What does 1 Samuel 18:9 mean?

David's relationship with Saul transitions very quickly from court musician to brilliant warrior to rival. Saul recognizes David is quickly becoming more popular than him. The king becomes enraged by a song celebrating David's accomplishments as greater than his own (1 Samuel 18:7–8). So, Saul keeps an eye on David, watching for any hint that his new champion will try to take the throne.

Unchecked jealousy quickly becomes a filter through which we view another person. We interpret every word, action, and non-action with assumptions about their "real motives" and hidden agendas. And yet, Saul has reasons to be concerned. The prophet Samuel told Saul that the Lord had rejected him as king over Israel because of disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23). Rule over Israel was given to a "neighbor who is better" (1 Samuel 15:28). Saul would naturally be on the lookout for this successor.

What Saul fails to consider are David's motives. Even though David knows he will be king, and that Saul is actively trying to kill him, David is fiercely loyal to "the Lord's anointed" (1 Samuel 24:7–15). David acts only with integrity and honor. He embraces his role as Saul's servant and a champion of Israel. He trusts the Lord enough to leave everything about the throne in divine hands.