And from that day forwardThis phrase marks a significant turning point in the relationship between Saul and David. The context is crucial: David had just returned from defeating Goliath, and his popularity was soaring among the Israelites. Saul's jealousy was ignited by the women's song that praised David's victories more than Saul's. This moment signifies the beginning of Saul's deep-seated envy and suspicion, which would persist throughout the rest of his life. The phrase "from that day forward" indicates a continuous and unrelenting attitude that Saul would maintain, highlighting the enduring nature of his jealousy.
Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
Saul's jealousy is a central theme in this narrative. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings often viewed popular military leaders as threats to their throne. Saul's insecurity is exacerbated by the Spirit of the Lord departing from him and resting on David, as seen earlier in1 Samuel 16:14. This jealousy is not just a personal failing but a spiritual one, as Saul's disobedience to God had already led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:26-28). Saul's "jealous eye" suggests a watchful, suspicious, and hostile attitude, which foreshadows his future attempts to kill David. This jealousy can be seen as a type of the world's hostility towards Christ, who, like David, was anointed by God and faced opposition from the established powers. Saul's actions contrast with Jonathan's, Saul's son, who loved David and made a covenant with him, symbolizing the acceptance and recognition of God's chosen one.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign is marked by his initial obedience to God, followed by disobedience and a decline into jealousy and paranoia, particularly towards David.
2.
DavidA young shepherd who was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his faithfulness to God, David becomes a successful warrior and gains favor with the people, which incites Saul's jealousy.
3.
JealousyA central theme in this passage, where Saul's jealousy towards David begins to manifest. This jealousy is rooted in Saul's fear of losing his kingdom and the favor of the people.
4.
IsraelThe nation over which Saul reigns as king. The people of Israel play a role in Saul's jealousy as they begin to favor David over Saul due to David's successes.
5.
The EyeSymbolically represents Saul's focus and intent. The phrase "kept a jealous eye" indicates Saul's growing obsession and suspicion towards David.
Teaching Points
The Destructive Nature of JealousyJealousy can consume and destroy relationships, as seen in Saul's relationship with David. It is crucial to guard our hearts against envy and seek contentment in God's plan for our lives.
Focus on God's PlanSaul's focus shifted from God's will to his own insecurities. We must keep our eyes on God's purpose for us, trusting that His plans are for our good.
The Importance of HumilityDavid's humility and trust in God contrast with Saul's pride and fear. Emulating David's humility can help us navigate challenges and maintain our integrity.
Guarding Our HeartsProverbs 4:23 advises us to guard our hearts, as it is the wellspring of life. Saul's failure to do so led to his downfall. We must be vigilant in protecting our hearts from negative emotions.
The Power of ForgivenessDespite Saul's actions, David chooses not to retaliate. Forgiveness and grace can break the cycle of jealousy and hatred, leading to peace and reconciliation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 18:9?
2.How does Saul's jealousy in 1 Samuel 18:9 affect his relationship with David?
3.What can we learn from Saul's attitude about guarding our own hearts?
4.How does 1 Samuel 18:9 connect to the commandment against coveting in Exodus 20:17?
5.In what ways can we prevent jealousy from taking root in our lives?
6.How does Saul's behavior in 1 Samuel 18:9 contrast with Christ's teachings on love?
7.Why did Saul eye David with suspicion from that day forward in 1 Samuel 18:9?
8.How does Saul's jealousy in 1 Samuel 18:9 reflect human nature and sin?
9.What does 1 Samuel 18:9 teach about the dangers of envy and rivalry?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18?
11.Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18?
12.Is envy the decay of one's inner self?
13.What lessons do Saul, Jonathan, and David's lives teach?
14.In 2 Samuel 9:1, how is it historical or archaeologically verifiable that no one else knew of Saul's surviving heir except David's court?What Does 1 Samuel 18:9 Mean
And- This opening conjunction ties verse 9 directly to what just happened in verses 6–8, where the women sang, “‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’” (1 Samuel 18:7).
- Saul’s anger and hurt pride in verse 8 immediately spill over into the new reality described in verse 9.
- Scripture often shows pivotal “and” moments where a heart turns—compare Cain after God accepted Abel’s offering (Genesis 4:5–8) or the brothers of Joseph after his dreams (Genesis 37:4–5).
from that day forward- The phrase marks a permanent shift, not a passing mood. Saul’s suspicion hardens into a settled pattern.
- Later verses confirm the ongoing nature: “Saul was even more afraid of David, so he became David’s enemy for the rest of his days” (1 Samuel 18:29); “Saul tried to pin David to the wall” (1 Samuel 19:10).
- Once jealousy takes root, it grows—Proverbs 27:4 warns, “Who can withstand jealousy?” andJames 3:16 notes that “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.”
Saul kept a jealous eye- Saul, Israel’s king, chooses fixation over repentance. Instead of looking to the Lord who had anointed him (1 Samuel 10:1), he locks his gaze on David.
- Jealousy distorts vision:
• It compares (“tens of thousands” versus “thousands”).
• It suspects (“What more can he have but the kingdom?”1 Samuel 18:8).
• It strategizes harm (1 Samuel 19:1).
- Scripture repeatedly warns against envy: “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” (Proverbs 14:30); “The patriarchs, moved by jealousy, sold Joseph into Egypt” (Acts 7:9).
on David- David has done nothing but serve Saul faithfully—playing the harp to soothe him (1 Samuel 16:23) and fighting Goliath when no one else would (1 Samuel 17:45–50).
- The true issue is not David’s rise but God’s favor: “The LORD was with David” (1 Samuel 18:12).
- When God elevates someone, opponents may arise—see Daniel under Darius (Daniel 6:3–4) or the apostles inActs 5:17.
- David responds with continued loyalty (1 Samuel 24:6), modeling how to live when falsely targeted.
summary1 Samuel 18:9 records the moment Saul’s wounded pride crystallized into enduring jealousy. From that day onward, he watched David with suspicion, allowing envy to dominate his thinking and actions. The verse warns that one unchecked look—fixed on another’s God-given success—can open the door to a lifetime of bitterness, while also reminding us that the Lord’s favor on His servants remains unshaken, even under jealous eyes.
(9)
And Saul eyed David.--From the hour on which the king listened to the people's lilt in honour of the young hero, in Saul's distempered mind hate alternated with love. He still in his heart longed for the presence of the only human being who could charm away his ever-increasing melancholia, but he dreaded with a fierce jealousy the growing influence of the winning and gifted man whom he had taken from the sheep-folds; and now through the rest of the records of this book we shall see how the hate gradually obscured the old love. All our memories of Saul seem bound up with his life-long murderous pursuit of David.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Andוַיְהִ֥י(way·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, befrom thatהַה֖וּא(ha·hū)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, aredayמֵהַיּ֥וֹם(mê·hay·yō·wm)Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayforwardוָהָֽלְאָה׃(wā·hā·lə·’āh)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 1973:To the distance, far away, thus farSaulשָׁא֖וּל(šā·’ūl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israeliteskept a jealous eyeעוֹיֵ֣ן(‘ō·w·yên)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquityon David.דָּוִ֑ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse
Links
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1 Samuel 18:9 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 18:9 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 18:9 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 18:9 French Bible1 Samuel 18:9 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 18:9 Saul eyed David from that day (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) 
