1 Samuel 18:18

KJV

And David said unto 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto Saul {H7586}, Who am I? and what is my life {H2416}, or my father's {H1} family {H4940} in Israel {H3478}, that I should be son in law {H2860} to the king {H4428}?

Complete Jewish Bible

David's response to Sha'ul was, "Who am I, that I should become the king's son-in-law? I don't have any kind of a life, and my father's family has no rank in Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

And David said unto 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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:18 captures David's profound humility and self-effacement in response to King Saul's unexpected offer of marriage to his elder daughter, Merab. Despite his recent heroic triumph over Goliath and burgeoning popularity, David does not view himself or his family as worthy of such a prestigious royal connection. His rhetorical questions underscore a genuine sense of unworthiness, highlighting the vast social and familial chasm between his humble background as a shepherd from Bethlehem and the esteemed position of the king's son-in-law. This verse serves as a powerful testament to David's character, contrasting sharply with the pride and insecurity that would increasingly characterize Saul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Saul's declaration of his intention to give Merab to David, fulfilling a promise made to the man who would defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:25). David's humility here is a stark contrast to the escalating tension and jealousy that will soon develop between him and Saul. Saul's offer, though seemingly generous, is also a strategic move, as he hopes David will continue to fight the Philistines and perhaps even fall in battle (1 Samuel 18:17). David's response in 1 Samuel 18:18 sets the stage for Merab ultimately being given to Adriel the Meholathite instead (1 Samuel 18:19), before Saul later offers his younger daughter, Michal, to David, which leads to a more complex and fraught relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, marriage alliances were often politically motivated, solidifying power, securing loyalty, or forming strategic partnerships. Becoming the king's son-in-law was an immense honor, elevating one's social status, wealth, and influence significantly. It often implied a potential claim to the throne or at least a close association with the royal family. David, a shepherd from Bethlehem, a relatively obscure town in Judah, belonged to a family (Jesse's) that was not of royal or even prominent tribal standing. His anointing by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:1-13) was a private, prophetic act, not yet a public recognition of his royal destiny. Thus, for David, a commoner, to be offered a place in the royal household was an extraordinary and unexpected elevation, far beyond typical social mobility.
* **Key Themes:** David's response in this verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **humility versus pride**. While Saul is increasingly consumed by pride and insecurity, David consistently demonstrates a humble spirit, even in the face of great success and honor. This humility is rooted in his recognition of God's sovereign hand in his life, acknowledging that any elevation comes from divine favor, not personal merit. The verse also touches on **divine election and human unworthiness**, as David, despite being chosen and anointed by God (as seen in [1 Samuel 16:12-13](/1_samuel/16-12 "1 Samuel 16:12-13 - David's Anointing")), still perceives himself as inherently unworthy of such a prestigious human honor. This foreshadows the ongoing narrative of God choosing the humble and the weak to accomplish His purposes, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative, from Gideon (Judges 6) to the New Testament's emphasis on God's choice of the "foolish things of the world" ([1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Lowly")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Who am I? (Hebrew, _mî ʼānōḵî_):** This is a powerful rhetorical question common in the Old Testament, expressing profound humility, unworthiness, or astonishment. It is not false modesty but a genuine acknowledgment of one's perceived low standing in comparison to the person or position being addressed. It conveys a sense of wonder that someone of such humble origin could be considered for such a high honor. Other biblical figures like Moses (Exodus 3:11) and Gideon (Judges 6:15) use similar expressions, highlighting a consistent theme of God choosing the seemingly insignificant for great purposes.
* **my father's family (Hebrew, _bêt ʼābî_):** This phrase refers to the extended family unit or clan, encompassing immediate relatives and even distant kin. In ancient Israelite society, one's identity and social standing were intrinsically tied to their family and lineage. David's question emphasizes that not only is he personally unworthy, but his entire family, the house of Jesse, lacks the prominence or royal pedigree that would typically qualify one for such a union with the king's daughter. This highlights the immense social disparity and the extraordinary nature of Saul's offer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said unto Saul, Who [am] I?"**: David's immediate response to Saul's offer is a question that expresses deep personal humility and a sense of unworthiness. It is a rhetorical query that expects no literal answer but rather conveys his astonishment and low estimation of himself in the context of such a high honor. It signifies that he does not see himself as a person of significant standing or merit.
* **"and what [is] my life,"**: This clause further intensifies David's self-effacement. It suggests that his existence, his personal achievements (even the recent defeat of Goliath), and his individual worth are negligible in comparison to the royal family. It's a reflection on the perceived insignificance of his personal being.
* **"[or] my father's family in Israel,"**: Expanding beyond himself, David includes his entire lineage. He acknowledges that his family, the house of Jesse, is not a prominent or noble clan within Israel. They are not of royal blood or a powerful aristocratic family, thus lacking the social standing typically required for such a prestigious marriage alliance with the king's daughter.
* **"that I should be son in law to the king?"**: This final clause articulates the immense honor and status that Saul's offer entails. David frames the question in a way that highlights the sheer improbability and unsuitability of such a union, given his humble background. It underscores the vast social chasm between his family and the royal house, making the offer seem almost unfathomable from his perspective.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Samuel 18:18 is **Rhetorical Question**. David poses a series of questions ("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?") not to elicit information, but to emphasize his profound humility and perceived unworthiness. These questions serve to highlight the vast social disparity between David and the king, underscoring the extraordinary nature of Saul's offer. The use of **Parallelism** is also evident in the structure of David's questions, where "Who am I?" is paralleled with "what is my life, [or] my father's family in Israel," creating a cumulative effect that reinforces his self-abasement. This literary technique effectively communicates David's genuine character and contrasts it with the increasing pride and insecurity of Saul.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's profound humility in 1 Samuel 18:18 stands as a significant theological statement, illustrating that true greatness in God's eyes often stems from a humble spirit, rather than worldly status or self-promotion. His response implicitly acknowledges God's sovereign hand in his life, recognizing that any elevation he experiences is due to divine favor, not his own merit or family standing. This perspective aligns with a core biblical theme: God often chooses the lowly, the overlooked, and the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His grand purposes, confounding the wisdom and expectations of the world. David's humility here is a hallmark of his character, distinguishing him from Saul, whose pride ultimately leads to his downfall. It teaches us that genuine humility is not self-deprecation but a realistic appraisal of oneself in light of God's sovereignty and grace.

