And David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my family or my father's clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?" And David said to SaulDavid's response to Saul comes after Saul offers his daughter in marriage to David. This offer is not just a personal matter but a political one, as marriage into the royal family would elevate David's status significantly. David's humility is evident here, reflecting his character as a man after God's own heart ( 1 Samuel 13:14). This humility contrasts with Saul's growing pride and insecurity. Who am I
David's rhetorical question underscores his humility and self-awareness. Despite his recent victory over Goliath and rising popularity, David does not see himself as worthy of such an honor. This humility is a recurring theme in David's life and is reminiscent of Moses' response to God's call in Exodus 3:11. It also foreshadows the humility of Christ, who, despite His divine nature, took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7). and what is my family
David's family, the house of Jesse, was not of significant social standing in Israel. They were from Bethlehem, a small town in Judah, which was not considered a place of prominence. This acknowledgment of his family's humble status highlights the biblical theme that God often chooses the lowly and unexpected to fulfill His purposes, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29. or my father’s clan in Israel
The mention of his father's clan emphasizes the modesty of David's background. Jesse's family was not part of the ruling elite or priestly class. This humility is significant in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for God's sovereign choice of David as king, demonstrating that God's criteria for leadership differ from human expectations (1 Samuel 16:7). that I should become the son-in-law of the king?
Becoming the king's son-in-law would have been a significant honor and responsibility. In ancient Israel, marriage alliances were often used to secure political power and stability. David's question reflects his awareness of the gravity of such a position. This moment foreshadows the greater covenant relationship between God and His people, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is both the Son of David and the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidA young shepherd who was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. At this point, he is serving in King Saul's court and has gained favor due to his victory over Goliath and his military successes. 2. SaulThe first king of Israel, who has become increasingly jealous and fearful of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him. 3. David's FamilyDavid refers to his humble origins, coming from the tribe of Judah and the family of Jesse, a modest lineage without royal connections. 4. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of twelve tribes. David's question reflects his humility and awareness of his place within the larger community of Israel. 5. King’s Son-in-lawThe position David is being offered, which would elevate his status significantly by marrying into the royal family. Teaching Points Humility in ElevationDavid's response to Saul's offer demonstrates humility. Despite his accomplishments, he does not presume to be worthy of royal status. This teaches us to remain humble, recognizing that any elevation in life is by God's grace. Understanding Our IdentityDavid's question reflects an understanding of his identity in God rather than in societal status. We should find our worth and identity in God's view of us, not in worldly achievements or connections. God's Sovereignty in PromotionDavid's life illustrates that God is the one who elevates and positions us according to His purpose. We should trust in God's timing and plan for our lives, rather than striving for positions through our own efforts. Gratitude for God's FavorRecognizing our humble beginnings and God's favor should lead us to gratitude. Like David, we should acknowledge God's hand in our lives and remain thankful for His blessings. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to Saul's offer reflect his character and relationship with God? 2. In what ways can we practice humility in our own lives, especially when offered positions of influence or authority? 3. How does understanding our identity in Christ help us navigate opportunities and challenges in life? 4. What are some practical ways to express gratitude for God's favor and blessings in our lives? 5. How can we trust in God's sovereignty and timing when it comes to promotions or advancements in our personal and professional lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16This chapter provides background on David's anointing by Samuel, highlighting God's choice of David despite his humble beginnings. Philippians 2:5-8This passage speaks of Christ's humility, which parallels David's humble response to Saul's offer. Psalm 78:70-72These verses reflect on David's journey from shepherd to king, emphasizing God's guidance and David's integrity. People Adriel, David, Jonathan, Merab, Michal, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Clan, David, Family, Father's, King's, Kinsfolk, Law, Saul, Son-in-lawDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 18:18 5671 clan
5968 timidity
7944 ministry, qualifications
8276 humility 1 Samuel 18:17-21 5674 daughters 1 Samuel 18:17-25 8720 double-mindedness 1 Samuel 18:17-27 5695 girls 1 Samuel 18:17-29 5890 insecurity 1 Samuel 18:18-27 5738 sons Library A Soul's Tragedy
'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. 6. And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. 7. And the women answered one another as they played, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWar! War! War!
At the present crisis, the minds of men are exceedingly agitated with direful prospects of a terrible struggle. We know not whereunto this matter may grow. The signs of the times are dark and direful. We fear that the vials of God's wrath are about to be poured out, and that the earth will be deluged with blood. As long as there remains a hope, let us pray for peace, nay, even in the time of war let us still beseech the throne of God, crying, that he would "send us peace in our days." The war will …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible The Exile.
David's first years at the court of Saul in Gibeah do not appear to have produced any psalms which still survive. "The sweetest songs are those Which tell of saddest thought." It was natural, then, that a period full of novelty and of prosperous activity, very unlike the quiet days at Bethlehem, should rather accumulate materials for future use than be fruitful in actual production. The old life shut to behind him for ever, like some enchanted door in a hill-side, and an unexplored land lay beckoning …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Salvation Published from the Mountains
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! I t would be improper to propose an alteration, though a slight one, in the reading of a text, without bearing my testimony to the great value of our English version, which I believe, in point of simplicity, strength, and fidelity, is not likely to be excelled by a new translation …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
(Admonition 3.) Differently to be admonished are the poor and the rich: for to the former we ought to offer the solace of comfort against tribulation, but in the latter to induce fear as against elation. For to the poor one it is said by the Lord through the prophet, Fear not, for thou shalt not be confounded (Isai. liv. 4). And not long after, soothing her, He says, O thou poor little one, tossed with tempest (Ibid. 11). And again He comforts her, saying, I have chosen thee in the furnace of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Publication of the Gospel
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it [or of the preachers] P erhaps no one Psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and patience of commentators and critics, than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly belong to the Psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the Psalmist alludes; which probably were, at that time, generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 18:18 NIV1 Samuel 18:18 NLT1 Samuel 18:18 ESV1 Samuel 18:18 NASB1 Samuel 18:18 KJV
1 Samuel 18:18 Commentaries
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