And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. (1 Samuel 18:6-9)
Today's Morsel: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," Jesus said. The unfolding of today's scripture passage begins with the return from the battle where David had killed Goliath. What many fail to realize is that at this point David had already been anointed King of Israel, and Saul had already been rejected by God. As they are returning, the women began to sing, "Saul has killed his thousands." Saul probably rode higher in his saddle upon his horse as he heard this verse sung. But then in the next verse they sang, "But David hath killed his ten thousands." When Saul heard this, something turned inside his heart towards David. At this point, David had only killed one man, Goliath. But to the people and to the Philistines, Goliath was worth more than ten thousand men. He was their champion. He was their victor. To Israel, it was like killing ten thousand men. One would have thought that Saul would have been excited about the destruction of his enemy, Goliath. But no, he became jealous and bitter in his heart. And the Bible says he eyed David from that day forward. In other words, he sought to kill him. It was fine as long as Saul himself received the praise, but when David received it, it took the wind out of Saul’s sail. He saw his kingdom in jeopardy. Saul couldn’t take being given second honor. You see the devil doesn't like it when you’re blessed. Let me encourage you today, when others are given praise over you, rejoice with them and remember what James said "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work"(James 3:13-16). Good leaders always allow their followers to receive the honor for the things they do. And strong Christians rejoice with those who rejoice.
Sing: Give God the Glory! Give God the Glory! Give God the Glory, and He will give you the victory.
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