This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 18:9-30, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Saul who was king of Israel. Saul didn’t like a young man named David, even though David had done nothing wrong. Saul’s jealousy grew every day, and one day, he tried to hurt David by throwing a spear at him! But David was quick and dodged the spear.
Saul was scared of David because he knew that God was with him. So Saul sent David away to be a commander of a thousand soldiers. David was very successful in all he did because God was with him.
Later on, Saul promised to give David his daughter Merab as a wife. But Saul went back on his promise and gave Merab to someone else instead. However, Saul’s other daughter Michal loved David, and Saul saw this as an opportunity to hurt David. So he promised to let David marry Michal if he brought back the foreskins of 100 Philistines, who were the enemies of Israel.
David accepted the challenge and went with his soldiers to fight the Philistines. With God’s help, David was able to defeat 200 Philistines and bring back their foreskins. Saul had to keep his promise and gave Michal to David as his wife.
Even though David was successful and had many victories, Saul continued to be jealous and afraid of him. But God was with David, and he continued to prosper.
Biblical Lessons
- Jealousy and envy can cause people to do bad things.
- God’s favor is worth more than any earthly success.
- Keeping promises is important.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
Institutes of the Christian Religion
A classic work of Reformed theology in an accessible form, laying out Christian doctrine with deep biblical roots.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A comprehensive, evangelical overview of Christian doctrine with Scripture at every point.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
Spurgeon on the Christian Life
A portrait of Charles Spurgeon's Christ-centered theology and joyful piety.
View on Amazon
The Bruised Reed
A tender Puritan work on Christ's gentleness toward weak and struggling believers.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
The Hospitality Commands
Shows from Scripture how vital hospitality is to Christian obedience and fellowship.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
Religious Affections
Examines the nature of true spiritual experience and the marks of genuine conversion.
View on Amazon
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
A Puritan classic on learning contentment in God in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
Encourages and equips Christians to share the gospel faithfully and simply.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon