1 Samuel 18:25

KJV

And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559}, Thus shall ye say {H559} to David {H1732}, The king {H4428} desireth {H2656} not any dowry {H4119}, but an hundred {H3967} foreskins {H6190} of the Philistines {H6430}, to be avenged {H5358} of the king's {H4428} enemies {H341}. But Saul {H7586} thought {H2803} to make David {H1732} fall {H5307} by the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said, "Here's what you are to say to David: 'The king doesn't want any dowry; he wants a hundred foreskins of the P'lishtim, so that he can have vengeance on the king's enemies." For Sha'ul was hoping to have David killed by the P'lishtim.

Berean Standard Bible

Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines.

American Standard Version

And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:25 unveils King Saul's cunning and malevolent plot against David, illustrating the depths of his jealousy and paranoia. Under the guise of a noble dowry request for his daughter Michal's hand in marriage, Saul demands a perilous "bride price" of one hundred Philistine foreskins, secretly intending for David to be killed in the dangerous endeavor. This verse starkly reveals Saul's manipulative leadership and his desperate attempts to eliminate David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial narrative arc detailing David's meteoric rise and Saul's precipitous decline. Following David's monumental victory over Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"), he quickly garners immense popularity and military success, becoming a celebrated figure in Israel. Saul initially welcomes David into his court, but the people's adoration, especially the chant "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song")), ignites a consuming jealousy in Saul. This envy escalates into a deep-seated paranoia, leading Saul to make repeated, increasingly desperate attempts on David's life. Prior to this verse, Saul had already offered his elder daughter Merab to David, only to renege on the promise and give her to Adriel the Meholathite ([1 Samuel 18:19](/1_samuel/18-19 "1 Samuel 18:19 - Merab Given to Adriel")). When Saul learns that his younger daughter, Michal, loves David ([1 Samuel 18:20](/1_samuel/18-20 "1 Samuel 18:20 - Michal's Love for David")), he sees another opportunity to rid himself of his rival, setting the stage for the treacherous demand of the Philistine foreskins.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a "dowry" (Hebrew: *mohar*) was typically a payment or gift from the groom's family to the bride's family, serving as a form of bride-price and security for the bride. Saul's reversal of this custom, demanding a "dowry" from David for Michal, was highly unusual and manipulative. The specific demand for "one hundred foreskins of the Philistines" was not merely symbolic; it was a deeply humiliating and dangerous challenge. Philistines were the perennial enemies of Israel, and their uncircumcised status was a mark of their foreignness and perceived impurity to the Israelites. To demand their foreskins was an act of extreme subjugation and a verifiable trophy of war, proving the enemy's defeat and emasculation. This request was a calculated move by Saul, leveraging the ongoing conflict with the Philistines and the cultural significance of such a trophy to orchestrate David's probable death in battle, all while maintaining a facade of legitimate royal custom.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [1 Samuel 18](/1_samuel/18 "1 Samuel 18 - Saul's Jealousy and David's Rise") and particularly in this verse is the destructive power of **jealousy and unchecked ambition**. Saul's envy of David's success and popularity consumes him, transforming him from a troubled king into a malicious schemer. This verse also highlights the theme of **deceptive leadership**, as Saul uses a sacred institution (marriage) and a seemingly noble cause (avenging the king's enemies) as a cover for his murderous intent. Furthermore, it subtly underscores the theme of **divine providence**; despite Saul's elaborate and repeated attempts to thwart God's plan for David, David consistently emerges victorious, demonstrating that God's chosen cannot be defeated by human machinations. This divine protection is evident throughout David's life, from his anointing in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing") to his eventual enthronement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dowry (מוֹהַר, _mohar'_):** This Hebrew term refers to the bride-price paid by the groom or his family to the bride's father or family. It was a customary payment or gift that legitimized the marriage and provided security for the wife. Saul's statement that "the king desireth not any dowry" is highly ironic and deceptive, as he immediately substitutes a far more perilous and unconventional "dowry" that serves his sinister purpose.
