“The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did each day. But Saul had a spear in his hand, and he suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped him twice. Saul was then afraid of David, for the Lord was with David and had turned away from Saul. Finally, Saul sent him away and appointed him commander over 1,000 men, and David faithfully led his troops into battle. David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him. When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle.”
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1 Samuel‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT

Three times in this passage, it is pointed out that Saul became very afraid of David. A deeper look at their relationship would likely uncover that a more nuanced interpretation would be that Saul became afraid for himself because of David. David was a humble man. Saul, being a prideful man, didn’t know how to navigate such a creature. He would try to have him killed, but it wouldn’t work because God favored him. Both his son and his daughters loved him. The public adored him as well. Beyond this, Saul’s position seemed increasingly dependent upon David. His military victories as well as his relational stability and the very presence of God in his reign all depended upon keeping him around. Yet, Saul was not interested in doing things God’s way. He wanted to scheme and kill, rather than to submit to what God would want. Truth be told, had he simply accepted David, as a gift, rather than a statement of his inadequacy, that is what David would’ve become. Instead, he leaned into this and led a miserable life as David became more and more successful. He lost everything to his fear of inadequacy, and thus became inadequate. Whenever there is a possibility to fear the truth, the way through is acceptance of it, and submission to God.

Saul’s Fear of David: Saul’s fear stemmed from David’s humility, God’s favor, and David’s growing influence, which threatened Saul’s pride and position.

Saul’s Misunderstanding of David: Saul failed to recognize David as a gift and instead saw him as a threat to his own inadequacies.

Consequences of Saul’s Actions: Saul’s pride, fear, and refusal to submit to God led to a miserable life and ultimately, the loss of everything.