Old Testament Survey Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The relationship between David and Saul throughout most of Saul's reign is best described as hostility. Initially, David served as a beloved figure in Saul's court, gaining fame after defeating Goliath. However, as David's popularity grew, Saul became increasingly envious and threatened by him. This jealousy led Saul to view David as a rival for his throne, ultimately resulting in attempts on David's life.

This ongoing conflict marked their interactions, with Saul pursuing David across various territories to eliminate him as a perceived threat. The hostility intensified as Saul's fear and paranoia escalated, leading to a significant deterioration in their relationship. Despite moments of attempted reconciliation, the overarching theme of their relationship during Saul's reign was Saul's hostility toward David, characterized by fear, jealousy, and violence.

In contrast, a description of partnership or alliance would imply a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship, which was far from the reality of their dynamic. Rivalry suggests competition but does not fully capture the intense animosity and personal vendetta that characterized Saul's actions against David.