Friendship, Jealousy, and God’s Protection

March 25th Bible Study: 1 Samuel 18-20

Read 1 Samuel 18-20**or listen to it here:**1 Samuel 18-20 Audio

📜 Scripture of the Day

“But the Lord was with David and had departed from Saul.”1 Samuel 18:12

Woman Reading Bible with Coffee

These chapters highlight the deep friendship between David and Jonathan, contrasted with King Saul’s growing jealousy and hostility. As David rises in popularity due to his victories, Saul’s insecurity turns to violent rage, leading him to attempt David’s murder multiple times. Despite the danger, Jonathan remains loyal to David, recognizing God’s plan for him. Their covenant of friendship stands as a powerful example of faithfulness and love. These passages remind us that true friendship is rooted in God’s truth, and His protection is over those who walk in obedience to Him.

📚 Overview of 1 Samuel 18-20

🔹 1 Samuel 18 – Saul’s Jealousy and David’s Success
David’s military victories earn him admiration, but Saul’s jealousy leads to multiple attempts on David’s life.

🔹 1 Samuel 19 – Saul’s Murderous Pursuit
Saul orders David’s death, but Jonathan and Michal help him escape, showing God’s protection through faithful friends.

🔹 1 Samuel 20 – David and Jonathan’s Covenant
Jonathan confirms Saul’s intent to kill David, and they make a covenant, trusting in God’s plan for the future.

🔍 Trust and Obedience Lead to Victory

Saul’s downfall reminds us that disobedience separates us from God’s blessings, while David’s story reveals that faith and courage bring victory. When we trust in God’s power rather than our own, we can overcome any obstacle. Obedience and faith will always lead us closer to God’s plan for our lives.

Bible Study Points and Reflections

  • 📖 1 Samuel 18: The Danger of Jealousy
    • 📌 Key Verse: 1 Samuel 18:9 – “And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.”
    • 💡 Reflection: Saul’s jealousy blinded him to God’s greater plan and led him down a destructive path.
    • Application: Are you letting jealousy or comparison rob your peace and trust in God’s plan?
  • 📖 1 Samuel 19: God’s Protection Through Others
    • 📌 Key Verse: 1 Samuel 19:12 – “So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped.”
    • 💡 Reflection: God often uses people around us to protect and guide us through difficult times.
    • Application: How has God used others to help you in times of trouble?
  • 📖 1 Samuel 20: Covenant Friendship
    • 📌 Key Verse: 1 Samuel 20:42 – “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord.”
    • 💡 Reflection: True, godly friendships are built on faith, loyalty, and shared commitment to God’s will.
    • Application: Do your friendships encourage you to stay faithful to God’s plan?

✨ Encouragement of the Day

God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. David wasn’t the strongest or most obvious choice, but his faith in God set him apart. Like David, when we trust in God rather than our own abilities, we can face any challenge with confidence.


🙏 Call to Action

📖 Journal Prompt: Where in your life is God asking for full obedience? How can you step out in faith like David?

💬 Discussion: Have you ever felt like an underdog but saw God work in unexpected ways? Share your testimony in the comments!

🙏 Prayer: Lord, help me to obey You completely and trust in Your strength. Give me the faith to face my battles with confidence in You. Amen.