1 Samuel 18:21

KJV

And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559}, I will give {H5414} him her, that she may be a snare {H4170} to him, and that the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430} may be against him. Wherefore Saul {H7586} said {H559} to David {H1732}, Thou shalt this day {H3117} be my son in law {H2859} in the one of the twain {H8147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said, "I'll give her to him, so that she can entrap him, and the P'lishtim can do away with him." So Sha'ul said to David, "Today you will become my son-in-law through the second [daughter]."

Berean Standard Bible

“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”

American Standard Version

And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son-in-law a second time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:21 starkly reveals the depths of King Saul's moral decay and escalating paranoia, exposing his malevolent intent behind offering his daughter Michal in marriage to David. Far from a genuine gesture of royal favor or alliance, Saul orchestrates this union as a calculated "snare," cunningly designed for David to fall by the hand of the Philistines, thereby eliminating his popular rival without direct culpability. This pivotal verse underscores the insidious nature of unchecked jealousy and fear, demonstrating how they corrupt a leader's heart and lead to desperate, manipulative actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical turning point in the unfolding drama between King Saul and David, immediately following David's meteoric rise to national prominence after his miraculous victory over Goliath. Saul's initial admiration for David quickly curdled into intense jealousy and paranoia, manifesting in repeated, increasingly desperate attempts on David's life, including hurling a spear at him [1 Samuel 18:11](/1_samuel/18-11 "1 Samuel 18:11 - Saul's Attempt to Pin David to the Wall"). Earlier in this chapter, Saul had offered his elder daughter Merab to David as a reward for his military prowess, a promise he later shamefully reneged on, giving her instead to Adriel the Meholathite [1 Samuel 18:17-19](/1_samuel/18-17 "1 Samuel 18:17-19 - Saul's Broken Promise of Merab"). When it became known that Saul's younger daughter, Michal, harbored genuine affection for David [1 Samuel 18:20](/1_samuel/18-20 "1 Samuel 18:20 - Michal's Love for David"), Saul seized this development as a renewed, more cunning opportunity to ensnare David. This verse marks Saul's third distinct, and arguably most deceptive, attempt to eliminate David, setting the stage for the perilous and morally repugnant conditions of the bride-price he would subsequently demand.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal marriages were rarely solely matters of personal affection; they were primarily political instruments. Kings strategically offered their daughters to valiant warriors, influential tribal leaders, or foreign potentates to forge alliances, consolidate power, ensure loyalty, and secure dynastic succession. Saul's public offer of Michal to David, therefore, would have appeared, on the surface, to be a standard royal gesture of honor, integrating a successful warrior into the royal family. However, the underlying motive was deeply sinister. The Philistines were Israel's perennial and formidable enemies, constantly threatening their borders and national security. Saul's insidious plan to use the Philistines as the instrument of David's death was a particularly cruel and cowardly tactic. It allowed him to leverage a national threat for personal, murderous gain, all while maintaining a deceptive facade of legitimacy and avoiding direct culpability in the eyes of his people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"). Firstly, it vividly portrays **Saul's escalating jealousy and paranoia**, demonstrating how unchecked envy and insecurity can utterly corrupt a leader, leading to desperate, immoral, and self-destructive actions. His willingness to exploit his own daughter as bait in a murderous scheme underscores the profound depth of his moral decay and his obsessive determination to maintain power, even at the cost of his integrity and familial bonds. Secondly, the theme of **deception and manipulation** is starkly prominent, as Saul presents the marriage offer as a royal favor while secretly intending it to be David's death sentence. This showcases the cunning and insidious tactics employed by those consumed by sin and fear. Lastly, and implicitly, the broader narrative consistently emphasizes **Divine Protection and Providence** over David. Despite Saul's elaborate and malevolent schemes, they ultimately fail to thwart God's sovereign plan for David's future, as evidenced by David's continued success and the unwavering presence of the Lord with him throughout these trials (e.g., [1 Samuel 18:14](/1_samuel/18-14 "1 Samuel 18:14 - David's Success and God's Presence")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **snare (Hebrew, _môwqêsh'_):** This term (מֹקֵשׁ, H4170) literally refers to a trap, net, or noose, typically used for catching birds or animals. Metaphorically, as employed here, it signifies something that causes ruin, entanglement, or spiritual downfall. Saul's intention is for Michal, or more accurately, the conditions of marrying her, to be the deceptive instrument that leads David into a perilous situation designed for his demise. The word emphasizes the cunning, insidious, and ultimately destructive nature of Saul's plot, highlighting that it is not merely an obstacle but a device specifically engineered to capture and destroy.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The Hebrew word (יָד, H3027) for "hand" is a common term that, while denoting a physical appendage, frequently carries a broader meaning of power, authority, agency, active involvement, or even dominion. When Saul declares "that the hand of the Philistines may be against him," he is not merely referring to their physical presence but to their active, destructive power and military might. It implies that the Philistines would be the direct agents of David's death, thereby providing Saul with plausible deniability and absolving him of direct responsibility in the eyes of the people.
