David in Saul's court

Young David in Saul's court (1 Samuel 16–20)

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   Samuel leaves Ramah to anoint David in Bethlehem, fearing that Saul will kill him16:1–13evaluation: secret
2. b
   happy story of David's playing harp for Saul when evil spirits trouble him16:14–23outcome: Saul loves David; evaluation: better
3. c
   David's victory over Goliath17:1–58evaluation: even better; Goliath's spear intended to be used against David; David slays the Philistine giant and keeps his head as a trophy; Goliath returns to kill David; his plan fails
4. d
   CENTER: David's successes at Saul's court18:1–6evaluation: best; Jonathan loves David; people are pleased with him
5. c′
   Saul's jealousy over song about David's victory over Goliath18:7–30evaluation: bad; Saul takes his spear and nearly kills David; David slays two hundred Philistines, and keeps their foreskins as bride-price for Michal; Saul intends to kill David through the Philistines; his plan fails
6. b′
   sad story of David's playing harp for Saul when evil spirits trouble him19:1–17outcome: Saul is jealous and sends assassins to kill David; Michal saves him; evaluation: worse
7. a′
   David flees to Samuel at Ramah, fearing that Saul will kill him19:18–20:42David leaves Saul's court forever, becoming a fugitive