The Tragedy of Saul

The narrative of Saul is a superb study in the psychology of envy.

Saul becomes enraged at David because of David’s success in fighting his, Saul’s battles. It is utterly irrational envy, as envy always is.

Saul’s envy builds to a murderous rage, as he tries twice to kill David. When he fails, his rage is mixed with fear because Yahweh is with his rival.

Saul’s rage doesn’t stay confined to David. Anyone who helps David, defends or allies with him, is also a target. Saul tries to kill his own son Jonathan with the same spear he used against David. David’s family flees the land in fear that Saul will attack them. Saul sicks Doeg the Edomite on the holy priests of Yahweh, killing 85 men. Anger is targetless. It spreads.

Saul’s envious rage twists into paranoia. Anyone who doesn’t join him in his assault on David is suspected as a co-conspirator with David. 

Saul loses authority long before he loses the crown. His own men won’t obey direct orders because they know he’s been driven mad.

It’s a tragedy told with the dynamic psychological study of Macbeth. Ambitious screenwriters take note.