In this passage, we see jealousy, insecurity, and irrational vengeance on the part of Saul. Because Doeg told the king that David went to Ahimelech for advice, Saul concluded that the priests conspired with David (son of Jesse) against him. When Ahimelech described David as a faithful servant, Saul reacted violently and ordered the priests killed. His men would not strike the priests so Saul ordered the outsider, Doeg, to do it. Doeg killed the priests and destroyed their town along with all who lived there. Only Abiathar escaped. David told Abiathar to stay with him for safety since the king sought to kill him as well.

 

This passage speaks to me about the importance of remaining secure and comforted in the presence of God. We have been blessed with certain gifts, but others are also blessed. God has a distinct purpose for each of our lives and equips us appropriately. Resting securely in one’s relationship with God precludes the kind of irrational jealousy and insecurity that Saul displayed. 

 

Others may be gifted in much different areas than me, or even more gifted in the same areas as me. None of that diminishes what God has bestowed on me. Neither does it make my submission to God’s will less worthy. Jealousy of others, envy of what others may have, is a poison that the evil one tries to spread in our lives. God created us to love him and each other and to show that love by complementing each other to accomplish his purpose of redeeming the world. That’s why we as Christians are called the “body of Christ.” A body has many different parts that work together to accomplish the task of living. We are to work together to accomplish the task we have been assigned in God’s story. 

 

All of the history of the world is really about God relentlessly moving forward his plan of salvation of his creation. There can be no room for jealousy, envy and revenge among the parts of the body. That will only frustrate God’s purpose for our lives. But he is God. He will not be frustrated forever. He will have his way. The world will be redeemed. We are called to be part of that process, not to fight against it.

 

Your fellow traveler,

 

Jack