They describe the attitude of Saul toward David, an attitude of bitter hatred. We need to be constantly on guard against allowing the flesh in us to develop a spirit of jealousy toward our brother lest we find that we like Saul are "eyeing" someone with a view to promoting his downfall.
Saul had advantages not a few.
There was none like him.
He was the peoples choice, higher, older,—God's anointed king over the nation.
He had even prophesied.
Samuel (who had God's mind) had faithfully warned Israel of his character; that he would grasp everything "for himself" "He will take your sons," daughters, fields, vineyards, oliveyards, seed, servants, and asses. To be honored before others was his chief ambition (1 Sam. 15:3030Then he said, I have sinned: yet honor me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord thy God. (1 Samuel 15:30)). Contrast the spirit of "... in lowliness of mind, each esteeming the other as more excellent than themselves; regarding not each his own [qualities] but each those of others also" (Phil. 2:33Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3), JND); "... as to honor, each taking the lead in paying it to the other" (Rom. 12:1010Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; (Romans 12:10), JND).
God had in mind one after His own heart —David, the beloved, the shepherd and sweet psalmist, whose harp was used in the court of the king to soothe and charm Saul's disturbed spirit.