## The Life of David - Part 3

## I Samuel 17:54-58

Introduction: Last week we saw an amazing achievement by a young shepherd boy. It is doubtful that David realized how much this one deed would change his life and the lives of all his countrymen. "Many feel that from this point forward David had an easy life. They mistakenly think that it was all downhill now for David to take the throne. "The toughest trial is just after the greatest victory." Following Goliath's death, David stepped into an arena which was almost more than he could take. In this next chapter we will see some new relationships in his life that will have a great effect upon his future

I. David's relationship with Jonathon 18:1-4

A. Who was Jonathon

1. He was Saul's son

2. He was heir-apparent to the throne of Israel

3. He was a witness to the events in the valley of Elah

B. The covenant they made (3)

1. It was a covenant of love

2. Jonathon had been

a. Terrified by Goliath

b. Satisfied by David's victory

c. Captivated by David's personality

C. The covenant confirmed (4)

1. He placed his own robe upon him

a. Note this was a Royal robe

b. It represented his position in the kingdom as heir to the throne

2. He gave to him his battle wear

a. His 'garments' = armor

b. His sword - cf I Sa. 13:22

c. His bow

d. His 'girdle' - belt

3. Jonathan gave unto David the most important possessions that he had

Note: This was one of the closest friendships that is to be found in Scripture. There was a kindred spirit shared by the two young men. Their souls were 'knit' together, We will observe this relationship in the future

II. David's relationship with Saul 18:5-16

A. Note David's Character (5)

1. Proper "withersoever Saul sent him"

2. Prudent "behaved himself wisely"

3. Proficient "over the men of war"

4. Popular "accepted.... of all people

B. Note Saul's envy (6-9)

1. David was the greater hero

2. Saul said, 'what can he have more but the kingdom'

a. David had the power of God on his life which had resulted in victory

b. David was young and good looking

c. David had the love and admiration of Saul's own son

d. David had the praise of all Israel

3. Saul 'eyed David from that day forward'

a. Saul was afraid that this promising young man would seek to overthrow him

b. He was afraid David would take h s kingdom from him

c. God had taken it already 1 Sam. 13:13-14

C. Note Saul's attempt (10-11)

1. Envy always leads to action

2. Now Saul attempts to rid himself of the young man who threatened him so

3. Saul was troubled by an evil spirit cf I Sam. 16:14-15

4. Saul attempts to murder David, but David avoids the javelin twice

D. Note the effect upon Saul (12-16)

1. Saul was afraid of David

2. He demoted him from being over all the men of war to being over a thousand soldiers

3. Still the people loved David and Saul feared him the more

III. David's relationship with Michal 13:17-21)

A. Saul's deception over Merab (17-19)

1. Saul had vowed to give his daughter to the one who killed Goliath

2. Now he placed more conditions on his promise. 'only be thou valiant for me' v17a

3. He was hoping that David would fall in battle vl7b

4. David was reluctant to be the king's son-in-law V18

5. Saul furthered his dishonesty by giving Merab to another v,19

B. Saul's deception over Michal (20-25)

1. Saul hoped to see David killed at the hands of the Philistines

2. Saul used his servants to deceive David

3. The only dowry he would require would be the death of 100 Philistines

4. For proof he required the foreskins

C. David's victory and marriage(26-30)

1. David and his men killed 200 Philistines, and brought back their foreskins to Saul for proof

2. They told Saul all the details of that great victory

3. David and Michal were married

4. Saul was yet more afraid of David

a. as a result of his victory Saul knew that the Lord was with him

b. now David had the love of Michal

c. this increased the friction between David and Saul

Conclusion: The events of this chapter are extremely important to our understanding of David's character. We know that it was not the reward of Saul that motivated David to fight Goliath. We see David's patience and humility in how he reacted to Saul. David never once retaliated against Saul even though Saul had lied to him, tried to kill him, demoted him, and tried to deceive him. David. did what was right. All too often we find ourselves being controlled by the external forces in our lives rather than being led by the internal force, the Holy Spirit. Paul said "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh... if ye live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit" Gal. 5:16,25