1 Samuel 18 · Grade 4
Love and Jealousy
Read and Think
Chapter 18 shows two opposite responses to David. Jonathan, the king's son and heir, loved David as his own soul. He gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and sash, as if handing over his own place. His love was humble and generous.
Saul's response was jealousy. When the women sang that David had slain his ten thousands, Saul was angry and asked what more David could have but the kingdom. From that day on he watched David with suspicion. Twice he hurled his spear, and twice David escaped.
Saul tried to remove David by sending him into battle and by asking a dangerous bride price for his daughter, hoping the Philistines would kill him. Every plan failed, because the Lord was with David. David behaved wisely, all Israel and Judah loved him, and Saul's fear only grew.
Show What You Know
What did Jonathan's gift of his robe and weapons suggest?
What was Saul's response to David?
What did Saul hope would happen to David?
Why did Saul's plans fail?
Think About It
How did Jonathan show humble, generous love? How can you show that kind of love?
What does jealousy do to a person's heart? How can we fight it?
Memory Verse
“Saul was afraid of David, because Yahweh was with him, and had departed from Saul.”
1 Samuel 18:12 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for good friends. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- Why would a prince give his robe and weapons to David?
- How can you celebrate when a friend does well?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.