1 Samuel 18
In 1 Samuel 18, after David defeats Goliath, it covers various events that take place in Saul’s court. This chapter is divided into four main parts. First, the friendship between Jonathan and David(verses 1-5). Next, Saul’s jealousy and fear(verses 6-16). Then, David and Michal’s marriage promise(verses 17-27). Finally, Saul’s continuing vigilance toward David(verses 28-30). Each section shows how David gradually grows into an important figure within Israel and also reveals the attitudes of the people who watch him.
1verseWhen 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.
2verseSaul took him that day, and wouldn’t let him go home to his father’s house any more.
3verseThen Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
4verseJonathan 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.
5verseDavid 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.
6verseAs 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.
7verseThe women sang to one another as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
8verseSaul 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?”
9verseSaul watched David from that day and forward.
10verseOn 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;
11verseand Saul threw the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” David escaped from his presence twice.
12verseSaul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and had departed from Saul.
13verseTherefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
14verseDavid behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
15verseWhen Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he stood in awe of him.
16verseBut all Israel and Judah loved David; for he went out and came in before them.
17verseSaul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight the LORD’s battles.” For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.”
18verseDavid 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?”
19verseBut at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife.
20verseMichal, Saul’s daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
21verseSaul 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.”
22verseSaul 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.’”
23verseSaul’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?”
24verseThe servants of Saul told him, saying, “David spoke like this.”
25verseSaul 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.
26verseWhen his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the deadline,
27verseDavid 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.
28verseSaul saw and knew that the LORD was with David; and Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him.
29verseSaul was even more afraid of David; and Saul was David’s enemy continually.
30verseThen 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.
The Friendship of Jonathan and David
At the beginning of the chapter, Jonathan and David’s sincere friendship is emphasized. Jonathan gives David his own robe and weapons, showing that he loved him with all his heart. This symbolizes a deep relationship that goes beyond social status and power at the time. Many readers will come to see in the friendship between Jonathan and David a picture of genuine companionship and trust.
Saul’s Jealousy and Fear
After David’s victory over Goliath, the people of Israel praise David highly (verses 6-7). Because of this, Saul begins to fear David and gradually becomes consumed by jealousy and anxiety. Saul’s emotions go beyond a simple threat to his kingship, and lead to actions aimed at harming David. Here, you can clearly see the jealousy and fear within the human heart, and the resulting distortion of relationships.
David and Michal’s Marriage Promise
In the middle of the chapter, Saul plans to give his daughter Michal to David as a wife, but this was also meant to trap David in trouble. Saul sets difficult conditions, expecting David to die in war (verse 25). However, David humbly accepts those conditions, succeeds, and ends up taking Michal as his wife. Through this process, you can catch glimpses of David’s carefulness and courage, as well as his attitude of doing his best in the given circumstances.
Wisdom From David and Saul’s Fear Intensifies
In the final part of the chapter (verses 28-30), Saul becomes even more gripped by fear as he sees David’s success. But even the people, the soldiers, and even Saul’s own family members come to love David more and more. This shows what the life of someone with God’s presence looks like—and what kind of impact it has on those around them.
Points for Reflection
- Just like the friendship of Jonathan and David, do I also have relationships that are true and beautiful?
- Is there jealousy or fear within me, and is it clouding my view?
- Do I have an attitude like David—fully carrying out my role even in difficult circumstances?
Applying It to Myself
- In the relationships around me today, how should I go about truly respecting and loving one another?
- If, in my heart, a spirit of comparison or jealousy is creeping in, please pray about how I can govern it.
- Let’s live through the day by seeking the courage and wisdom to do our best and carry out our role in the given place—just like David did.
