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1 Samuel 18

World English Bible

WEB

1When he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2Saul took him that day, and wouldn’t let him go home to his father’s house any more. 3Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David with his clothing, even including his sword, his bow, and his sash. 5David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely; and Saul set him over the men of war. It was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. 6As they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7The women sang to one another as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” 8Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have credited David with ten thousands, and they have only credited me with thousands. What can he have more but the kingdom?” 9Saul watched David from that day and forward. 10On the next day, an evil spirit from God came mightily on Saul, and he prophesied in the middle of the house. David played with his hand, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand; 11and Saul threw the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” David escaped from his presence twice. 12Saul was afraid of David, because Yahweh was with him, and had departed from Saul. 13Therefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. 14David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and Yahweh was with him. 15When Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he stood in awe of him. 16But all Israel and Judah loved David; for he went out and came in before them. 17Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight Yahweh’s battles.” For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.” 18David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” 19But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife. 20Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21Saul said, I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall today be my son-in-law.” 22Saul commanded his servants, “Talk with David secretly, and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore be the king’s son-in-law.’” 23Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. David said, “Does it seem to you a light thing to be the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and little known?” 24The servants of Saul told him, saying, “David spoke like this.” 25Saul said, “Tell David, ‘The king desires no dowry except one hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies.’” Now Saul thought he would make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26When his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the deadline, 27David arose and went, he and his men, and killed two hundred men of the Philistines. Then David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full number to the king, that he might be the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave him Michal his daughter as wife. 28Saul saw and knew that Yahweh was with David; and Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him. 29Saul was even more afraid of David; and Saul was David’s enemy continually. 30Then the princes of the Philistines went out; and as often as they went out, David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

1 Samuel Chapter 18 narrates the deepening friendship between #David and #Jonathan, the son of King #Saul. After David's victory over Goliath, Saul brings David into his court, and Jonathan, recognizing David's valor and God's favor upon him, forms a covenant of friendship with him. This bond is significant as it illustrates the theme of loyalty and love, contrasting sharply with Saul's growing jealousy and fear of David. Jonathan's act of giving David his robe, armor, and sword symbolizes his recognition of David's future kingship and his own willingness to support him, despite the implications for his own royal status.

As the chapter progresses, we see Saul's increasing paranoia as David's popularity among the people grows. The women of Israel sing praises of David, declaring that he has slain tens of thousands, while Saul has only slain thousands. This comparison ignites Saul's envy, leading him to view David as a threat to his throne. Saul's attempts to kill David begin, showcasing the tragic decline of Saul's character as he succumbs to fear and rage. Despite these challenges, David remains faithful and continues to serve Saul, demonstrating his integrity and commitment to God’s anointed leader, even as Saul seeks to harm him. This chapter sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between Saul and David, highlighting themes of friendship, jealousy, and divine purpose.

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Referenced by

  1. 1 Samuel 19:1v101 Samuel 19:1 shows Saul's intent to kill David, which is a continuation of his jealousy and fear of David as seen in 1 Samuel 18:10-11, where Saul first attempts to harm David.
  2. 1 Samuel 20:17v11 Samuel 20:17 highlights the covenant of love between Jonathan and David, which was first established in 1 Samuel 18:1-3.
  3. 1 Samuel 29:9v12Achish's high regard for David in 1 Samuel 29:9 is reminiscent of Saul's fear and respect for David in 1 Samuel 18:12-15, where David's success and favor with God made him esteemed in the eyes of others.
  4. 2 Samuel 1:26v1David's deep lament for Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1:26 reflects the profound friendship and covenant between them as described in 1 Samuel 18:1-3.
  5. 2 Samuel 5:10v142 Samuel 5:10 notes that David became greater because the Lord was with him, echoing 1 Samuel 18:14 where David's success is attributed to the Lord's presence.

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