* **twain (Hebrew, _shᵉnayim'_):** This archaic English word (from the Hebrew שְׁנַיִם, H8147) simply means "two." In this context, the phrase "in [the one of] the twain" refers to the two daughters Saul had either previously offered or considered for David: Merab, the elder, and now Michal, the younger. It highlights Saul's persistent, though varying and increasingly treacherous, attempts to use his daughters as pawns in his ongoing scheme against David, underscoring the continuity of his malicious and manipulative intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said, I will give him her":** This opening clause presents Saul's offer as a seemingly benevolent and honorable act, a king bestowing a daughter upon a deserving warrior. However, the immediate subsequent clauses swiftly expose the deceptive and malevolent nature of this pronouncement, revealing it as a calculated maneuver rather than a genuine blessing or reward.
* **"that she may be a snare to him":** This is the stark, chilling revelation of Saul's true, malicious intent. The marriage is not purposed for alliance, honor, or the well-being of his daughter or David, but is explicitly designed as a trap. Michal herself, or more accurately, the perilous conditions attached to marrying her, are intended to lead David into a life-threatening situation from which Saul desperately hopes he will not return. This phrase unmasks Saul's profound duplicity and the depth of his hatred and fear.
* **"and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.":** This clause precisely specifies the mechanism of the "snare." Saul intends to demand a bride-price (as revealed in the subsequent verses, [1 Samuel 18:25](/1_samuel/18-25 "1 Samuel 18:25 - Saul's Demand for Bride-Price")) that would necessitate David engaging in an exceedingly high-risk military encounter with Israel's formidable enemies, the Philistines. This is Saul's cowardly strategy to effectively send David to his death, highlighting his unwillingness to confront David directly and his willingness to sacrifice a national hero to Israel's adversaries for personal gain.
* **"Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.":** This concluding clause depicts Saul's public presentation of the offer directly to David. He frames it as a renewed, honorable opportunity to become an integral part of the royal family, subtly referencing his previous, unfulfilled offer of Merab. This public declaration serves to maintain appearances, conceal his true, murderous intentions from David and the broader populace, and lend a veneer of legitimacy to his treachery, making his deceit even more profound.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to amplify its thematic and emotional impact. **Irony** is profoundly evident, as Saul perverts the sacred institution of marriage—a covenant typically symbolizing union, blessing, and the continuation of life—into a deceptive instrument of murder. The offer of his own daughter, which should signify favor and alliance, is twisted into a deadly trap. There is also strong **Foreshadowing**, as Saul's repeated and increasingly indirect attempts to eliminate David (first the spear, then the broken promise of Merab, and now Michal and the Philistines) set the stage for the prolonged and bitter conflict that will define much of the remainder of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"). This verse further develops Saul's **Characterization**, painting him as increasingly paranoid, manipulative, and morally bankrupt, standing in stark contrast to David's integrity and God-given success. The narrative also skillfully builds **Dramatic Tension**, as the reader is made acutely aware of Saul's sinister plot, while David remains largely unsuspecting, creating suspense about how God will continue to protect His anointed one amidst such malevolence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 18:21 serves as a stark theological commentary on the destructive power of unchecked sin, particularly jealousy, fear, and pride, when allowed to fester in the human heart. Saul's actions demonstrate how these vices can lead to profound moral and spiritual decay, blinding an individual to honor, integrity, and even natural familial bonds. His attempt to manipulate divine institutions (marriage) and leverage national enemies (Philistines) for personal, murderous gain underscores the terrifying depths of human depravity when a heart is alienated from God's guiding hand and consumed by self-preservation. Yet, this passage implicitly highlights God's unwavering sovereignty and protective providence. Despite Saul's elaborate and malicious schemes, God's ultimate purpose for David's life and his anointing as king cannot be thwarted by human malice. This narrative powerfully reinforces the biblical truth that while human plans and intentions may abound, God's counsel and ultimate purpose will prevail, often turning even the most sinister intentions into opportunities for His divine plan to unfold.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails")
* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Pit He Dug")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Saul's tragic descent into treachery, fueled by corrosive jealousy and paralyzing fear, serves as a powerful and timeless warning against allowing such destructive emotions to take root and fester in our own hearts. We are called to vigilantly examine our motives, especially when confronted with situations or individuals who seem to threaten our status, security, or perceived importance. Saul's manipulative tactics remind us of the critical need to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that appearances can be profoundly deceiving and that hidden, often malevolent, agendas can lurk even behind seemingly benevolent offers. In a world where manipulation, betrayal, and self-serving ambition are unfortunately common, this narrative encourages us to place our trust not in human schemes or fleeting promises, but in the unwavering faithfulness and sovereign protection of God. He is the one who ultimately safeguards His own and brings His divine purposes to fruition, even through the machinations of the wicked. Our response to perceived threats or rivals should always be rooted in faith, integrity, and prayer, rather than fear, deceit, or retaliation, mirroring David's steadfast trust in God amidst Saul's relentless and unjust pursuit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's unchecked envy in this passage challenge me to examine my own heart for similar destructive emotions, and what spiritual disciplines or practices can I implement to address them?**
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to manipulate situations or people for my own perceived gain or security, and how can I resist such temptations by walking consistently in integrity and truth?**
* **How does trusting in God's unwavering sovereignty and protective hand, as powerfully demonstrated in David's life amidst Saul's schemes, help me navigate situations where I feel targeted, betrayed, or unjustly treated by others?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul use Michal as a "snare" instead of just killing David directly?**

