Who are You Jealous of instead of Happy For?

1 Samuel 17:28 (ESV) Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”

Obviously, Eliab was jealous of the courage shown by David.

Consequently, he made three accusations against David:

Þ  He accused David of pride, of having a haughty spirit.

Þ  He accused David of neglecting his duty, suggesting that he should be back home tending the sheep.

Þ  He accused David of a wicked curiosity, of coming just to watch the battle take place.

Keep in mind that Samuel had rejected Eliab as future king of Israel and had appointed David instead, and the older brother had witnessed the secret anointing (16:6-13). Moreover, David had already been taken into the court of Saul to serve the king.

An irritating jealousy had obviously captured the heart of the older brother.

As a result, witnessing the bold, courageous anger of David against Goliath only deepened the jealousy within Eliab.

Eliab's life hadn’t turned out the way He thought.

1. He experienced rejection by God through Samuel not picking Eliab to be the future king

2. He experienced jealousy as He witnessed the secret anointing of his younger brother.

3. He experienced the irritant of David allowed to go to the court of Saul and serve the King.

And seeing David being Blessed as well as Bold against Goliath only deepened the bitterness and anger within Eliab.

Who am I Jealous of because I believe that they are more blessed than I?

 

How is it affecting the way I view them and others like them?

 

How is it affecting the Life God has called me to?