# 1 Samuel Chapter 18
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## Summary
David wins the deep and true friendship of Sauls son Jonathan, and due to his success as a military leader is placed above all of the men of war. The celebrations of the Lords success Saul observes the people make comparison between him and David. Saul's fear of the loss of power causes him to attempt to attack David who evades him on two occasions.

David continues to be successful against the Philistines and Sauls enemies, and Saul offers him his daughters hand. Yet David refuses, due to his relatively lowly position. As such Saul's daughter is offered to another Israelite. David is offered a second chance to become son in law to the king and is tasked to supply 100 Philistine forskins; David supplies 200 and Saul gives him his daughters. Davids success continues to be a source of anxiety for Saul.

## Meditatio
It is somewhat unsurprising that Saul is a little concerned. This esteemed shepherd boy defeated the Philistine champion, has won the heart of the people, is an accomplished Soldier, has won the heart of his son, and the Lord is with him. Saul puts it aptly `what more can he have but the kingdom?`. 

Saul here is conscious that he is a failed leader; a [dead duck](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dead-duck) pending replacement. Rather than recognising that the Lord would preserve those he anoints, even in the face of overwhelming odds; and respecting the boundaries of the role Sauls actions leave him abandoned by the Lord. It is much like the hardening of Pharaohs heart we see in Exodus. The Lord permitting, and even aiding, an individual to live in accordance with the pattern they have chosen for themselves.

For Saul is the pattern of fear, something that is pervasive and the source of his greatest failures can be traced back to such roots.

Unlike Saul David, despite being sent to the front, is in the safest place possible. He is located precisely where he needs to be, in the midst of the will of God. He has learnt dependency upon the Lord and humlility. He has grasped what is and isn't his right or role. He serves faithfully even a king that has been abandoned by the Lord.

[^1]: [1 Samuel 18:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+18%3A8&version=ESV)
[^2]: [Exodus 9:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+9%3A12&version=ESV), [Exodus 10:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+10%3A1&version=ESV)