5 So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. 6 Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. 7 So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” 8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 So Saul eyed David from that day forward.10 And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. 11 And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David escaped his presence twice. 12 Now Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, but had departed from Saul. 13 Therefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. 14 And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. 15 Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
1 Sam 18:5-16
Q & A：
- Explain the cause and the root issue when King Saul was offended after hearing the women praising David, his subordinate at the time, in higher regards than him. Discuss the effect of dwelling on the negative emotions including jealousy, anger, bitterness, and revenge, as King Saul took offense that led to his irrational actions towards David. How would you respond if you were mistreated as in David’s situation? (1 Sam 18:7-9, 10-11; Prov 18:19)
- Explain what the flesh refers to for a Christian with respect to the soul, emotions, desires, mind and feeling offended. Have you ever felt offended by someone’s remarks which came as an encouragement or praise for the outperformance of your colleagues, subordinates, siblings, or church members especially from your superiors, parents or ministry leaders but failed to affirm or acknowledge you? Did you allow the flesh or “King Saul” in you to reign over? (Gal 5:15, 19-21a)
- Why is it important not to keep talking about or constantly revisit the hurt or offense brought about by certain actions or remarks? Discuss how we should guard against and deal with taking offense biblically, just as how David chose to love King Saul instead of retaliating when he had the opportunities. (1 Sam 18:11,14-15; Luke 17:1,3-4; Eph 4:26-27; Prov 17:9)