1 Samuel 18

Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin

1 Samuel 18

Spurgeon - Jonathan, the brave young soldier who had himself done great exploits, naturally admired the youthful warrior who had slain the Philistine giant, and also admired the modesty of his speech when he returned with the head of Goliath in his hand: “The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” Believer's Study Bible writes that "Neither the word for love here, ahav (Hebrew), nor the relationship of the two men suggests any abnormality. The word ahav was a technical term in covenant texts for the bonding together by pacts of loyalty and reciprocal responsibility. It refers, then, to a relationship between two parties who could depend on one another. (Believer's Study Bible) Dave Roper - “Both David and Jonathan were, to my thinking, swashbuckling men of faith, go-for-broke individuals, who were willing to fling their lives away and entrust themselves to the Lord, no matter what it might cost them. The theme of Jonathan's life is found in his own words: "The Lord will deliver, whether by many or by few." That is, ‘It doesn't make any difference how many of us there are; it doesn't make any difference how many of our opponents may exist. The Lord will deliver. ’ That was the keynote of his life. David likewise felt this way. As David was explaining to Saul his victory over the giant, Jonathan's heart was knit to the heart of David, and he made a covenant with him. This is where friendships usually start, with some sort of attraction like this. People think the way we think, like the things we like, are interested in things as we are interested in them, and we note that they have the same perspective as we. This is not necessarily wrong We have to remember that even the Lord chose twelve men. And Mark says he chose them on this basis: he chose those whom he would. He was drawn to these men, he liked them, he felt a natural attraction (1 Samuel 18-20, 23 - Jonathan and David) WHAT WAS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DAVID AND JONATHAN? - Some writers have suggested that the "love" between Jonathan and David was indicative of a homosexual relationship. A use of love which helps see that Jonathan's love for David was not homosexual is found earlier when "David came to Saul and attended him, and Saul loved (ahab) him greatly; and he became his armor bearer." (1Sa 16:21). Also against this "homosexual" interpretation is the fact that the Hebrew verb 'ahab is never used in the Old Testament to signify what is clearly (from context) a homosexual desire or activity. Instead the Old Testament uses the Hebrew verb, yada, which means "to know" to indicate close relationship in a sexual sense in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Thus yada refers to homosexual relationships in the following texts. Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter and they called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations ('yada) with them." (Genesis 19:4, 5) While they were making merry, behold, the men of the city, certain worthless fellows (literally "sons of belial", belial being transliterated as a synonym for Satan in 2 Cor 6:15) , surrounded the house, pounding the door; and they spoke to the owner of the house, the old man, saying, "Bring out the man who came into your house that we may have relations ('yada) with him." (Judges 19:22). Finally, note that the verb 'yada is never used to describe the relationship between Jonathan and David.

1 Samuel 18

Spurgeon - Yet Jonathan knew that David was to be king, and that he himself would never wear the crown. His was disinterested affection, most beautiful to witness. Such ought to be our love for Jesus; we should be knit to him in bonds of purest love. Made (Cut [a covenant], cut off, destroy) (03772) karath literally means to cut, to cut off or to sever an object from its source or cut into parts and implies a violent action. For example, Zipporah "cut off her son’s foreskin." (Ex 4:25) or the Jews "cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes." (Nu 13:2-24, cf Dt 19:5, 20:19-20, Jdg 9:48-49, 1Sa 5:4, 17:51, 24:4-5,11, 31:9, 2Sa 10:4, 2Sa 20:22) In another literal use as punishment to Israel for breaking the Mosaic covenant (cf Dt 29:25, 31:16), God says He will "cut down (karath) your incense altars" (Lev 26:30, cf Jdg 6:25-26, cf 1Sa 28:9). A sacrificial animal was not to be offered if it was "cut" (karath) (Lev 22:24). Karath means "chewed" (cutting food with teeth) in Nu 11:33. Covenant (01285) berit/berith/beriyth means covenant, treaty, compact, agreement between two parties (first use in God's covenant with Noah - Ge 6:18, 9:9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17). As discussed more below beriyth describes a compact made by passing between pieces of flesh. Covenant is a solemn, binding arrangement between two parties and entails a variety of responsibilities, benefits and penalties depending on the specific covenant which is being studied. OT covenants were made between God and man (eg, God with Noah - Ge 6:18, with Abram - Ge 15:18) or between men (Abraham and Abimelech - Ge 21:27, Isaac and Abimelech - Ge 26:28, Jacob and Laban - Ge 31:44) Covenant can be summarized as follows… (1) Between two parties (sometimes equal, other times superior to inferior) -- (a) nations -- (peace) treaty, alliance of friendship (b) individuals -- a pledge or agreement with mutual obligations to each other (c) monarch and subjects (2Sa 3:21, 5:3, 1Chr 11:3) -- a constitution (d) God and man -- Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New Covenants. TWOT adds that… Apart from blood ties the covenant was the way people of the ancient world formed wider relationships with each other The accounts of the relationship between David and Jonathan are the only unequivocal mention of a compact between two individuals in the Old Testament (1Sa 18:3; 20:8; 23:18). It is spoken of as “a covenant of the Lord” because the Lord witnessed the transaction and protected the legal order. (2) Accompanied by (a) signs (also witnesses, memorials, shared meals) (b) sacrifices, (c) solemn, binding oaths -- sealing the relationship with promises of blessing for keeping the covenant and curses for breaking the covenant (d) Sometimes with written document on which the words of the covenant, its terms in the form of promises and stipulations were spelled out, witnessed to, signed and sealed. Behm (TDNT) notes that in ancient times There is no firmer guarantee of legal security peace or personal loyalty than the covenant (e.g., Amos 1:9). (3) Is depicted in the idiomatic phrase "make (cut) a covenant" in which there is was a blood sacrifice as part of the covenant ritual. Warren

1 Samuel 18

Spurgeon - Thus should we delight to strip ourselves for Jesus. Let him have all, for he deserves all. Jonathan giving David his armor symbolized that he would be the defender of David (and we the reality of this in subsequent chapters). The covenant partner was responsible to defend the partner and take on the partner's enemies. In covenant the enemies of one's partner became that person's enemy. In David's case, his enemy was Jonathan's father King Saul. The fact that Jonathan came to the defense of his covenant partner demonstrates the solemn, binding, indissoluble power of covenant in ancient times -- in this instance it was more important than even paternal ties (see 1Sa 19:1-4 and 1Sa 20:1-4, 9, 13, 32-34, 42). Cutting covenant produced a binding relationship that took precedence over one's own blood relatives! In addition, the exchange of robes demonstrated that Jonathan's covenant with David superseded even his own personal ambitions Jonathan of course was first in line to be king, but he in effect yielded his rights when he cut covenant with David. However, the Scripture does not state precisely when Jonathan knew about Samuel's prior anointing of David as the next king (1Sa 16:12-14), but he did become aware of this at some point in their covenant relationship. Dale Ralph Davis comments that "Jonathan also stripped himself of his robe and gave it to David, as well as his war coat or armor, his sword, bow, and belt (v. 4). All this was both significant and surprising; significant because the clothes signify the person and his position — hence Jonathan renounces his position as crown prince and transfers, so far as his own will goes, the right of succession to David. No one in the Near East would do that. (It’s like telling your real estate agent, “Let’s set the price fifteen thousand dollars lower; I’m not concerned to get as much as I possibly can for my house.” And his or her reaction is…?) You did not transfer your crown rights to an upcomer, you eliminated him! But Jonathan does not ape the boring expectations of his culture. S. G. DeGraaf is on the right track when he says, “This deed on his part was an act of faith. Only faith makes us willing to be the lesser. Faith causes us to surrender the rights we pretend to have over against the Christ, who is truly Israel’s king.” [Davis has this Note -...Rummel refers to an Akkadian document discovered at Ugarit in which Utrisharruma, a thirteenth–century king of Ugarit, makes a divorce settlement with his queen. The couple’s son, the crown prince, may go with his mother if he wants, but in that case he will abdicate his right to the throne. He must indicate this decision by leaving his clothes on the throne. Compare also Nu 20:22-28 and 1Ki 19:19-21. In the last scene of 1 Samuel 19 Saul, rendered harmless by the power of God’s Spirit, strips off (pasat, 