1 Samuel 18:1-30
David's difficulties with Saul begin today in 1 Samuel 18:1-30. People begin recognizing and praising David for his military successes and Saul can't handle it. He gets angry and jealous. But instead of dealing with his jealousy, Saul allows it to overtake him. And as time goes on, Saul's thinking and actions become more and more clouded.
So how do we guard against letting jealousy slip in and distort our judgment? What can we do if we're caught up with jealousy to put it aside and get back on the right track? Tami W.
When I look to Christ, what do I have to be jealous about? It's not about me but it's all about Him, I am not the star of the saga. My Lord has a plan for me and it doesn't matter how someone else lives or what they acquire in this earthly life compared to mine. My treasure today is in my best friend Jesus for eternity.
The answer to your question could fill up several shelves of books. There are so many facets to the sin of jealousy and envy. I'll share two thoughts. The first is contentment. Saul could have and should have been content with the kingdom that God had given him. Contentment helps us to not always want more when someone else has more (and someone always has more!). The other thought is grace. God is the One who gets to determine who has more or less. It is in His hands. When Saul tries to thwart God's plan, he ends up getting further and further in despair. To trust God and His grace is the only real way to defeat jealousy. It's not from our effort anyway.
Jealousy is human; grace is divine. When I think of the desire for people to praise me, I need to remember that's a desire to take away some of the praise that should go to God. As for possessions, etc., that's just an attempt to fill an empty place in my soul. How much more fulfilling it is to allow my Lord's love to fill that place!
Who is Jonathan?
10 The next day(I) a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, Why would God send a harmful spirit to Saul?
Jealousy can take over you. I know God is in control but I sometimes forget and try and do things on my own and try to understand what he is trying to teach me.
Dora,
I'd like to comment on your two questions.
Who is Jonathan?
The first time we find Jonathan mentioned in the Bible is in 1 Samuel 13:2, where he is identified as the son of Saul, the first king of Israel. Jonathan normally would have been the successor to King Saul's throne, but God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint David for that position (1 Samuel 16). Jonathan was a brave warrior and was never jealous of David. Instead, the two had a friendship that is known as one of the greatest in history (1 Samuel 18:1; 19:2). Jonathan died along with his two brothers and King Saul on Mount Gilboa in a fierce battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:1-6)
Why would God send a harmful spirit to Saul?
In 1 Samuel 16:14 (NASB) we read, "Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him."
The presence of the Holy Spirit on a person in Old Testament times was temporary and only for a few selected persons who had special jobs to perform for God (today, all true followers of Christ are indwelt permanently by the Holy Spirit). God had given the Holy Spirit to Saul so he could carry out his duties as king. But Saul became bitter, jealous of David, scheming and hateful to the point of threatening David's life. The Holy Spirit left Saul (1 Samuel 16:4) and in His place, God allowed an evil spirit, or demon, to possess Saul. The demon was an instrument of judgment upon Saul and he became more and more mentally unbalanced, nearly insane in the years following (1 Samuel 18:10).
I hope this helps!
Ray
Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
I believe jealousy is the spirit of ingratitude. You covet the blessings that God bestows on another, and not being thankful for the blessings He has given unto you. A covetous person is selfish, self-righteous, self-centered, unforgiving, proud, and has not the love of God in him, a definition of God's love can be read in: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version, ©2010)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Regards