already.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... [4021] Through envy, David not only underwent the hatred of foreigners, but
was also persecuted by Saul king of Israel. [4022]. Footnotes: ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter iv many evils have already.htm

Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan
... king, and that he, Jonathan, was in danger of not succeeding after Saul's death.
David stood between him and the kingdom. And yet he did not envy David"did ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon v friendship or david.htm