1Sa 19:24; same verb as in 1Sa 18:4 of Jonathan) his clothes, which may signify that even Saul, against his will, acknowledges that he has forfeited the kingship (cf.Borrow R P Gordon's 1 & 2 Samuel)]. (Borrow Dale Ralph Davis' Looking on the heart Volume 2 - 1 Samuel 15-31) PUTTING ON THE COVENANT PARTNER'S IDENTITY Who Initiates Covenant? What is Motive? What is the Heart Attitude? What Happens to Identity? What Happens to "Rights"? Jonathan Jonathan 1Sa 18:3 Love 1Sa 18:1, 3 Humility David "put on Jonathan" Jonathan gave up his rights to the throne Jesus Jesus Lk 22:20+ Love Jn 15:13, Ro 5:8+ Humility Php 2:5+ Php 2:8+ Believers put on Christ Gal 3:27+ (see below) Jesus did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped 1 Samuel 18:5 So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. KJV 1 Samuel 18:5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. NET 1 Samuel 18:5 On every mission on which Saul sent him, David achieved success. So Saul appointed him over the men of war. This pleased not only all the army, but also Saul's servants. CSB 1 Samuel 18:5 David marched out with the army and was successful in everything Saul sent him to do. Saul put him in command of the soldiers, which pleased all the people and Saul's servants as well. ESV 1 Samuel 18:5 And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. NIV 1 Samuel 18:5 Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the people, and Saul's officers as well. NLT 1 Samuel 18:5 Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul's officers alike. NRS 1 Samuel 18:5 David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him; as a result, Saul set him over the army. And all the people, even the servants of Saul, approved. NJB 1 Samuel 18:5 Wherever David was sent on a mission by Saul, he was successful, and Saul put him in command of the fighting men; all the people respected him and so did Saul's staff. NAB 1 Samuel 18:5 David then carried out successfully every mission on which Saul sent him. So Saul put him in charge of his soldiers, and this was agreeable to the whole army, even to Saul's own officers.) YLT 1 Samuel 18:5 And David goeth out whithersoever Saul doth send him; he acted wisely, and Saul setteth him over the men of war, and it is good in the eyes of all the people, and also in the eyes of the servants of Saul. prospered, 1Sa 18:14,15,30 Ge 39:2,3,23 Ps 1:3 Ac 7:10 wisely: Mt 10:16 Eph 5:17 Col 4:5 the men of war: 1Sa 13:2 14:52 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID PROSPERED SAUL PROMOTED So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered - Why? In a word, the good hand of the LORD was upon him in the form of His Spirit (1Sa 16:13+). I would submit another potential reason is that he was a man of the Word, for Ps 1:2-3 says " his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. " And Saul set him over the men of war - And why not? David the giant slayer was a man who prospered, a Hebrew word which also means he had insight and was prudent, the kind of man you would want leading your army into war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants - Here we see the seeds of a future problem which was Saul's jealousy of David.

1 Samuel 18

Spurgeon - This shows how envy will destroy a man’s own peace of mind, as well as make him plot against the one of whom he is envious. Instead of being thankful to God for sending him such a valiant champion as David to deliver both himself and his people, Saul is full of malice towards the young hero simply because he receives his due need of praise for his victory over the giant. “Saul eyed David” with an evil and envious eye; looked askance upon him, and determined to do him mischief whenever he could. Related Resources: For a thorough treatment of the Holy Spirit's role in the OT I would strongly recommend Dr Leon Wood's book The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament which can be borrowed. He has an entire chapter on Saul and Evil Spirits An Evil Spirit from the Lord'-Demonic Influence or Divine Instrument?" The Evangelical Quarterly 70.1 (Jan.-Mar. 1998): 3-22. [1 Samuel 16:14] Robin Routledge Why did God send an evil spirit to torment King Saul? | GotQuestions.org What are evil spirits? | GotQuestions.org Raved (prophesied) (5012)(naba from nabiy = prophet) means prophesy, to speak by inspiration, often of the Holy Spirit, but in 1Sa 18:10 to speak by inspiration by the evil spirit! W E Vine notes that "the first appearance is in 1Sa 10:6, where Saul is told by Samuel that when he meets a certain band of ecstatic prophets, he too will "prophesy with them, and … be turned into another man." This incident points up the fact that there is a certain amount of ambiguity in the biblical use of both the verb and the noun forms, just as there is in the English "to prophesy" and "prophet." Thus, there is a wide range of meanings reflected in the term in the Old Testament. Most frequently nābāʾ is used to describe the function of the true prophet as he speaks God's message to the people, under the influence of the divine spirit (1Ki 22:8; Jer. 29:27; Ezek 37:10). "To prophesy" was a task that the prophet could not avoid (Amos 3:8; cf. Jer. 20:7, where Jeremiah says that he was both attracted to and forced into being a prophet). While the formula "The word of the Lord came [to the prophet]" is used literally hundreds of times in the Old Testament, there is no real indication as to the manner in which it came, whether it came through the thought-processes, through a vision, or in some other way. Sometimes, especially in the earlier prophets, it seems that some kind of ecstatic experience may have been involved, as in 1 Sam. 10:6, 11; 1 Sam. 19:20. Music is sometimes spoken of as a means of prophesying, as in 1 Chron. 25:1-3. The false prophets, although not empowered by the divine spirit, are spoken of as prophesying also: "I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied" (Jer. 23:21). The false prophet is roundly condemned because he speaks a non-authentic word: "Prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord; … Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!" (Ezek. 13:2-3). The false prophet especially is subject to frenzied states of mind which give rise to his prophesying, although the content of such activity is not clearly spelled out (1 Kings 22:10). The point is that in the biblical context "to prophesy" can refer to anything from the frenzied ecstaticism of a false prophet to the cold sober proclamation of God's judgment by an Amos or an Isaiah. "To prophesy" is much more than the prediction of future events. Indeed, the first concern of the prophet is to speak God's word to the people of his own time, calling them to covenant faithfulness. The prophet's message is conditional, dependent upon the response of the people. Thus, by their response to this word, the people determine in large part what the future holds, as is well illustrated by the response of the Ninevites to Jonah's preaching. Of course, prediction does enter the picture at times, such as in Nahum's prediction of the fall of Nineveh (Nah. 2:13) and in the various messianic passages (Isa. 9:1-6; Isa. 11:1-9; Isa. 52:13-53:12). (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words) John Butler - THE PROBLEMS FOR DAVID 1 Samuel 18:10–16 from Analytical Bible Expositor - 26 volumes Praise does not always bring good things. Often praise brings more problems than criticism. We note two major adverse things which came into David’s life because of this praise. 1. The Danger of the Spear (1 Samuel 18:10, 11) The first adversity David experienced because of the praise given him was Saul throwing a spear at him several times. • The prompting of the spear. “The evil spirit from God came upon Saul” (1 Samuel 18:10). It is important to note when this problem of the evil spirit showed up again in Saul. It was the day after his jealous rage. Evil begets more evil. • The prophesying before the spear. “He prophesied in the midst of the house” (1 Samuel 18:10). This prophesying was not Saul doing something good. The meaning of the word translated “prophesied” refers more to the mannerisms of a person prophesying than it does to the message. “Saul was in a frenzy—violent raving” (Jamieson); hence, call David with his harp. • The purpose of the spear. “Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it” (1 Samuel 18:11). Saul wanted to kill David with the spear. • The protection from the spear. “David avoided out of his presence twice” (1 Samuel 18:11). David was able to escape from Saul, for God helped him. • The persistency of the spear. “David avoided out of his presence twice” (1 Samuel 18:11). Like temptation, Saul did not give up his evil intentions. He tried to kill David a second time as David played his harp but failed. Evil will attack repeatedly. 