Jealousy

So the women sang as they danced, and said: "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands." Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?" So Saul eyed David from that day forward.  – 1 Samuel 18.7-9

Saul really had issues. Once he began to run from God and rebel against His way things just got worse and worse for him.

This should have been a day of great celebration. The whole nation should have rejoiced and the king should have rejoiced with them.

David led the armies back to Jerusalem. As they approached the city the excitement built. Everyone like a great victory. Think of the videos we have seen of world-wide celebrations after the end of World War 2. This would have been a similar victory parade.

Saul sat and watched the victorious armies returning. He must have been thrilled at the great victory. There was an indistinct chant from the crowd. As the got closer Saul started to make it out.

Saul has killed his thousand, and David his tens of thousands
Saul has killed his thousand, and David his tens of thousands
Saul has killed his thousand, and David his tens of thousands
Saul has killed his thousand, and David his tens of thousands
Saul has killed his thousand, and David his tens of thousands!!!

And Saul raged. He could not believe what he was hearing. The green-eyed monster took control and ‘Saul eyed David from that day forward.’

Saul became obsessed with David. When he ‘eyed him from that day forward’ it means that he eyed him with suspicion and contempt.

Jealousy is a terrible problem. It is based on pride and discontent. When it comes right down to it it is rooted in the idea that God is not fair. We may take it out, like Saul, on the object of our jealousy, but as much as we don’t like to admit we are blaming God. It happens when we get our eyes off of Him and we get our eyes on ourselves.

So they next time we get upset at another’s success or praise or possessions or situation let’s stop and consider the true root of our feelings. Otherwise there is the real danger that a ‘root of bitterness’ will set in a many will be defiled.