1 Samuel 18:2
New International Version
From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family.

New Living Translation
From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home.

English Standard Version
And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house.

Berean Standard Bible
And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house.

King James Bible
And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

New King James Version
Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore.

New American Standard Bible
And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.

NASB 1995
Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.

NASB 1977
And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.

Amplified Bible
Saul took David that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.

Christian Standard Bible
Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him return to his father’s house.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him return to his father’s house.

American Standard Version
And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

Contemporary English Version
From that time on, Saul kept David in his service and would not let David go back to his own family.

English Revised Version
And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
(From that day on Saul kept David [as his servant] and didn't let him go back to his family.)

Good News Translation
Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him go back home.

International Standard Version
Saul took David that day and did not let him return to his father's house.

Majority Standard Bible
And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father?s house.

NET Bible
Saul retained David on that day and did not allow him to return to his father's house.

New Heart English Bible
Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

World English Bible
Saul took him that day, and wouldn’t let him go home to his father’s house any more.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul takes him on that day, and has not permitted him to return to the house of his father.

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul taketh him on that day, and hath not permitted him to turn back to the house of his father.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will take him in that day and he gave him not to turn back to the house of his father.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul took him that day, and would not let him return to his father's house.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul took him that day, and would not permit him to return to his father’s house.

New American Bible
Saul retained David on that day and did not allow him to return to his father’s house.

New Revised Standard Version
Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul took him that day, and would not let him return to his father's house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul took him on that day, and he did not allow him to return to the house of his father
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan Befriends David
1After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. 2And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. 3Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 16:21-22
When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. / Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

1 Samuel 17:15
but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem.

1 Samuel 19:9-10
But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

1 Samuel 20:31
For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!”

1 Samuel 24:2
So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

1 Samuel 25:44
But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

1 Samuel 26:2
So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.

2 Samuel 5:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

2 Samuel 7:15
But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you.

2 Samuel 22:1
And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

1 Kings 2:11
The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 11:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

Psalm 18:1
For the choirmaster. Of David the servant of the LORD, who sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love You, O LORD, my strength.

Psalm 89:20-21
I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him.

Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

took him

1 Samuel 16:21-23
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer…

1 Samuel 17:15
But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.

Jump to Previous
David Home House Kept Permitted Saul Turn
Jump to Next
David Home House Kept Permitted Saul Turn
1 Samuel 18
1. Jonathan befriends David
5. Saul envies his praise
10. seeks to kill him in his fury
12. fears him for his good success
17. offers him his daughters for snare
23. David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law,
25. gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry
28. Saul's hatred and David's glory increase














And from that day
This phrase marks a significant turning point in the narrative of David's life. The "day" refers to the aftermath of David's victory over Goliath, which is a pivotal event in Israel's history. This victory not only established David as a national hero but also as a key figure in God's unfolding plan for Israel. The phrase indicates a new chapter in David's life, where he transitions from a shepherd boy to a prominent figure in the royal court.

Saul kept David with him
King Saul's decision to keep David close reflects both political and personal motivations. Politically, David's success against Goliath made him a valuable asset to Saul's military endeavors. Personally, Saul may have been drawn to David's charisma and the favor he had with the people. However, this decision also sets the stage for the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Saul and David. Saul's initial favor towards David eventually turns to jealousy and fear, as Saul perceives David as a threat to his throne.

and did not let him return to his father’s house
David's separation from his father's house signifies a break from his previous life and responsibilities as a shepherd. This move is symbolic of David's new role and identity within Israel. It also fulfills a pattern seen in Scripture where God calls individuals away from their familial ties to fulfill a greater purpose, as seen with Abraham and Moses. This separation is both a literal and figurative step towards David's future as king. Additionally, it foreshadows the eventual estrangement and conflict between Saul and David, as Saul's initial favor turns to suspicion and hostility.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign is marked by his initial obedience to God, followed by disobedience and eventual rejection by God as king.

2. David
The youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his faithfulness, courage, and heart for God, David becomes a central figure in Israel's history.

3. Jesse's House
The family home of David in Bethlehem. David's return to his father's house signifies his role as a shepherd and his humble beginnings before being called to serve in Saul's court.

4. Israel
The nation over which Saul reigns as king. The events of 1 Samuel 18 take place during a time of transition and tension as God prepares David to eventually succeed Saul.

5. The Court of Saul
The royal setting where David serves Saul, initially as a musician and later as a warrior and leader. This environment becomes a place of both opportunity and danger for David.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God orchestrates the rise and fall of leaders according to His divine plan. David's presence in Saul's court is part of God's preparation for his future role as king.

Faithfulness in Small Beginnings
David's journey from shepherd to king begins with humble service in Saul's court. Believers are encouraged to be faithful in small tasks, trusting God for future opportunities.

The Importance of Godly Character
David's character and faithfulness earn him favor with Saul and the people. Christians are called to cultivate godly character, which opens doors for service and leadership.

Navigating Hostile Environments
David's time in Saul's court is marked by both favor and hostility. Believers can learn from David's example of relying on God for wisdom and protection in challenging situations.Verses 2-4. - Saul took him that day. Bent solely on war, Saul gladly took so promising, a young soldier as David to be one of his bodyguard (1 Samuel 14:52), and henceforward he was constantly with him. Thus in two ways, first as a musician, and now as a soldier, David was forced into those intimate relations with Saul, which ended so tragically. For a while, however, those happier results ensued summed up in 1 Samuel 16:21. Jonathan and David made a covenant. We are not to suppose that this happened immediately. David continued on friendly terms with Saul for a considerable period, during which he went on many expeditions, and grew in military renown (see ver. 5). And thus the love which began with admiration of David's prowess grew deeper and more confirmed by constant intercourse, till this solemn bond of mutual friendship was entered into by the two youthful heroes, by which they bound themselves under all circumstances to be true and faithful to one another. How nobly Jonathan kept the bond the history proceeds immediately to tell us; nor was David subsequently unmindful of it (2 Samuel 9:l, 7). Jonathan stripped himself of the robe, etc. In confirmation of the bond Jonathan gave David first his robe, the meil, which, as we have seen on 1 Samuel 2:19, was the ordinary dress of the wealthier classes; and next his garments, his military dress (see on 1 Samuel 17:38, 39), worn over the meil, and which here seems to include his accoutrements, - the bow, sword, and girdle, - though elsewhere distinguished from them (2 Samuel 20:8). In thus clothing David in his own princely equipments Jonathan was showing his friend the greatest personal honour (Esther 6:8), and such a gift is still highly esteemed in the East.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And from that
הַה֑וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

day
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

Saul
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

kept David with him
וַיִּקָּחֵ֥הוּ (way·yiq·qā·ḥê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

and did not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

let
נְתָנ֔וֹ (nə·ṯā·nōw)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

him return
לָשׁ֖וּב (lā·šūḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to his father’s
אָבִֽיו׃ (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

house.
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house


Links
1 Samuel 18:2 NIV
1 Samuel 18:2 NLT
1 Samuel 18:2 ESV
1 Samuel 18:2 NASB
1 Samuel 18:2 KJV

1 Samuel 18:2 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 18:2 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 18:2 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 18:2 French Bible
1 Samuel 18:2 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 18:2 Saul took him that day and would (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 18:1
Top of Page
Top of Page