2. The Demotion of the Soldier (1 Samuel 18:12–16) Another problem David experienced after he was given much praise was to be demoted in his military position. • The cause of the demotion. “Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand” (1 Samuel 18:12, 13). David’s escapes from Saul’s spear put fear in Saul’s heart, for Saul recognized that the escapes indicated God was with David. Saul feared retaliation, so Saul demoted David from serving in Saul’s court and from being over so many in the army, and Saul moved him away from himself. Evil does not like to keep company with good. • The conduct after the demotion. “David behaved himself wisely in all his ways” (1 Samuel 18:14). Rather than complain about the injustice he had received from Saul, David focused on his new duties and did them with excellence. • The consolation in the demotion. “The LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14). David was removed from the king’s presence but not from the Lord’s presence. It is better to have the Lord with you and be demoted in man’s eyes than to have high position in the world and be without the Lord as was the case with Saul. • The company after the demotion. “Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him” (1 Samuel 18:15). The word translated “afraid” is a different word than the one translated “afraid” in 1 Samuel 18:12. This word means “to turn aside” (Gesenius). In this text it means Saul endeavored to avoid David’s company. He did not want to meet up or keep company with David. • The commendation after the demotion. “All Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them” (1 Samuel 18:16). “Went out and came in before them” refers to David doing his duty. Though Saul demoted him, it did not deter David’s esteem in the people’s eyes but appeared to raise it instead. The evil of Saul backfired and did the opposite that he intended. Saul was fighting God and losing big time. Norman Geisler - go to page 150 in When Critics Ask for discussion of 1 SAMUEL 18:10—How could a good God send an evil spirit to Saul? PROBLEM: According to this passage, the evil (“distressing,” NKJV) spirit came upon Saul so that he prophesied in his house, and then tried to kill David with a spear. However, the verse clearly states that the evil spirit was from God. How could a good God send an evil spirit to bring distress to Saul? SOLUTION: Because God is absolutely sovereign, the actions of any evil spirit would be subject to the authority of God. Therefore, it was according to God’s permission that the spirit was allowed to come upon Saul to bring him distress. Saul had already rejected God, and God had rejected him from being king. God had a special reason for allowing this spirit to incite Saul to action against David. Saul’s attempt to kill David only made Saul realize that God was with David. By sending David away and making him captain over a thousand, Saul inadvertently increased David’s popularity with the people and hastened his own demise. The sending of the evil spirit upon Saul is similar to God’s allowing Satan to afflict Job. God allows evil, but always uses it to accomplish His own good purposes (see comments on page 169 on How could God use “lying spirits” to do His will since He forbids lying? 1 Kings 22:22). Walter Kaiser - go to page 211 in Hard Sayings of the Bible for discussion of the question - 1 Samuel 16:14 An Evil Spirit from the Lord? Just as the prophet Samuel anointed David as the next king, King Saul became bereft of the Spirit of God and fell into ugly bouts of melancholia, which were attributed to an evil spirit sent from the Lord. The Spirit of God had overwhelmed Saul when he had assumed the role of king over the land (1 Sam 10:6, 10; 11:6). Exactly what the Spirit’s presence with Saul entailed is not explained, but it seems to have included the gift of government, the gift of wisdom and prudence in civil matters, and a spirit of fortitude and courage. These gifts can be extrapolated from the evidence that after Saul was anointed king, he immediately shed his previous shyness and reticence to be in the public eye. It is obvious that Saul did not have a natural aptitude for governing, for if he had, why did he hide among the baggage when he knew already what the outcome would be? But when the Spirit of God came upon him in connection with the threatened mutilation of the citizens of Jabesh Gilead (1 Sam 11), and Saul sent out word that all able-bodied men were to report immediately for battle, the citizens of Israel were so startled that this had come from the likes of Saul that they showed up in force. God had suddenly gifted him with the “Spirit of God” (1 Sam 11:6), and Saul was a great leader for twenty years (1 Sam 14:47–48). But all of this was lost as suddenly as it had been gained—the Spirit had removed his gift of government. But what was the evil spirit mentioned here and in 1 Samuel 18:10 and 19:9? The ancient historian Josephus explained it as follows: “But as for Saul, some strange and demonical disorders came upon him, and brought upon him such suffocations as were ready to choke him” (Antiquities 6.8.2). Keil and Delitzsch likewise attributed Saul’s problem to demon possession. They specified that this was not merely an inward feeling of depression at the rejection announced to him, … but a higher evil power, which took possession of him, and not only deprived him of his peace of mind, but stirred up the feelings, ideas, imagination, and thoughts of his soul to such an extent that at times it drove him even into madness. This demon is called “an evil spirit [coming] from Jehovah” because Jehovah sent it as a punishment. A second suggestion is that this evil spirit was a messenger, by analogy with the situation in 1 Kings 22:20–23. This unspecified messenger did his work by the permission of God. A third suggestion is that this evil spirit was a “spirit of discontent” created in Saul’s heart by God because of his continued disobedience. Whatever the malady was, and whatever its source, one of the temporary cures for its torments was music. David’s harp-playing would soothe Saul’s frenzied condition, so that he would once again gain control of his emotions and actions (1 Sam 16:14–23). All this happened by the permission of God rather than as a result of his directive will, for God cannot be the author of anything evil. But the exact source of Saul’s torment cannot be determined with any degree of certitude. The Lord may well have used a messenger, or even just an annoying sense of disquietude and discontent. Yet if Saul really was a believer—and I think there are enough evidences to affirm that he was—then it is difficult to see how he could have been possessed by a demon. Whether believers can be possessed by demons, however, is still being debated by theologians. 1 Samuel 18:11 Saul hurled the spear for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David escaped from his presence twice. KJV 1 Samuel 18:11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. NET 1 Samuel 18:11 and Saul threw the spear, thinking, "I'll nail David to the wall!" But David escaped from him on two different occasions. CSB 1 Samuel 18:11 and he threw it, thinking, "I'll pin David to the wall." But David got away from him twice. ESV 1 Samuel 18:11 And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David evaded him twice. NIV 1 Samuel 18:11 and he hurled it, saying to himself, "I'll pin David to the wall." But David eluded him twice. NLT 1 Samuel 18:11 and he suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped him twice. NRS 1 Samuel 18:11 and Saul threw the spear, for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David eluded him twice. NJB 1 Samuel 18:11 Saul brandished the spear; he said, 'I will pin David to the wall!' David evaded him twice. NAB 1 Samuel 18:11 Saul poised the spear, thinking to nail David to the wall, but twice David escaped him.) YLT 1 Samuel 18:11 and Saul casteth the javelin, and saith, 'I smite through David, even through the wall;' and David turneth round out of his presence twice. hurled the spear: 1Sa 19:9,10 20:33 Pr 27:4 Isa 54:17 And David: Ps 37:32-33 Isa 54:17 Lu 4:30 Joh 8:59 10:39 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, But who can stand before jealousy? "Saul Tries to Kill David" by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld SAUL ATTEMPTS TO MAKE A POINT WITH DAVID Saul hurled the spear for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." - Where did this potentially murderous (if he missed pinning, he might strike a vital organ) thought emanate from? Surely the evil spirit has stirred Saul to the verge of insanity in attempting to pin the man he had loved, the one who slayed the giant (and kept all Israel from becoming enslaved), and had been mighty in his wars. Pritchard quips "One day while David is playing his harp, an evil spirit comes over Saul. Suddenly, and without warning, Saul decides to play his favorite parlor game—Pin the Spear on David. David makes like Walter Payton, looks left, runs right, and is out of there." (The Green-Eyed Monster) But David escaped from his presence twice - We are thankful for the term of contrast in this passage! Saul appears to have made at least a second attempt to pin David. Note that this indicates David returned after the first attempt and also indicates that David was in his immediate presence. 