“The enemy is fear"

1 Samuel 18:6-16

Not often would it be proper for this writer to state, “I identify with David in these verses, and it is surely not for being a great warrior.”  But I’ve worked for a few Saul’s in my forty years in sales, men who at one time were successful, but had moved to management.  I’m not sure they had an evil spirit invading their person, but at the time it sure seemed so.  What they had was low self-esteem; they missed getting the praise for closing the big order, and they became jealous of the very people who were making them look successful.  Now King Saul took this to a higher level in that he on many occasions tried to kill David, never had a boss gone that far! 

David’s trouble with Saul all began when the women got together and made up a catchy little song.  It is found in verses 6-7, “As they were coming home when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing, and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”   You and I know in hindsight this was all part of God’s plan.  But it also speaks volumes about the character of King Saul; he knows in his heart that God has removed his blessing from him and that David is a man of leadership and character who is willing to listen to the Lord and obey His direction.  David is not impressed with himself, for he made it very clear to Goliath and the army of Israel that the battle was not his to win or lose, the fight was the Lords.  Do you recall in chapter 17:47, “and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear.  For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into my hand.”  It makes one wonder is that the God I’m serving, or is my god depending on my abilities, if so you’re in for a fall?

So the day Saul heard the women singing that song he feared David, and fear always leads to insecurity and his love and respect for David turned to hate and jealousy.  The very same thing happened to the Religious leaders when Jesus began His ministry, and fear leads to hate and the end game results in murder.

In verses 12-13, we see Saul removing David from his presence and putting him over a thousand men, all that David attempted was successful.  Now verses 15 and 16, tell the rest of this story; “And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.”  

I will finish with a quote from a great man; “The enemy is fear.  We think it is hate; but it is fear.” Mahatma Gandhi

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice