Lesson 90

1 Samuel 18–24

Prepare to Learn

Prepare your mind and heart to learn. Consider taking notes and marking verses that are meaningful to you. Doing these things can help you remember personal insights and impressions from the Spirit.

Begin your study with prayer.

We are all different. Sometimes we allow our differences to separate and divide us from one another. As you watch this video, consider how we can overcome our tendency to be divided and can become unified as children of God.

Poor Choices

1. List two or three poor choices someone might make because of anger or jealousy.

As you study 1 Samuel 18, look for a principle that will help you better understand the dangers of anger and jealousy.

David and Jonathan

We read in 1 Samuel 18:1–5 that after David defeated Goliath, Saul made David leader over the army. David also became close friends with Saul’s son Jonathan. Jonathan could have been jealous of David’s success. Instead, Jonathan rejoiced and demonstrated his friendship and his support of David continually, even after he learned that David would become the next king (see 1 Samuel 23:16–17).

Read 1 Samuel 18:6–9, looking for how Saul felt about David’s success.

Saul’s Anger and Jealousy

The word wroth in 1 Samuel 18:8 means very angry, and the phrase “Saul eyed David from that day and forward” in verse 9 refers to Saul’s growing jealousy and anger toward David. Saul became angry and jealous because the people celebrated David’s success more than his own.

In 1 Samuel 18:10–11, we read that David again played his harp for Saul. Read verses 10–11, looking for what Saul did because of his jealousy and anger toward David. It may be helpful to know that the Joseph Smith Translation changes the phrase “the evil spirit from God” in verse 10 to “the evil spirit which was not of God” (1 Samuel 18:10, footnote a).

Using what you learned from this account, what happens to us when we allow ourselves to be jealous and angry?

Counsel about Jealousy and Anger

From 1 Samuel 18:10–11 we can learn that when we are jealous and angry, we allow the influence of the adversary into our lives.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles provided the following counsel for times when we may feel jealous, envious, or angry because of someone else’s success.

You can read the text for this video here: “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 31.

2. Answer the following questions:

• What are some specific circumstances where we may be filled with envy by comparing ourselves with others?

• What reasons did Elder Holland give for why we should not feel envious when others receive blessings?

• What are some ways we can eliminate these feelings when we experience them?

David’s Response

Read 1 Samuel 18:12–16, looking for how David behaved in response to Saul’s jealousy and anger.

According to verse 14, how did the Lord bless David for not responding to Saul in anger?

Saul’s Pursuit of David

In 1 Samuel 18:17–27 we learn that Saul devised a plan to have David killed. He offered one of his daughters for David to marry if David would kill 100 Philistines. Saul hoped that David would be killed in battle, but David was victorious and married Saul’s daughter Michal.

We read in 1 Samuel 19–23 that Saul commanded his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. Jonathan told David of his father’s plans and persuaded Saul to promise to not kill David. However, Saul eventually continued trying to kill David. David found refuge with the prophet Samuel and received help from other people, including some priests. Saul continued to be so jealous of David that he killed the priests who had helped David.

If you had been in David’s situation, how would you have felt toward Saul?

The Cave

As you study 1 Samuel 24, look for a principle that can guide you when you might be tempted to retaliate against others.

Read 1 Samuel 24:1–7, looking for what happened while David was hiding in a cave.

David’s Decision

In 1 Samuel 24:4–7 we read that David cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe. This means that David cut off the border of Saul’s robe. The border symbolized Saul’s authority. (See 1 Samuel 24:4, footnote a.) David’s action also showed that David had been close enough to Saul to harm him, but he had chosen not to.

Notice in verse 6 what David acknowledged about Saul.

David’s Reasons for Not Retaliating

Read 1 Samuel 24:8–15, looking for why David said he would not kill Saul.

Who did David say was the judge between him and Saul?

What principle can we learn from David about not seeking revenge against those who have hurt us?

The Perfect Judge

From 1 Samuel 24:8–15 we can learn that because the Lord is a perfect judge, we do not need to seek revenge against those who have hurt us. A desire to seek revenge is often motivated by a desire to dispense justice to those who have wronged us. Since the Lord is a perfect judge, we can trust that He will dispense justice perfectly to those who have wronged us. Therefore, we can leave judgment to Him.

It is also important to understand that seeking revenge is different from seeking justice. Letting the Lord be the judge does not mean you should not seek help when it is needed. For example, victims of any type of abuse should still seek help from parents, priesthood leaders, and people with professional medical or emotional expertise as needed.

3. What blessings can come from leaving judgment to the Lord when someone has hurt us? You may want to share an experience. Be sure to not share anything that is too personal or private.

Help and Healing

The following principles were identified in this lesson:

• When we are jealous and angry, we allow the influence of the adversary into our lives.

• Because the Lord is a perfect judge, we do not need to seek revenge against those who have hurt us.

Consider whether you have felt or currently feel the desire to seek revenge against others. Let the Lord be the judge in these situations, and do not seek revenge. Pray for the Lord’s help to overcome the pain you feel and your desire for revenge.

Doctrinal Mastery Review

Reflect on what you learned in the previous lesson as you studied Ezekiel 3:16–17.

4. List some of the roles and responsibilities of prophets.

Ezekiel 3:16–17

In the last lesson, you learned that Ezekiel 3:16–17 is a doctrinal mastery passage that helps teach that prophets denounce sin, warn of its consequences, and help us avoid deception.

Review Ezekiel 3:16–17, and think about ways that you can remember the doctrine in this passage and the scripture reference.