1 Samuel 18:12 Now Saul was afraid of David, for the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. BGT 1 Samuel 18:12 καὶ ἐφοβήθη Σαουλ ἀπὸ προσώπου Δαυιδ LXE 1 Samuel 18:12 And Saul was alarmed on account of David. KJV 1 Samuel 18:12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. NET 1 Samuel 18:12 So Saul feared David, because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. CSB 1 Samuel 18:12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul. ESV 1 Samuel 18:12 Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. NIV 1 Samuel 18:12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul. NLT 1 Samuel 18:12 Saul was then afraid of David, for the LORD was with David and had turned away from Saul. NRS 1 Samuel 18:12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. NJB 1 Samuel 18:12 Saul feared David, since Yahweh was with him and had withdrawn from Saul. NAB 1 Samuel 18:12 Saul then began to fear David, (because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul himself.) YLT 1 Samuel 18:12 And Saul is afraid of the presence of David, for Jehovah hath been with him, and from Saul He hath turned aside; afraid: 1Sa 18:15,20,29 16:4 Ps 48:3-6 53:5 Mk 6:20 Lu 8:37 Ac 24:25 the Lord: 1Sa 16:13,18 22:13 Ac 7:9 departed: 1Sa 16:14 28:15 Ps 51:11 Ho 9:12 Mt 25:41 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: 1 Sa 16:18+ Then one of the young men said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the LORD is with him.” 1 Sa 16:14+ Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him. THE ONE WITH THE EVIL SPIRIT IS AFRAID! Now Saul was afraid of David - The antithesis of faith is fear. Saul had no faith, so by default fell into fear. Saul was fearful of David because he knew God's hand was upon him. But he did not fully understand how fully God was will David, for if he had he would have given up trying to kill him. But Saul was too proud to admit he was fighting a losing battle. After all he was king and had to put up a good front to his soldiers and subjects. Spurgeon - David was not afraid of Saul, although Saul was the man with the javelin, and with the murderous, malicious spirit, which prompted him to hurl it at the young harpist. David, guileless, brave, honest, trustful, was not afraid of Saul, but “Saul was afraid of David,”- for the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul - How do we know the LORD was with David? Clearly by his supernatural acts, especially in warfare. Who did Saul fear? Clearly David, but behind David was the LORD whom he feared. His fear was not reverential but a terrifying fear. Henry Blackaby - Signs of God's Presence (The Experience) 1 Samuel 18:12, 14 Why would God abandon Saul and bless David? Wasn’t it God who chose Saul to be king in the first place? It looks as if God was playing favorites; why wouldn’t he bless both men? The answer is in the verses that precede today’s passage (1 Samuel 18:6–11). Saul had himself to thank for losing God’s blessing. His downfall was assured when he became jealous of David. That led to anger, hatred, and bitterness. All of this came because Saul took his eyes off God and grew envious of the way God blessed David. Saul couldn’t tolerate David being more successful than he was. After all, he was king; David was not. Ultimately, Saul completely lost perspective and became separated from God, and his misguided sense of entitlement cost him the very thing he coveted—the crown. David, on the other hand, was busy doing what God asked him to do. He didn’t assume it was his right to become king. Even Saul had to admit God took care of David. Saul could see the obvious difference in David’s life because of God’s blessings. When David went through hard times, as he often did, God took care of him. When Saul saw the way God blessed David’s life, he should have learned his lesson, but pride prevented him from returning to God. Instead, he grew even more self-centered and fearful of David. David was not spared from experiencing hardship, but going through the hard times with God’s presence made all the difference to him. David grew closer to God, even as Saul grew more distant. Jealousy can start out as a small thing. You notice that your friend seems to have something you don’t have (success, talent, possessions). You pay closer attention, looking for differences in the way God blesses your friend, compared to you. You have an increasing sense of entitlement—Don’t I deserve to have what my friend has? Before you know it, you’re headed down the same path Saul took; you grow angry, bitter, and suspicious of your friend, and you look for ways to even the score. In the end, though, the one who gets hurt is you. Learn from Saul’s mistake. Saul had plenty of reasons to be thankful, but his jealousy blinded him to his own blessings. Don’t take your eyes off God to compare your blessings with anyone else’s. Choose the path David took—the path of thankfulness—and you’ll enjoy God’s blessings throughout your life. 1 Samuel 18:13 Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. BGT 1 Samuel 18:13 καὶ ἀπέστησεν αὐτὸν ἀπ᾽ αὐτοῦ καὶ κατέστησεν αὐτὸν ἑαυτῷ χιλίαρχον καὶ ἐξεπορεύετο καὶ εἰσεπορεύετο ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ λαοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 18:13 And he removed him from him, and made him a captain of a thousand for himself; and he went out and came in before the people. KJV 1 Samuel 18:13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. NET 1 Samuel 18:13 Saul removed David from his presence and made him a commanding officer. David led the army out to battle and back. CSB 1 Samuel 18:13 Therefore, Saul reassigned David and made him commander over 1,000 men. David led the troops ESV 1 Samuel 18:13 So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. NIV 1 Samuel 18:13 So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. NLT 1 Samuel 18:13 Finally, Saul sent him away and appointed him commander over 1,000 men, and David faithfully led his troops into battle. NRS 1 Samuel 18:13 So Saul removed him from his presence, and made him a commander of a thousand; and David marched out and came in, leading the army. NJB 1 Samuel 18:13 So Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him commander of a thousand; he led the people on campaign. NAB 1 Samuel 18:13 Accordingly, Saul removed him from his presence by appointing him a field officer. So David led the people on their military expeditions, YLT 1 Samuel 18:13 and Saul turneth him aside from him, and appointeth him to himself head of a thousand, and he goeth out an cometh in, before the people. removed: 1Sa 18:17,25 8:12 22:7 he went out: 1Sa 18:16 Nu 27:16,17 2Sa 5:2 Ps 121:8 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL SENDS DAVID INTO WAR Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand - Saul was hoping for out of sight, out of mind, but such would not be the case. Some suggest this military appointment was a demotion. and he went out and came in before the people - NRSV = "David marched out and came in, leading the army." Warren

1 Samuel 18

Spurgeon - And, young man, you also will be wise if God is with you, and you will be able to behave yourself wisely, discreetly, prosperously, as the word seems to mean. Even when malicious eyes are fixed upon you, they will not be able to find any fault in you if the Lord is with you. You will win favor where you least expect it, if you do but so live that God can be with you, if you keep the vessel of your nature so pure that the Master can use it. May it be your portion and mine to have it said of each of us, “The Lord was with him”! Prospering (success, prudent, wise) (07919) sakal/sākhal primarily means to act with insight, to be prudent, to give insight, to teach, to prosper, to consider, to ponder, to understand, to act prudently, to act with devotion. The primary sense of sakal/sākhal is to be prudent, which means "marked by wisdom or judiciousness, shrewd in the management of practical affairs, marked by circumspection." One who manifests prudence is more likely to have success. The Septuagint (LXX) translates sakal/sākhal with Greek verb "suniemi [see word study] meaning to understand, the idea being that one is able to "put together the pieces" (so to speak) and make sense out of a set of facts presented to one's mind. In simple terms, suniemi conveys the idea of putting "2" and "2" together. In other words, one has the ability to assess a situation and decide what practical course of action is necessary. This is a quality which was especially valuable for Joshua who was daily faced with decisions as he led Israel into enemy territory where the nation might possess their (divinely given) possessions. Observe how anyone can experience the LORD being with them...YOU WILL DISCERN A CLEAR PATTERN! NOW WALK ON THIS ROAD ALL THE REST OF THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE EMPOWERED BY HIS WORD AND HIS SPIRIT.... Deuteronomy 29:9 “So keep the words of this covenant to do them, that you may prosper (sakal; Lxx - suniemi) in all that you do. (OBEDIENCE) Joshua 1:7 “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success (sakal; Lxx - suniemi) wherever you go. (OBEDIENCE) Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success (sakal; Lxx - suniemi). (WORD IN HEART & OBEDIENCE) 1 Kings 2:3 “Keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed (sakal; Lxx - suniemi) in all that you do and wherever you turn, (OBEDIENCE) Sakal - 61v - act wisely(1), acts wisely(3), behaved himself wisely(1), comprehend(1), consider(1), considers(2), discern(1), expert(1), failed*(1), gain insight(2), give you insight(1), give heed(1), gives attention(1), giving attention(1), had...regard(1), have insight(4), have success(2), insight(1), instruct(2), instructed(1), instructs(1), intelligence(1), prosper(2), prospered(3), prospering(2), prospers(1), prudent(2), show discernment(1), showed(1), showing intelligence(1), succeed(1), understand(4), understanding(2), understands(2), understood(1), wisdom(1), wise(6), wise behavior(1). Gen. 3:6; Deut. 29:9; Deut. 32:29; Jos. 1:7; Jos. 1:8; 1 Sam. 18:5; 1 Sam. 18:14; 1 Sam. 18:15; 1 Sam. 18:30; 1 Ki. 2:3; 2 Ki. 18:7; 1 Chr. 28:19; 2 Chr. 30:22; Neh. 8:13; Neh. 9:20; Job 22:2; Job 34:27; Job 34:35; Ps. 2:10; Ps. 14:2; Ps. 32:8; Ps. 36:3; Ps. 41:1; Ps. 53:2; Ps. 64:9; Ps. 94:8; Ps. 101:2; Ps. 106:7; Ps. 119:99; Prov. 1:3; Prov. 10:5; Prov. 10:19; Prov. 14:35; Prov. 15:24; Prov. 16:20; Prov. 16:23; Prov. 17:2; Prov. 17:8; Prov. 19:14; Prov. 21:11; Prov. 21:12; Prov. 21:16; Isa. 