What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 18:28? When Saul realized • Saul’s eyes are being opened to a reality he can no longer deny. Earlier “Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul” (1 Samuel 18:12). • The king’s growing jealousy has progressed from suspicion (1 Samuel 18:9) to terror (1 Samuel 18:15) to murderous intent (1 Samuel 19:10). Now he consciously acknowledges the divine favor resting on David. • Recognition does not lead Saul to repentance; instead it hardens his heart, illustrating Proverbs 29:1, “A man who remains stiff-necked after much rebuke will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.” that the LORD was with David • “The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:13). Victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37, 45-47) and military success (1 Samuel 18:14) openly display that presence. • God’s covenant faithfulness to raise “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14) is unfolding. Saul witnesses the fulfillment yet resists it, similar to Pharaoh hardening his heart despite God’s evident power (Exodus 8:19). • David’s life models Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” The assurance of divine companionship stands at the core of his future psalms and reign. and that his daughter Michal loved David • Her affection is first noted in 1 Samuel 18:20: “Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David.” Saul had hoped to use this love as a snare (1 Samuel 18:21, 25), seeking David’s death at the hands of the Philistines. • Genuine love places Michal on David’s side, thwarting Saul’s schemes when she helps David escape (1 Samuel 19:11-17). Saul perceives that even his household is aligning with the Lord’s chosen king, intensifying his dread. • The episode foreshadows Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:36, “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household,” highlighting how allegiance to God’s anointed divides families. summary 1 Samuel 18:28 marks a turning point: Saul admits, though unwillingly, that God’s hand rests on David and that even within his own family David enjoys loyal love. Instead of spurring Saul to humble obedience, this realization deepens his hostility. The verse underscores the certainty of God’s purposes, the blessing that follows those He favors, and the futility of resisting His chosen plan. |
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