Verses 48–58
See how frail and uncertain life is, even when a man thinks himself best fortified; how quickly,
how easily, and by how small a matter, the passage may be opened for life to go out, and death to
enter! Let not the strong man glory in his strength, nor the armed man in his armour. God resists
the proud, and pours contempt on those who defy him and his people. No one ever hardened his
heart against God and prospered. The history is recorded, that all may exert themselves for the
honour of God, and the support of his cause, with bold and unshaken reliance on him. There is one
conflict in which all the followers of the Lamb are, and must be engaged; one enemy, more
formidable than Goliath, still challenges the armies of Israel. But “resist the devil, and he will flee
from you.” Go forth to battle with the faith of David, and the powers of darkness shall not stand
against you. But how often is the Christian foiled through an evil heart of unbelief!
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
Jonathan's friendship for David. (1–5)
Saul seeks to kill David. (6–11)
Saul's fear of David. (12–30)Verses 1–5
The friendship of David and Jonathan was the effect of Divine grace, which produces in true
believers one heart and one soul, and causes them to love each other. This union of souls is from
partaking in the Spirit of Christ. Where God unites hearts, carnal matters are too weak to separate
them. Those who love Christ as their own souls, will be willing to join themselves to him in an
everlasting covenant. It was certainly a great proof of the power of God's grace in David, that he
was able to bear all this respect and honour, without being lifted up above measure.
Verses 6–11
David's troubles not only immediately follow his triumphs, but arise from them; such is the
vanity of that which seems greatest in this world. It is a sign that the Spirit of God is departed from
men, if, like Saul, they are peevish, envious, suspicious, and ill-natured. Compare David, with his
harp in his hand, aiming to serve Saul, and Saul, with his javelin in his hand, aiming to slay David;
and observe the sweetness and usefulness of God's persecuted people, and the barbarity of their
persecutors. But David's safety must be ascribed to God's providence.
Verses 12–30