41:20; Isa. 44:18; Isa. 52:13; Jer. 3:15; Jer. 9:24; Jer. 10:21; Jer. 20:11; Jer. 23:5; Jer. 50:9; Dan. 1:4; Dan. 1:17; Dan. 9:13; Dan. 9:22; Dan. 9:25; Dan. 11:33; Dan. 11:35; Dan. 12:3; Dan. 12:10; Amos 5:13 1 Samuel 18:15 When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly, he dreaded him. BGT 1 Samuel 18:15 καὶ εἶδεν Σαουλ ὡς αὐτὸς συνίει σφόδρα καὶ εὐλαβεῖτο ἀπὸ προσώπου αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 18:15 And Saul saw that he was very wise, and he was afraid of him. KJV 1 Samuel 18:15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. NET 1 Samuel 18:15 When Saul saw how very successful he was, he was afraid of him. CSB 1 Samuel 18:15 When Saul observed that David was very successful, he dreaded him. ESV 1 Samuel 18:15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. NIV 1 Samuel 18:15 When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. NLT 1 Samuel 18:15 When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him. NRS 1 Samuel 18:15 When Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in awe of him. NJB 1 Samuel 18:15 And Saul, seeing how very successful he was, was afraid of him. NAB 1 Samuel 18:15 Seeing how successful he was, Saul conceived a fear of David: YLT 1 Samuel 18:15 and Saul seeth that he is acting very wisely, and is afraid of him, prospering: Ps 112:5 Da 6:4,5 Col 4:5 Jas 1:5 3:17 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FIRST SAUL FEARS NOW SAUL DREADS! When Saul saw that he was prospering (sakal; Lxx - suniemi) greatly, he dreaded him - His envy progressed to dread which means to anticipate with great apprehension or fear, to be extremely worried about something that might happen! 1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, and he went out and came in before them. LXE 1 Samuel 18:16 And all Israel and Juda loved David, because he came in and went out before the people. KJV 1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them. NET 1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he was the one leading them out to battle and back. CSB 1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was leading their troops. ESV 1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them. NIV 1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns. NLT 1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle. NRS 1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David; for it was he who marched out and came in leading them. NJB 1 Samuel 18:16 All Israel and Judah loved David, however, since he was their leader on campaign. NAB 1 Samuel 18:16 on the other hand, all Israel and Judah loved him, since he led them on their expeditions. YLT 1 Samuel 18:16 and all Israel and Judah love David when he is going out and coming in before them. all Israel: 1Sa 18:5 Lu 19:48 20:19 he went: Nu 27:17 2Sa 5:2 1Ki 3:7 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ALL ISRAEL LOVED DAVID But all Israel and Judah loved David - While not everyone agrees, may feel his name means "beloved" and here that is certainly being manifest before the people. and he went out and came in before them - NET = "for he was the one leading them out to battle and back" NLT = "because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle." Reformation Study Bible - Saul's removal of David from the court (1Sa 18:13), with an accompanying demotion in military rank, may be intended to decrease David's visibility and popularity, as well as to increase the risk of his dying in battle. The effect of Saul's scheming, however, is actually the reverse. David is brought into closer contact with the people, so that "all Israel and Judah loved David" (v. 16). 1 Samuel 18:17 Then Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife, only be a valiant man for me and fight the LORD'S battles." For Saul thought, "My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him." KJV 1 Samuel 18:17 And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. NET 1 Samuel 18:17 Then Saul said to David, "Here's my oldest daughter, Merab. I want to give her to you in marriage. Only be a brave warrior for me and fight the battles of the LORD." For Saul thought, "There's no need for me to raise my hand against him. Let it be the hand of the Philistines!" CSB 1 Samuel 18:17 Saul told David, "Here is my oldest daughter Merab. I'll give her to you as a wife, if you will be a warrior for me and fight the LORD's battles." But Saul was thinking, "My hand doesn't need to be against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him." ESV 1 Samuel 18:17 Then Saul said to David, "Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you for a wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD's battles." For Saul thought, "Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him." NIV 1 Samuel 18:17 Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage; only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the LORD." For Saul said to himself, "I will not raise a hand against him. Let the Philistines do that!" NLT 1 Samuel 18:17 One day Saul said to David, "I am ready to give you my older daughter, Merab, as your wife. But first you must prove yourself to be a real warrior by fighting the LORD's battles." For Saul thought, "I'll send him out against the Philistines and let them kill him rather than doing it myself." NRS 1 Samuel 18:17 Then Saul said to David, "Here is my elder daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife; only be valiant for me and fight the LORD's battles." For Saul thought, "I will not raise a hand against him; let the Philistines deal with him." NJB 1 Samuel 18:17 Saul said to David, 'This is my elder daughter Merab; I shall give her to you in marriage; but you must serve me bravely and fight Yahweh's wars.' Saul thought, 'Better than strike the blow myself, let the Philistines do it!' NAB 1 Samuel 18:17 (Saul said to David, "There is my older daughter, Merob, whom I will give you in marriage if you become my champion and fight the battles of the LORD." Saul had in mind, "I shall not touch him; let the Philistines strike him." YLT 1 Samuel 18:17 And Saul saith unto David, 'Lo, my elder daughter Merab -- her I give to thee for a wife; only, be to me for a son of valour, and fight the battles of Jehovah;' and Saul said, 'Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.' will give: 1Sa 17:25 Ps 12:2 55:21 the Lord's: 1Sa 17:47 25:28 Nu 32:20,27,29 Let not mine: 1Sa 18:21,25 De 17:7 2Sa 11:15 12:9 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL'S DECEPTIVE PLOY Then Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife, only be a valiant man for me and fight the LORD'S battles." - Recall in 1Sa 17:25 Saul had promised to give his daughter to the giant's slayer. Apparently Saul had not yet made good on that promise, so now offers her to David with the qualifying condition that he would actively engage in war, adding (I think hypocritically) that these were the LORD'S battles. Saul is clearly seeking to entice and deceive and destroy David, in such a way that no blame falls on him. What is fascinating is that David himself successfully carried out a similar maneuver to kill Bathsheba's husband Uriah (2Sa 11:15)! For Saul thought, "My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him - Saul would not dare kill David for he knew the people love him and would rebell at such an act. His plan is to send him into battle and let the Philistines slay him. Spurgeon - Fight the LORD’s battles. 1 SAMUEL 18:17 The Christian is involved in a continual war, with Jesus Christ as the Captain of their salvation. He has said, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”1 Listen to the battle cries! Now let the people of God stand firm in their ranks, and let no man’s heart fail him. We may feel in these days that we are losing the battle and unless the Lord Jesus shall lift His sword we do not know what may become of the church of God in our time; but let us be courageous and bold. Seldom has there been a time like this as biblical Christianity trembles on the brink of capitulation to pluralism and empty religious routine. We are in great need of a bold voice and a strong hand to preach and publish the Gospel for which martyrs bled and confessors died. The Savior is, by His Spirit, still on earth; let this encourage us. He is always ever in the middle of the fight, and therefore the outcome of the battle is not in doubt. And as the conflict rages, what a deep satisfaction it is to know that the Lord Jesus, in His office as our great Intercessor, is prevalently pleading for His people! Turn your anxious gaze from the battle below, where, enshrouded in smoke, the faithful fight in garments rolled in blood. And lift your eyes above where the Savior lives and pleads, for while He intercedes, the cause of God is safe. Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that it all depends upon Him. On the basis of our Savior’s atoning sacrifice and in the strength of the Holy Spirit’s power, we charge you who love Jesus to fight bravely in this holy war, for truth and righteousness, for the kingdom and the crown. Onward! The battle is not yours but God’s, and you will yet hear Him say, “Well done, brave warrior, well done!” 1Matthew 28:20 John Butler - THE PARTNERS FOR DAVID 1 Samuel 18:17–29 from Analytical Bible Expositor - 26 volumes Saul schemed to kill David through marriage to his daughters. 