David Faces His Life Crisis
1 Samuel 19–21
Paul J. Bucknell
After the high point of David’s victory over Goliath, Saul’s hatred forced the anointed king into flight. The crisis tested David’s trust, exposed his weaknesses, and drove him toward refuge in God.
What is a crisis? Have you ever faced a crisis? How did you handle it? Did God factor much into it?
Main Characters
Saul
The current king of Israel started out well but did not last because he was unwilling to obey God and submit his will to Him. His jealousy toward David continues and intensifies.
Jonathan
Saul’s son, a man of integrity, honor, and faith, has a deep and loyal friendship with David, who shares his heart for God (1 Samuel 14:6).
David
The anointed king, yet not reigning. After reaching the highest of highs, David sank to the lowest of lows. Although a national hero for serving in Saul’s court, David was now hunted by Saul.
The Story Unfolds
- 19:1: Saul’s jealousy toward David becomes open hatred.
- 19:2–5: Jonathan speaks on David’s behalf. How did this special friendship develop (18:1–4)?
- 19:9–10: Saul’s hatred and jealousy rage against David, so David escapes. Consider God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in verse 9.
- 19:11–17: Michal helps David escape.
- 19:18–24: God protects David. The Hebrew word naba can describe prophetic speech and, in some contexts, uncontrolled ecstatic behavior or enthusiastic praise.
- 20:1–17: David confronts Jonathan; Jonathan accepts God’s will for him (vv. 13–14).
- 20:18–42: Saul’s hatred is confirmed. Contrast Saul’s selfish attitude (vv. 30–31), Jonathan’s sense of justice (vv. 32, 34), and the love of godly men (v. 41).
- 21:1–9: David flees to Ahimelech and uses deception, with later consequences (22:10, 13–18).
- 21:10–15: David flees to Gath, one of the five major Philistine towns, and again resorts to deception.
The Diary of a Fugitive
David ran from Saul and used deception to save himself, but the Psalms reveal more of what was happening in his heart.
- Psalm 59 / 1 Samuel 19:11: fear (vv. 1–2), anger (vv. 4–7), and hope (vv. 8–17).
- Psalm 56 / 1 Samuel 21:10–15
- Other related Psalms: Psalm 34 / 1 Samuel 21:13; Psalm 52 / 1 Samuel 22:9–10; Psalm 54 / 1 Samuel 23:19.
Application
God used stress to test and refine David’s trust in Him and to build his character (compare Hebrews 5:8).
As the stresses of life increased, David turned to God, found refuge in Him, gained a deeper sense of His love, and praised Him (Psalm 59:16–17). What causes you stress? How do you handle such pressure?
David’s crisis prompted him to examine his relationship with God more closely. How about you?
- Look at Saul, Jonathan, and David. Which character do you most relate to?
- How can a crisis expose both your weaknesses and the places where God is strengthening your faith?
Homework: Read 1 Samuel 24–25.