David's popularity rose. He was able to win people's hearts, including Saul's son Jonathan, Saul's servants and the people (1 Samuel 18:5). He was far more popular than Saul. When they returned in triumph, the women sang praises to them: Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul was angry: "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands; and what more can he have but the kingdom?" (1 Samuel 18:8). Not only did David overshadow him, but also threatened to take away his kingdom. Not only did all Israel love David (18:28), but also his name was highly esteemed by the Philistines (18:30). Indeed, David was so successful as to win over both friends and enemies. But your boss is not your friend, nor your enemy! According to Chinese wisdom, overshadowing your boss is a big mistake. One day, you will pay for it with your life, with your tribe. This was the beginning of troubles Saul had against David.
How did Saul manage his anger? First, he removed David from his presence by making David a commander of a thousand (18:13). Then he gave his own daughter Michal to David for a wife. He intended to make use of his own daughter as a snare for David (18:21). Intending to make use of the Philistines to kill David, he demanded a dowry of 100 foreskins of Philistines (18:25). David submitted 200 instead (18:27)! Saul was a relentless strategist. He was determined to make use of anything available, his servants, the Philistines and even his own daughter in order to destroy David. How would Michal feel? She definitely would betray her father when chances arose. In trying to achieve his own goal, Saul had lost people's hearts.
Saul deteriorated into madness. When David soothed him with his lyre, Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear (19:10). When Saul sent his servants to watch over David in the night so that he might kill him in the morning, Michal let David down through the window to escape (19:12). In the meantime, she put a dummy in bed to fake a 'sick' David (19:13-14). When Saul came, David had already fled to Samuel (19:18).
While David was loved by his friends and respected by his enemies, jealousy had clouded the mind of Saul the strategist. His inflated ego was hurt and he became so self-centred that he could only treat everybody else, both friends and enemies, as his instruments to achieve his goal. When people feel that they are reduced to objects and instruments, they lose hearts in and loyalty to you. Can you not beware of this danger?
My God, You so love us as to give Your only beloved Son to die for us. You do not treat us, insignificant lowly creatures, as objects to please You. My Lord, my existence does not add to Your glory, but I am willing to become Your instrument to carry out Your will. So, make me a handy one that I may be able to channel Your grace to whoever I meet. Help me to win over people's hearts for Your greater glory. Amen.
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