1. The Offer of Merab for a Wife (1 Samuel 18:17–19) The first marriage proposal was the older daughter, Merab. • The design in the offer. “Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him” (1 Samuel 18:17). Saul’s first offer was contingent upon David being “valiant for me, and fight the LORD’S battles” (1 Samuel 18:17). Saul hoped this peril would result in David’s death. • The deference regarding the offer. “David said unto Saul, Who am I?… that I should be son in law to the king” (1 Samuel 18:18). David argued that he was unworthy to be married to Saul’s daughter. Unlike Saul, David was a humble man. • The defrauding in the offer. “When Merab Saul’s daughter should have been given to David … she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife” (1 Samuel 18:19). Saul broke his word, suspiciously because of a high dowry offer (R.P. Smith). 2. The Offer of Michal for a Wife (1 Samuel 18:20–29) Another marriage proposal involved Saul’s other daughter. • The prompting of the offer. “Michal Saul’s daughter loved David … the thing pleased him [Saul]” (1 Samuel 18:20). Michal had a crush on David and Saul saw opportunity in this to ensnare David. • The purpose of the offer. “I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him … that … the Philistines may be against him” (1 Samuel 18:21). Saul is still plotting the death of David and will use his daughter Michal for the purpose. • The parleying about the offer. “Saul commanded his servants … Commune with David … say, Behold the king hath delight in thee … be the king’s son in law” (1 Samuel 18:22). Saul tries cleverly to get David to marry his daughter. • The politeness towards the offer. “Seemeth it … a light thing to be a king’s son in law … told him” (1 Samuel 18:23, 24). Saul is told by his servants that David is still reticent about marrying into the royal family. • The price in the offer. Saul’s had a crafty price for Michal. First, the dowry in the price. “The king desireth not any dowry” (1 Samuel 18:25). David’s reticence involved his inability to pay the usual dowry that was needed to marry royalty. Second, the description of the price. “The king desireth … but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 18:25). This was a substitute for the dowry. Third, the design in the price. “Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 18:25). Saul thought David would be killed trying to get the foreskins. Fourth, the delight in the price. “It pleased David well to be the king’s son in law” (1 Samuel 18:26) The price appealed to David’s warrior instincts and meritorious need. Fifth, the delivering of the price. “Slew of the Philistines two hundred men … brought their foreskins … to the king” (1 Samuel 18:27). David doubled the requirement and did it in the time required (“the days were not expired”—1 Samuel 18:26). Sixth, the deduction after the price. “Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David” (1 Samuel 18:28). David’s success in getting the foreskins evidenced to Saul that God had helped David. Seventh, the dread after the price. “Saul was yet more afraid of David (1 Samuel 18:29). Evil fears godliness like a criminal fears the policemen. Eighth, The dislike after the price. “Saul became David’s enemy continually” (1 Samuel 18:29). Saul had alienated himself from Samuel and now David. Like many governments, he opposed his best people of his nation. 1 Samuel 18:18 But David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my life or my father's family in Israel, that I should be the king's son-in-law?" KJV 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? NET 1 Samuel 18:18 David said to Saul, "Who am I? Who are my relatives or the clan of my father in Israel that I should become the king's son-in-law?" CSB 1 Samuel 18:18 Then David responded, "Who am I, and what is my family or my father's clan in Israel that I should become the king's son-in-law?" ESV 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said to Saul, "Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father's clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?" NIV 1 Samuel 18:18 But David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my family or my father's clan in Israel, that I should become the king's son-in-law?" NLT 1 Samuel 18:18 "Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king's son-in-law?" David exclaimed. "My father's family is nothing!" NRS 1 Samuel 18:18 David said to Saul, "Who am I and who are my kinsfolk, my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?" NJB 1 Samuel 18:18 David replied to Saul, 'Who am I and what is my lineage -- and my father's family -- in Israel, for me to become the king's son-in-law?' NAB 1 Samuel 18:18 But David answered Saul: "Who am I? And who are my kin or my father's clan in Israel that I should become the king's son-in-law?" YLT 1 Samuel 18:18 And David saith unto Saul, 'Who am I? and what my life -- the family of my father in Israel -- that I am son-in-law to the king?' Who am I: 1Sa 18:23 9:21 Ex 3:11 Ru 2:10 2Sa 7:18 Pr 15:33 18:12 Jer 1:6 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID'S HUMBLE RESPONSE But David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my life or my father's family in Israel, that I should be the king's son-in-law? - David is protesting that since he is from common stock, lacks the social standing and does not have sufficient funds for a bridal price. David appears to be somewhat naive at this point, for after all the same man by the name of Saul had twice sought to pin him with his spear. One would have thought David would have walked warily around King Saul as a result of past "indiscretions"? 1 Samuel 18:19 So it came about at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife. KJV 1 Samuel 18:19 But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife. NET 1 Samuel 18:19 When the time came for Merab, Saul's daughter, to be given to David, she instead was given in marriage to Adriel, who was from Meholah. CSB 1 Samuel 18:19 When it was time to give Saul's daughter Merab to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife. ESV 1 Samuel 18:19 But at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife. NIV 1 Samuel 18:19 So when the time came for Merab, Saul's daughter, to be given to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. NLT 1 Samuel 18:19 So when the time came for Saul to give his daughter Merab in marriage to David, he gave her instead to Adriel, a man from Meholah. NRS 1 Samuel 18:19 But at the time when Saul's daughter Merab should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as a wife. NJB 1 Samuel 18:19 When the time came for Merab daughter of Saul to be given to David, she was given to Adriel of Meholah instead. NAB 1 Samuel 18:19 However, when it was time for Saul's daughter Merob to be given to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel the Meholathite instead.) YLT 1 Samuel 18:19 And it cometh to pass, at the time of the giving of Merab daughter of Saul to David, that she hath been given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife. Adriel: Jdg 14:20 2Sa 21:8 Meholathite: Jdg 7:22 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL RENEGES ON HIS PROMISE So - Since David opted out of the offer to marry Merab because of his small bank account, Saul withdraws the offer and gives her to Adriel. it came about at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife - Why would Saul turn around after offering his daughter to David and give her to another? The ESV Study Bible (borrow) suggests "Saul used David’s humble reply as an excuse to give Merab to another man." It is interesting that Merab had children with Adriel, and 5 of their sons were executed by King David because they failed to honor the solemn covenant (2Sa 21:8) Joshua had made with the Gibeonites (Josh 9:20). 1 Samuel 18:20 Now Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David. When they told Saul, the thing was agreeable to him. BGT 1 Samuel 18:20 καὶ ἠγάπησεν Μελχολ ἡ θυγάτηρ Σαουλ τὸν Δαυιδ καὶ ἀπηγγέλη Σαουλ καὶ ηὐθύνθη ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 18:20 And Melchol the daughter of Saul loved David; and it was told Saul, and the thing was pleasing in his eyes. KJV 1 Samuel 18:20 And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. NET 1 Samuel 18:20 Now Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David. When they told Saul about this, it pleased him. CSB 1 Samuel 18:20 Now Saul's daughter Michal loved David, and when it was reported to Saul, it pleased him. ESV 1 Samuel 18:20 Now Saul's daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. NIV 1 Samuel 18:20 Now Saul's daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased. NLT 1 Samuel 18:20 In the meantime, Saul's daughter Michal had fallen in love with David, and Saul was delighted when he heard about it. NRS 1 Samuel 18:20 Now Saul's daughter Michal loved David. Saul was told, and the thing pleased him. NJB 1 Samuel 18:20 Now Michal daughter of Saul fell in love with David. When Saul heard this he was pleased. NAB 1 Samuel 18:20 Now Saul's daughter Michal loved David, and it was reported to Saul, who was pleased at this, YLT 1 Samuel 18:20 And Michal daughter of Saul loveth David, and they declare to Saul, and the thing is right in his eyes, loved David: 1Sa 18:28, Ge 29, 18, 20 34, 3 Jdg 16, 4, 15 2Sa 13, 1 1Ki 11, 1, 2 Ho 3, 2 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Samuel 6:16 (MICHAL'S ATTITUDE TOWARD DAVID YEARS LATER) Then it happened as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. SAUL'S DAUGHTER MICHAL LOVED DAVID Now Michal ("Who is like God?"), Saul's daughter, loved David. When they told Saul, the thing was agreeable to him (Lit = was right in his eyes) - Who is they? They presumably is not Michal and David but some of Saul's servants or courtiers. Saul's was pleased that Michal loved David. Holman Study Bible: NKJV Edition on how Michal might have been a snare to David - Perhaps Saul thought Michal would be a snare because she might distract David's attention from his military duties, or that the bride price Saul intended to request (v. 25) would put David in a life-threatening situation. Yet another possibility is that Saul thought Michal would lead David away from the Lord. First Samuel 19:13 has been cited to support this, but the context is uncertain. 