• The Destructive Power of Jealousy
    The Watchtower—1976 | July 1

    • Such jealousy can also ruin the best of relationships. This is well illustrated in the case of King Saul of Israel and his loyal subject David.

      David’s courage in going up against the Philistine giant Goliath and vanquishing him with a shepherd’s sling impressed Saul. Therefore he placed David in command of the warriors. In this capacity, David loyally supported Saul’s kingship and gained numerous victories over the Philistines. Eventually David came to be praised in song even more than King Saul. When greeting the returning victorious warriors, Israelite women would dance and sing: “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Saul greatly resented this, believing that the honor that should have been given to him as king was going to David. This led to Saul’s viewing David with suspicion​—as a rival for the throne.​—1 Sam. 17:57, 58; 18:5-9.

      The good relationship that had once existed between Saul and David came to an end. Though there was no reason for suspicion, Saul no longer trusted David. He became obsessed with the idea that David was a threat to his kingship. It became Saul’s determination to kill him. Hence, David was forced to live as a fugitive, running from Saul for his life.​—1 Sam. 18:10-25; 19:9-12.

  • The Destructive Power of Jealousy
    The Watchtower—1976 | July 1

    • The man Moses certainly had the right attitude in this regard. When Eldad and Medad received God’s spirit apart from Moses’ presence and began prophesying in the camp of Israel, Joshua, Moses’ attendant, became jealous for his “lord.” Joshua felt that their prophesying detracted from Moses’ authority and that they should therefore be restrained. But Moses was not jealous over the fact that he was no longer alone in having God’s spirit operate toward him in a special way. He corrected Joshua with the words: “I wish that all of Jehovah’s people were prophets, because Jehovah would put his spirit upon them!”​—Num. 11:10-29.