David served King Saul faithfully, and Saul repaid him with a spear and years of pursuit.
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.— 1 Samuel 16:23 (KJV)
Jealousy Begins
After Goliath, the women sang, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul "eyed David from that day and forward" (18:9) and twice cast his javelin at him (18:10–11; 19:10).
From the PsalmsDeliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.— Psalm 59:1 (KJV)
Hunted Through the Wilderness
David fled to Samuel at Ramah (19:18), to Nob (21:1), to Gath (21:10), and to the cave of Adullam, where his mighty men gathered (22:1–2). Saul pursued him into the wilderness of Ziph, Maon and En-gedi (1 Samuel 23–24).
Mercy to His Enemy
Twice David could have killed Saul and would not (David spares Saul). Saul died on mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31), and David mourned him (2 Samuel 1:17–27).
41 bold coloring pages of King David's warriors, straight from 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. Ages 5–99+. Paperback, $9.99. See inside the book.
Get the Coloring BookQuestions About David's Mighty Men
Why did Saul hate David?
Saul was jealous after the women sang that David had slain his ten thousands (1 Samuel 18:7–9), and 'Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him' (1 Samuel 18:12).
How many times did Saul throw a spear at David?
1 Samuel 18:11 says David avoided out of his presence twice, and 19:10 records another throw.
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