When the servants reported these terms to David, he was pleased to become the king's son-in-law. Before the wedding day arrived, When the servants reported these terms to DavidThis phrase highlights the role of intermediaries in ancient Israelite society. The "servants" here are likely messengers or officials in Saul's court, tasked with conveying the king's intentions. The Hebrew word for "servants" is "עֲבָדִים" (avadim), which can also mean "slaves" or "attendants," indicating their role as those who serve at the behest of a higher authority. This reflects the hierarchical structure of the time, where communication often flowed through trusted individuals. The "terms" refer to the bride price or conditions set by King Saul for David to marry his daughter Michal, which involved a dangerous mission against the Philistines. This context underscores the political and personal stakes involved in royal marriages, which were often used to secure alliances and demonstrate valor. he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law
David's pleasure in this context is significant. The Hebrew word for "pleased" is "יָשַׁר" (yashar), which conveys a sense of being right or agreeable. David's acceptance of the terms reflects his ambition and his desire to solidify his position within the royal family. Becoming the "king’s son-in-law" was not merely a personal honor but a strategic move that would elevate David's status and influence. This phrase also highlights David's faith and confidence in God's plan for his life, as he navigates the complexities of court politics with wisdom and courage. The marriage to Michal, Saul's daughter, is a pivotal moment in David's journey, intertwining his destiny with the royal lineage. Before the wedding day arrived
This phrase sets the stage for the unfolding events and emphasizes the urgency and anticipation surrounding the marriage. The "wedding day" in ancient Israel was a significant occasion, often marked by elaborate celebrations and rituals. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on marriage as a covenantal relationship, reflecting God's covenant with His people. The anticipation of the wedding day also foreshadows the challenges David would face, as Saul's intentions were not entirely benevolent. Historically, marriages within royal families were fraught with political intrigue, and this union was no exception. David's journey to the wedding day is a testament to his faithfulness and resilience, as he navigates the trials set before him with trust in God's providence. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidA young shepherd who was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. At this point in the account, he is serving in King Saul's court and has gained favor due to his victory over Goliath and his military successes. 2. King SaulThe first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly jealous and fearful of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him. 3. Saul's ServantsMessengers who convey Saul's terms to David regarding the bride price for marrying Saul's daughter, Michal. 4. MichalSaul's daughter, who loves David and is offered to him as a wife, which is part of Saul's plan to ensnare David. 5. IsraelThe nation over which Saul reigns and where these events unfold, highlighting the political and spiritual dynamics at play. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite Saul's intentions, God uses the situation to further His plan for David. Believers can trust that God is in control, even when others have ill intentions. Faithfulness in AdversityDavid's willingness to become Saul's son-in-law, despite the risks, demonstrates his faithfulness and courage. Christians are called to remain faithful and courageous in the face of challenges. The Dangers of Jealousy and ManipulationSaul's jealousy leads him to manipulate circumstances to harm David. Believers should guard against jealousy and manipulation, which can lead to destructive behavior. God's Favor and Human OppositionDavid's life illustrates that God's favor does not exempt one from human opposition. Christians should expect challenges but remain confident in God's ultimate plan. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to Saul's offer reflect his character and faith in God? Consider how you can demonstrate similar faithfulness in your own life. 2. In what ways does Saul's jealousy and manipulation serve as a warning for us today? Reflect on areas in your life where you might need to guard against these tendencies. 3. How does the account of David and Saul illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty? Identify other biblical accounts that reinforce this theme. 4. What can we learn from David's willingness to take risks for the sake of God's plan? How can you apply this lesson to a current situation in your life? 5. How does the relationship between David and Saul evolve throughout 1 Samuel, and what does it teach us about handling difficult relationships? Consider how you can apply these lessons to your own relationships. Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 18:17-25Provides context for Saul's offer to David, revealing Saul's ulterior motives to have David killed by the Philistines. 1 Samuel 18:28-29Shows the continuation of Saul's fear and animosity towards David, despite David's loyalty and success. 2 Samuel 3:14References David's later actions to reclaim Michal, indicating the ongoing significance of this marriage in David's life and reign. People Adriel, David, Jonathan, Merab, Michal, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Allotted, David, David's, Declare, Elapsed, Expired, Full, King's, Law, Past, Pleased, Servants, Sight, Son-in-lawDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 18:17-27 5695 girls 1 Samuel 18:17-29 5890 insecurity 1 Samuel 18:18-27 5738 sons 1 Samuel 18:20-27 5659 bride 1 Samuel 18:24-27 5325 gifts 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 18:26 NIV1 Samuel 18:26 NLT1 Samuel 18:26 ESV1 Samuel 18:26 NASB1 Samuel 18:26 KJV
1 Samuel 18:26 Commentaries
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