How does this verse connect to God's favor on David in earlier chapters? Verse in Focus “As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and three-stringed instruments.” Tracing the Thread of Divine Favor • 1 Samuel 16:1-13 – God chooses and anoints David. “The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward” (v. 13). • 1 Samuel 16:18 – Testimony of David’s skill, valor, prudence, and that “the LORD is with him.” • 1 Samuel 17:37 – David acknowledges that “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” • 1 Samuel 17:45-47 – David’s victory over Goliath is openly credited to the LORD. • 1 Samuel 18:5 – “David prospered in every mission Saul sent him to accomplish.” All success is explicitly tied to the LORD’s presence (cf. v. 14). Moments Where God’s Favor Was Clearly Displayed 1. Private anointing (16:1-13) – Divine choice precedes public recognition. 2. Spirit empowerment (16:13) – Continuous, not intermittent. 3. Public vindication (17:50-53) – National deliverance through David. 4. Rising reputation (18:5-7) – Israel sees what God already declared. Why 18:6 Matters in the Storyline • Public confirmation: The women’s songs are the nation’s spontaneous acknowledgment of the victories God granted David. • Fulfillment of divine promise: What was whispered in Bethlehem’s fields is now shouted in Israel’s streets. • Contrast with Saul: God’s favor shifted (16:14, “the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul”). The celebratory parade exposes that transfer. • Catalyst for conflict: Saul’s jealousy (18:8-9) is triggered precisely because God’s favor on David is undeniable. • Continuity with earlier biblical patterns: Just as Miriam led Israel in song after the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21), so Israel’s women now celebrate another God-given deliverance. Key Takeaways • God’s favor is first declared by Him, then demonstrated through unmistakable victories. • Private anointing leads to public acclaim; the process may take time, but the outcome is certain when God is the author. • Divine favor on David in earlier chapters sets the stage for the joyous reception of 18:6; the verse is a loud echo of the LORD’s consistent hand on David’s life. |
    |