1 Samuel 18:21 Saul thought, "I will give her to him that she may become a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him." Therefore Saul said to David, "For a second time you may be my son-in-law today." BGT 1 Samuel 18:21 καὶ εἶπεν Σαουλ δώσω αὐτὴν αὐτῷ καὶ ἔσται αὐτῷ εἰς σκάνδαλον καὶ ἦν ἐπὶ Σαουλ χεὶρ ἀλλοφύλων LXE 1 Samuel 18:21 And Saul said, I will give her to him, and she shall be a stumbling-block to him. Now the hand of the Philistines was against Saul. KJV 1 Samuel 18:21 And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain. NET 1 Samuel 18:21 Saul said, "I will give her to him so that she may become a snare to him and the hand of the Philistines may be against him." So Saul said to David, "Today is the second time for you to become my son-in-law." CSB 1 Samuel 18:21 "I'll give her to him," Saul thought. "She'll be a trap for him, and the hand of the Philistines will be against him." So Saul said to David a second time, "You can now be my son-in-law." ESV 1 Samuel 18:21 Saul thought, "Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him." Therefore Saul said to David a second time, "You shall now be my son-in-law." NIV 1 Samuel 18:21 "I will give her to him," he thought, "so that she may be a snare to him and so that the hand of the Philistines may be against him." So Saul said to David, "Now you have a second opportunity to become my son-in-law." NLT 1 Samuel 18:21 "Here's another chance to see him killed by the Philistines!" Saul said to himself. But to David he said, "Today you have a second chance to become my son-in-law!" NRS 1 Samuel 18:21 Saul thought, "Let me give her to him that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him." Therefore Saul said to David a second time, "You shall now be my son-in-law." NJB 1 Samuel 18:21 He thought, 'Yes, I shall give her to him; she can be the snare for him, so that the Philistines will get him.' (On two occasions, Saul told David, 'Today, you shall be my son-in-law.') NAB 1 Samuel 18:21 for he thought, "I will offer her to him to become a snare for him, so that the Philistines may strike him." (Thus for the second time Saul said to David, "You shall become my son-in-law today.") YLT 1 Samuel 18:21 and Saul saith, 'I give her to him, and she is to him for a snare, and the hand of the Philistines is on him;' and Saul saith unto David, 'By the second -- thou dost become my son-in-law to-day.' a snare: Ex 10:7 Ps 7:14-16 38:12 Pr 26:24-26 29:5 Jer 5:26 9:8 the hand: 1Sa 18:17 19:11,12 this day: 1Sa 18:26 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL'S DECEPTIVE DESIRE TO KILL DAVID CONTINUES Saul thought, "I will give her to him that she may become a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him." Therefore Saul said to David, "For a second time you may be my son-in-law today." - The NLT rendering is interesting ""Here's another chance to see him killed by the Philistines!" Saul said to himself. But to David he said, "Today you have a second chance to become my son-in-law!" It is not clear from this verse exactly how Saul thought Michal could serve as a snare or trap for David. The probable answer is Saul knew David still did not have funds for a bridal price and Saul calculated in his evil heart that 100 Philistine foreskins would be a good price! 1 Samuel 18:22 Then Saul commanded his servants, "Speak to David secretly, saying, 'Behold, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; now therefore, become the king's son-in-law.'" BGT 1 Samuel 18:22 καὶ ἐνετείλατο Σαουλ τοῖς παισὶν αὐτοῦ λέγων λαλήσατε ὑμεῖς λάθρᾳ τῷ Δαυιδ λέγοντες ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεὺς θέλει ἐν σοί καὶ πάντες οἱ παῖδες αὐτοῦ ἀγαπῶσίν σε καὶ σὺ ἐπιγάμβρευσον τῷ βασιλεῖ LXE 1 Samuel 18:22 And Saul charged his servants, saying, Speak ye privately to David, saying, Behold, the king delights in thee, and all his servants love thee, and do thou becomes the king's son-in-law. KJV 1 Samuel 18:22 And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law. NET 1 Samuel 18:22 Then Saul instructed his servants, "Tell David secretly, 'The king is pleased with you, and all his servants like you. So now become the king's son-in-law." CSB 1 Samuel 18:22 Saul then ordered his servants, "Speak to David in private and tell him, 'Look, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Therefore, you should become the king's son-in-law.'" ESV 1 Samuel 18:22 And Saul commanded his servants, "Speak to David in private and say, 'Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king's son-in-law.'" NIV 1 Samuel 18:22 Then Saul ordered his attendants: "Speak to David privately and say, 'Look, the king is pleased with you, and his attendants all like you; now become his son-in-law.'" NLT 1 Samuel 18:22 Then Saul told his men to say to David, "The king really likes you, and so do we. Why don't you accept the king's offer and become his son-in-law?" NRS 1 Samuel 18:22 Saul commanded his servants, "Speak to David in private and say, 'See, the king is delighted with you, and all his servants love you; now then, become the king's son-in-law.'" NJB 1 Samuel 18:22 Saul gave instructions to his servants, 'Have a private word with David and say, "Look, the king is fond of you and all his servants love you -- why not be the king's son-in-law?" ' NAB 1 Samuel 18:22 Saul then ordered his servants to speak to David privately and to say: "The king is fond of you, and all his officers love you. You should become the king's son-in-law." YLT 1 Samuel 18:22 And Saul commandeth his servants, 'Speak unto David gently, saying, Lo, the king hath delighted in thee, and all his servants have loved thee, and now, be son-in-law to the king.' commanded: Ps 36:1-3 55:21 servants: 2Sa 13:28,29 Pr 29:12 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET? Then Saul commanded his servants, "Speak to David secretly, saying, 'Behold, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; now therefore, become the king's son-in-law True Humility 1 Samuel 18:22-23 And Saul commanded his servants, "Communicate with David secretly, and say, 'Look, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become the king's son-in-law.'" So Saul's servants spoke those words in the hearing of David. And David said, "Does it seem to you a light thing to be a king's son-in-law, seeing I am a poor and lightly esteemed man?" Sammy Morris was a devoted Christian from Africa who came to America to go to college. Although his pathway to service for Christ was not easy, his difficulties never deterred him. Perhaps this was because he had learned genuine humility. When Sammy arrived at a Christian college in the United States, the school's president asked him what room he wanted. The African believer replied, "If there is a room nobody wants, give it to me." How many other Christians would show such a humble spirit? David felt this way about his relationship to King Saul. Saul had promised him his daughter Merab, but the king went back on his commitment and gave her to Adriel the Meholathite (1 Sam. 18:17-19). Yet instead of becoming angry, David professed his unworthiness to be the son-in-law of the king. Then he was promised Michal, another of Saul's daughters, and the king's servants urged him to accept this offer. But again, David did not manipulate circumstances for his own gain. He humbly questioned his suitability to join the king's family. David refused to promote himself by marrying the king's daughter. He was content to let God honor him, if He so chose. Christians sometimes view their relationship with a person or an organization as an opportunity for their own advancement. They look for ways to turn their circumstances to their advantage. To them, people are stepping-stones to personal glory. This leads to pride, and pride leads to destruction (Prov. 16:18). Take care that you do not use others for your own advancement. Be willing to wait and let God provide success in His time and His way. You'll be glad you did. (Courtesy of Back to the Bible) Pride drives us to advance ourselves; humility bids us to wait. 1 Samuel 18:23 So Saul's servants spoke these words to David. But David said, "Is it trivial in your sight to become the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man and lightly esteemed. BGT 1 Samuel 18:23 καὶ ἐλάλησαν οἱ παῖδες Σαουλ εἰς τὰ ὦτα Δαυιδ τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ εἰ κοῦφον ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ὑμῶν ἐπιγαμβρεῦσαι βασιλεῖ κἀγὼ ἀνὴρ ταπεινὸς καὶ οὐχὶ ἔνδοξος LXE 1 Samuel 18:23 And the servants of Saul spoke these words in the ears of David; and David said, Is it a light thing in your eyes to become son-in-law to the king? Whereas I am an humble man, an not honourable? KJV 1 Samuel 18:23 And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? NET 1 Samuel 18:23 So Saul's servants spoke these words privately to David. David replied, "Is becoming the king's son-in-law something insignificant to you? I'm just a poor and lightly-esteemed man!" CSB 1 Samuel 18:23 Saul's servants reported