Summary of “Day 111: Saul Tries to Kill David”

Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Ascension
Date: April 21, 2026
Episode Focus: 1 Samuel 18–19 & Psalm 59

Episode Overview

On Day 111, Fr. Mike guides listeners through the dramatic escalation of conflict between Saul and David, focusing on the nature of true friendship, envy, virtue, and trust in God during trials. The episode includes the Scripture readings of 1 Samuel chapters 18 and 19—where Saul’s jealousy of David boils over into attempts on his life—and Psalm 59, written by David as a plea for deliverance from his enemies. The reflection centers on the themes of friendship (particularly David and Jonathan’s covenant), the pitfalls of envy, and the power of praising God in adversity.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Deep Friendship Between David and Jonathan ([08:00]–[11:30])

• Scripture Recap: Jonathan’s soul is “knit” to David’s; the two make a covenant as a sign of their virtue and shared purpose (1 Samuel 18:1–4).
• Father Mike’s Reflection: Fr. Mike explores the concept of virtuous friendship versus friendships of convenience, pleasure, or utility.
  • Quote: “Virtuous friendship is...that you’re captured not by each other, but you’re captured by the same thing. And that same thing is worth giving your entire life for.” ([10:25])
• CS Lewis Reference: “When you’re pursuing this thing that’s bigger than you, and you look and see there’s someone running next to you, and you say, ‘Wait a second, you too?’” ([10:50])
• Highlights that Jonathan, despite being heir to Saul, feels no envy toward David but supports God’s plan.

2. Saul’s Jealousy and Downfall ([11:30]–[14:45])

• Scripture Recap: Saul’s jealousy intensifies as the people celebrate David’s victories, notably with the chant, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:6–8).
• Father Mike’s Insight:
  • Saul’s main flaw (“Achilles heel”) is his obsession with public opinion rather than God’s approval.
  • Quote: “Saul’s Achilles heel is he cares too much what other people think of him and he cares too little of what God thinks of him.” ([12:00])
• Memorable Moment: Fr. Mike notes Saul’s envy: “Lucky for David, Saul is not as good at throwing a spear as he is at getting jealous.” ([13:30])

3. Saul’s Attempts to Kill David and David’s Rise ([14:45]–[16:30])

• Saul becomes increasingly hostile, attempting several times to kill David, both directly (throwing a spear) and indirectly (sending David into dangerous battles).
• Marriage plot: Saul hopes to ensnare David through marriage to his daughters, but “David is an overachiever...and is really, really wonderful,” collecting double the required dowry ([15:25]).
• David’s success and Saul’s fear: Despite Saul’s plots, David’s victories multiply, making him more beloved and Saul more fearful and resentful.

4. David’s Supporters: Jonathan and Michal ([16:30]–[18:30])

• Jonathan’s Loyalty: Jonathan intercedes for David with Saul, defending David’s innocence and success.
• Michal’s Compassion: Michal, David’s wife, helps him escape Saul’s assassination attempt, using deception (dummy in the bed) to protect David (1 Samuel 19:11–17).

5. Saul’s Relentlessness, God’s Intervention ([18:30]–[19:45])

• David flees to Samuel; Saul’s men—and then Saul himself—are overcome by the Spirit of God, ending up prophesying and incapacitated, unable to harm David.
• The episodes underscore God’s protection of David and the futility of Saul’s attempts.

6. Psalm 59: Praising God in Adversity ([19:45]–[21:15])

• David expresses trust in God even as his enemies pursue him: “Deliver me from my enemies, O my God...” ([Psalm 59])
• Fr. Mike’s Emphasis:
  • David’s habit of praising God before victory (“He gives God praise before the battle is over, he praises God.” [20:50])
  • Encourages listeners likewise to praise God even when under trial.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Virtuous Friendship:
  “That becomes the source or the germ, the seed of virtuous friendship. And we have Jonathan and David having that, and they make a covenant with each other.” ([10:35])
• On Saul’s Jealousy:
  “Saul’s Achilles heel is he cares too much what other people think of him and he cares too little of what God thinks of him.” ([12:00])
• On David’s Overachievement:
  “So David goes out and gets 200, because David is an overachiever and is really, really wonderful.” ([15:25])
• On Praising God Amid Trials:
  “But more than anything, even in the midst of distress, David gives God praise. Before the battle is over, he praises God.” ([20:50]) “We praise him before the battle is over. We praise him when we’re in the midst of the struggle. We praise him even when we’re on the run.” ([21:05])
• On Praying for Each Other:
  “Please pray for each other. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow.” ([22:05])

Important Timestamps

• 08:00 — Discussion of Jonathan and David’s covenant
• 10:25 — CS Lewis, The Four Loves, and virtuous friendship
• 12:00 — Saul’s fatal flaw: preoccupation with public opinion
• 13:30 — Saul’s jealousy; “Lucky for David…”
• 15:25 — David as overachiever and Saul’s failed plots
• 16:30 — Jonathan’s intercession; Michal’s rescue of David
• 18:30 — Saul’s spiritual incapacitation at Ramah
• 19:45 — Psalm 59, trust and praise in adversity
• 20:50 — “He gives God praise before the battle is over…”
• 21:05 — Praising God during trials

Final Reflection

Fr. Mike closes by challenging listeners to emulate David’s faith—trusting in God and maintaining praise through uncertainty and struggle. He urges reflection on the quality of one’s friendships, to seek true, virtuous companions, and not to be controlled by others’ opinions, but instead by the call of God.

End of Summary