Answer: Saul's decision to use Michal as a "snare" (a trap) rather than directly killing David was a calculated move rooted in his cunning and fear of public backlash. Firstly, David was immensely popular with the people of Israel and Judah, universally beloved for his military victories and character [1 Samuel 18:16](/1_samuel/18-16 "1 Samuel 18:16 - David's Popularity"). A direct assassination would have undoubtedly sparked widespread outrage and likely a revolt, turning public opinion decisively against Saul and potentially leading to his overthrow. Secondly, Saul had already attempted to kill David directly with a spear on multiple occasions [1 Samuel 18:11](/1_samuel/18-11 "1 Samuel 18:11 - Saul's Attempt to Pin David to the Wall"), but these attempts miraculously failed, indicating God's protective hand over David. By using the Philistines as the instrument of David's demise, Saul could maintain a facade of innocence, claiming David died honorably in battle while secretly orchestrating his death. This allowed him to avoid direct culpability and public outcry, leveraging an external national enemy to achieve his murderous intent.

**What does "in [the one of] the twain" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "in [the one of] the twain" simply means "in one of the two." It refers to Saul's two daughters, Merab and Michal. Saul had previously offered his elder daughter Merab to David as a reward for his victory over Goliath, but then infamously reneged on that promise, giving her to Adriel the Meholathite instead [1 Samuel 18:17-19](/1_samuel/18-17 "1 Samuel 18:17-19 - Saul's Broken Promise of Merab"). Now, with the news that Saul's younger daughter, Michal, genuinely loved David [1 Samuel 18:20](/1_samuel/18-20 "1 Samuel 18:20 - Michal's Love for David"), Saul saw a renewed, albeit more insidious, opportunity to ensnare David. So, when he says to David, "Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain," he is essentially re-extending a royal marriage offer, implying Michal, thereby re-establishing the prospect of David becoming part of the royal family, but with a deadly hidden agenda.

**How does this event relate to God's plan for David?**

Answer: This event, despite Saul's malicious and murderous intent, inadvertently served God's larger, sovereign plan for David's ascent. Saul's subsequent demand for a bride-price of 100 Philistine foreskins [1 Samuel 18:25](/1_samuel/18-25 "1 Samuel 18:25 - Saul's Demand for Bride-Price") was explicitly designed to lead to David's death in battle. However, David not only survived this perilous task but exceeded the demand, triumphantly bringing 200 foreskins [1 Samuel 18:27](/1_samuel/18-27 "1 Samuel 18:27 - David Brings 200 Foreskins"). This extraordinary victory further solidified David's reputation as an unparalleled warrior and cemented his immense popularity among the people of Israel, making him even more formidable in the eyes of the populace and strengthening his legitimate claim to the throne. Thus, Saul's desperate attempt to thwart God's plan actually contributed directly to David's rise, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign ability to use even the wicked schemes and intentions of men to accomplish His righteous and predetermined purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The treacherous plot of King Saul against David, the anointed one of God, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment and resonance in the New Testament narrative. Saul's consuming jealousy and fear drove him to employ deceptive means and leverage external enemies to eliminate David, much as the religious and political leaders of Jesus' day, similarly motivated by envy and a perceived threat to their authority and power, conspired to eliminate God's ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Just as Saul sought to use the Philistines as a "snare" for David, so too did the Jewish leaders leverage the Roman authorities to execute Jesus, despite finding no fault in Him [John 18:28-32](/john/18-28 "John 18:28-32 - Jesus Before Pilate"). The betrayal by Judas, a close associate, for a price [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus"), chillingly echoes the manipulative and self-serving nature of Saul's deceptive offer. Yet, in both narratives, God's sovereign plan ultimately prevails. Saul's elaborate schemes against David ultimately failed to thwart God's purpose for David's kingship and the establishment of his dynasty. Likewise, the crucifixion of Jesus, though seemingly a triumph for His enemies and the culmination of their malicious plots, was in fact the predetermined, deliberate plan of God for the redemption of humanity [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Deliberate Plan"). The ultimate "snare" intended for Jesus—death on the cross—became the very means by which He triumphed decisively over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, rising victoriously to establish an eternal kingdom that no human plot or demonic scheme can ever overthrow [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Jesus, the true Son of God and the ultimate Bridegroom of His Church [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church"), overcame every snare and plot, securing not merely a temporary earthly throne, but eternal salvation and an everlasting inheritance for all who believe in His name.

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

1 Samuel 18:17

And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.

Exodus 10:7

And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

Jeremiah 9:8

Their tongue [is as] an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: [one] speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

1 Samuel 18:26

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.

1 Samuel 19:11

¶ Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.

1 Samuel 19:12

So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.

Psalms 38:12

¶ They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me]: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.