God’s anointing had left Saul and landed on David. Samuel had been directed by God to acknowledge David as king of Israel. David’s popularity grew and Saul’s diminished. This greatly troubled Saul, and he allowed a very jealous spirit to control him. He tried several times to kill David, but God was protecting him.

When God transfers His mantle of leadership to a new leader, it can be difficult for the old one. The old leader must be gracious and recognize that it’s time for change. He can be a support and conduit of encouragement or he can get jealous and undermine the new leader. Allowing God’s spiritual gifts to flow through him, the old leader can be a valuable support and tool of blessing to the new leader. Saul could have saved himself much trouble by having taken the honorable stance.

READ/HEAR: 1 Sam. 17,18