these words directly to David, but he replied, "Is it trivial in your sight to become the king's son-in-law? I am a poor man who is common." ESV 1 Samuel 18:23 And Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, "Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?" NIV 1 Samuel 18:23 They repeated these words to David. But David said, "Do you think it is a small matter to become the king's son-in-law? I'm only a poor man and little known." NLT 1 Samuel 18:23 When Saul's men said these things to David, he replied, "How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter of a king?" NRS 1 Samuel 18:23 So Saul's servants reported these words to David in private. And David said, "Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man and of no repute?" NJB 1 Samuel 18:23 Saul's servants repeated these words in David's ear, to which David replied, 'Do you think that becoming the king's son-in-law is a trivial matter; I have neither wealth nor position.' NAB 1 Samuel 18:23 But when Saul's servants mentioned this to David, he said: "Do you think it easy to become the king's son-in-law? I am poor and insignificant." YLT 1 Samuel 18:23 And the servants of Saul speak in the ears of David these words, and David saith, 'Is it a light thing in your eyes to be son-in-law to the king -- and I a poor man, and lightly esteemed?' a light: 1Jn 3:1 a poor man: 1Sa 9:21 Pr 14:20 19:6,7 Ec 9:15,16 and lightly: Ps 119:141 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries IT'S NOT CHEAP BECOMING A KING'S SON-IN-LAW! So Saul's servants spoke these words to David. But David said, "Is it trivial in your sight to become the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man and lightly esteemed - The NLT conveys the sense of David's reply "When Saul's men said these things to David, he replied, "How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter of a king?" Robert Hawker - Did David indeed set by so high an honour in being allied to the family of an earthly prince; what then must be the dignity to which believers are called, in being heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ? The apostle was so lost in the contemplation of this unspeakable mercy, that he cried out with holy rapture, Behold! what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! My soul, art thou begotten to this immense privilege? Ponder well thy vast inheritance. Not a barren title; not an empty name; this relationship brings with it a rich revenue of all temporal, spiritual, and eternal blessings. Sons-in-law and in grace to God in Christ, believers are born to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away. They have the spirit of adoption, and of grace: and because they are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into their hearts, whereby they cry, Abba, Father. Are they poor in outward circumstances? bread shall be given, and water shall be sure; and their defence shall be the munitions of rocks. Are they afflicted in body or in mind? their back shall be proportioned to their burden; and as their day is, so shall their strength be. Every child shall have his own portion, and the Father’s blessing sanctifying all. Yea, death itself is in the inventory of the inheritance of a child of God: for so far is death from separating from God, that it brings to God. What sayest thou, O my soul! to these things? Art thou, like David, a poor man, and lightly esteemed? Look up and enjoy thy relationship in Jesus, and from this time do thou cry out, in the words of the Prophet, and say unto God, “My Father! thou art the guide of my youth.” 1 Samuel 18:24 The servants of Saul reported to him according to these words which David spoke. BGT 1 Samuel 18:24 καὶ ἀπήγγειλαν οἱ παῖδες Σαουλ αὐτῷ κατὰ τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα ἃ ἐλάλησεν Δαυιδ LXE 1 Samuel 18:24 And the servants of Saul reported to him according to these words, which David spoke. KJV 1 Samuel 18:24 And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David. NET 1 Samuel 18:24 When Saul's servants reported what David had said, CSB 1 Samuel 18:24 The servants reported back to Saul, "These are the words David spoke." ESV 1 Samuel 18:24 And the servants of Saul told him, "Thus and so did David speak." NIV 1 Samuel 18:24 When Saul's servants told him what David had said, NLT 1 Samuel 18:24 When Saul's men reported this back to the king, NRS 1 Samuel 18:24 The servants of Saul told him, "This is what David said." NJB 1 Samuel 18:24 Saul's servants then reported back, 'This is what David said.' NAB 1 Samuel 18:24 When his servants reported to him the nature of David's answer, YLT 1 Samuel 18:24 And the servants of Saul declare to him, saying, 'According to these words hath David spoken.' On this manner: Heb. According to these words, 1Sa 18:24 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SERVANTS REPORT TO SAUL The servants of Saul reported to him according to these words which David spoke. 1 Samuel 18:25 Saul then said, "Thus you shall say to David, 'The king does not desire any dowry except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to take vengeance on the king's enemies.' " Now Saul planned to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. BGT 1 Samuel 18:25 καὶ εἶπεν Σαουλ τάδε ἐρεῖτε τῷ Δαυιδ οὐ βούλεται ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐν δόματι ἀλλ᾽ ἢ ἐν ἑκατὸν ἀκροβυστίαις ἀλλοφύλων ἐκδικῆσαι εἰς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ Σαουλ ἐλογίσατο αὐτὸν ἐμβαλεῖν εἰς χεῖρας τῶν ἀλλοφύλων LXE 1 Samuel 18:25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye speak to David, The king wants no gift but a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to avenge himself on the kings enemies. Now Saul thought to cast him into the hands of the Philistines. KJV 1 Samuel 18:25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. NET 1 Samuel 18:25 Saul replied, "Here is what you should say to David: 'There is nothing that the king wants as a price for the bride except a hundred Philistine foreskins, so that he can be avenged of his enemies.'" (Now Saul was thinking that he could kill David by the hand of the Philistines.) CSB 1 Samuel 18:25 Then Saul replied, "Say this to David: 'The king desires no other bride-price except 100 Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.'" Actually, Saul intended to cause David's death at the hands of the Philistines. ESV 1 Samuel 18:25 Then Saul said, "Thus shall you say to David, 'The king desires no bride-price except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, that he may be avenged of the king's enemies.'" Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. NIV 1 Samuel 18:25 Saul replied, "Say to David, 'The king wants no other price for the bride than a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.' " Saul's plan was to have David fall by the hands of the Philistines. NLT 1 Samuel 18:25 he told them, "Tell David that all I want for the bride price is 100 Philistine foreskins! Vengeance on my enemies is all I really want." But what Saul had in mind was that David would be killed in the fight. NRS 1 Samuel 18:25 Then Saul said, "Thus shall you say to David, 'The king desires no marriage present except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, that he may be avenged on the king's enemies.'" Now Saul planned to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. NJB 1 Samuel 18:25 Saul replied, 'Tell David this, "The king desires no bride-price except one hundred Philistine foreskins, in vengeance on the king's enemies." ' Saul was counting on getting David killed by the Philistines. NAB 1 Samuel 18:25 Saul commanded them to say this to David: "The king desires no other price for the bride than the foreskins of one hundred Philistines, that he may thus take vengeance on his enemies." Saul intended in this way to bring about David's death through the Philistines. YLT 1 Samuel 18:25 And Saul saith, 'Thus do ye say to David, There is no delight to the king in dowry, but in a hundred foreskins of the Philistines -- to be avenged on the enemies of the king;' and Saul thought to cause David to fall by the hand of the Philistines. dowry: Ge 29:18 34:12 Ex 22:16,17 but an hundred: That is, Thou shalt slay one hundred Philistines, and thou shalt produce their foreskins as a proof, not only that thou hast killed one hundred men, but that these are of the uncircumcised Philistines. foreskins: 1Sa 17:26,36 Ge 17:11-14 Jos 5:3 to be avenged: 1Sa 14:24 thought: 1Sa 18:17 2Sa 17:8-11 1 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL'S "PLAN B" TO USE DOWRY DECEPTION TO DESTROY DAVID Saul then said, "Thus you shall say to David, 'The king does not desire any dowry except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to take vengeance on the king's enemies.Now Saul planned to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. - Plan A (1Sa 18:17) was to use his other daughter Merab to lure him into a fatal battle with the Philistines. Now Saul's deceitful "plan B" is like "blood money" which is money paid to a hired killer. So crafty Saul proposes the "bridal price" could be paid by David with 100 Philistine foreskins and of course his deceitful plan (and hope) is that they kill him. Saul reasons that surely David cannot kill 100 Philistines successfully. The ESV note has a surprising comment stating that "since David could not afford what was due a king’s daughter, the king graciously let him display his valor instead." I hardly think Saul was being gracious to the man he wanted dead. He was clearly being deceptive! (Borrow ESV Study Bible)