* [Psalm 8:4](/psalm/8-4 "Psalm 8:4 - What is man that you are mindful of him?")
* [Proverbs 29:23](/proverbs/29-23 "Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.")
* [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's response in 1 Samuel 18:18 offers a timeless model of humility, especially pertinent in an age that often glorifies self-promotion and achievement. Despite his recent monumental victory over Goliath and the adulation he received, David remained grounded, recognizing that his worth and opportunities did not stem from his own accomplishments or lineage, but from God's unmerited favor. This verse challenges us to cultivate a similar spirit, remembering our origins and acknowledging that any blessings, successes, or elevated positions we attain are ultimately gifts from God. True humility allows us to receive honor without arrogance and to serve without seeking personal glory, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and dependence on the divine. It encourages us to see ourselves accurately in relation to God's immense power and grace, preventing pride from taking root and distorting our perspective.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's humility in this verse challenge modern notions of success and self-worth?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most difficult to maintain a humble perspective, especially after achieving something significant?**
* **How can acknowledging God's hand in your achievements lead to greater humility and gratitude?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate genuine humility in your daily interactions and aspirations?**

### FAQ
**Was David's humility genuine, or was it a form of false modesty or political maneuvering?**

Answer: While it's impossible to definitively know the innermost thoughts of a historical figure, the consistent portrayal of David throughout the biblical narrative, especially in contrast to Saul's pride, strongly suggests his humility was genuine. His repeated expressions of dependence on God (e.g., [1 Samuel 17:37](/1_samuel/17-37 "1 Samuel 17:37 - David's Trust in God Against Goliath")) and his later actions, such as his repentance after sin (e.g., [2 Samuel 12:13](/2_samuel/12-13 "2 Samuel 12:13 - David's Repentance")), indicate a heart that recognized its own limitations and God's sovereignty. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such expressions of humility before a superior were also culturally appropriate, but David's consistent character reinforces the sincerity of his words here. He genuinely perceived the vast social chasm and the unlikelihood of such an offer given his background.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound humility in 1 Samuel 18:18, where he declares his unworthiness to be "son in law to the king," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate humility of Christ. While David was a humble shepherd elevated by God's choice, Jesus, the Son of God, truly emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant (as described in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")), though He was truly divine. He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, coming in the likeness of men. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who had every right to the highest honor, chose the lowest place, born in a manger, living a life of service, and ultimately dying a criminal's death on a cross. David's question, "Who am I?" finds its ultimate answer and reversal in Christ, who, though infinitely worthy, humbled Himself to become the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His profound humility and obedience, Jesus became the true "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")) and the ultimate King, inviting all who humble themselves to become "children of God" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")) and co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 7:18

¶ Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who [am] I, O Lord GOD? and what [is] my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

1 Samuel 9:21

And Saul answered and said, [Am] not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?

1 Samuel 18:23

And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you [a] light [thing] to be a king's son in law, seeing that I [am] a poor man, and lightly esteemed?

Ruth 2:10

Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I [am] a stranger?

Exodus 3:11

¶ And Moses said unto God, Who [am] I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

Jeremiah 1:6

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.

Proverbs 18:12

¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.