* **Foreskins (עָרְלָה, _ʿorlāh'_):** The term literally means "foreskin" and refers to the prepuce removed during circumcision. For the Israelites, circumcision was a covenant sign, distinguishing them from uncircumcised Gentiles, particularly the Philistines, who were often referred to as "the uncircumcised." Demanding their foreskins was an act of extreme humiliation and a grotesque trophy, symbolizing utter defeat and emasculation of the enemy. It was a barbaric and verifiable proof of David's engagement in deadly combat.
* **Fall (נָפַל, _nāphal'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to fall," but in this context, it carries the strong connotation of "to fall in battle," "to be killed," or "to perish." Saul's explicit thought, "to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines," reveals his true, murderous intent. It signifies his desire for David's demise, not merely his defeat, but his death at the hands of Israel's enemies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry,"**: This opening clause establishes Saul's deceptive communication. He sends messengers to David, feigning disinterest in a traditional financial dowry, which would have been a standard and honorable part of a royal marriage. This sets up the expectation of a benevolent gesture, masking the sinister request that follows.
* **"but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies."**: Here, Saul reveals his true, twisted "dowry." He demands a grotesque and dangerous trophy—one hundred foreskins of the Philistines—framed as an act of national vengeance against Israel's primary adversaries. This demand is designed to force David into a highly perilous military engagement, where Saul hopes he will be killed, thereby removing his rival under the guise of patriotic duty.
* **"But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines."**: This final, crucial clause is a divine or authorial commentary, directly revealing Saul's hidden, malicious intent. It exposes the king's true motive, stripping away any pretense of honor or national interest. The narrator explicitly states that Saul's purpose was not to secure a dowry or avenge Israel, but to orchestrate David's death at the hands of the Philistines, confirming the treacherous nature of his character and his deep-seated animosity towards David.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 18:25 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey Saul's treachery. **Irony** is prominent, as Saul's stated desire for "no dowry" is immediately contradicted by his demand for a "dowry" that is not only unconventional but also designed to be fatal. This creates a stark contrast between his outwardly noble words and his inwardly murderous intentions. The verse also features **foreshadowing**, as Saul's calculated attempt to have David killed by the Philistines anticipates his numerous, more direct attempts on David's life later in the narrative, such as throwing a spear at him ([1 Samuel 19:10](/1_samuel/19-10 "1 Samuel 19:10 - Saul Tries to Kill David")). Furthermore, there is a powerful **contrast** between the public facade of a king seeking a valiant son-in-law and the private reality of a paranoid ruler attempting to assassinate a perceived rival. This juxtaposition highlights the moral decay of Saul and the escalating conflict between him and David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of unchecked envy and the futility of human schemes against divine purpose. Saul's malicious plot, born of his intense jealousy, reveals a heart hardened against God's clear favor on David. Theologically, it underscores the sovereignty of God, who can turn even the most sinister human intentions into opportunities for His plan to unfold. Despite Saul's desperate attempts to eliminate David, God's protective hand is evident, ensuring David's survival and eventual ascent to the throne. This narrative serves as a profound reminder that while human evil may devise elaborate plans, it cannot ultimately thwart the will of the Almighty.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 18:25 offers a sobering reflection on the corrosive power of envy and insecurity, particularly in positions of leadership. Saul's descent into manipulative treachery serves as a stark warning: when we allow jealousy to take root, it can twist our perception, corrupt our motives, and lead us to inflict harm on others, even those who are loyal and deserving of honor. For believers, this passage encourages us to examine our own hearts for traces of envy and to cultivate a spirit of genuine celebration for the success of others. It also reinforces the comforting truth that God's purposes for our lives, though often challenged by adversity and human malice, cannot be ultimately thwarted. We are called to trust in His providence, knowing that even in the face of cunning opposition, His hand is at work, guiding and protecting us for His ultimate glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's behavior in this verse challenge our understanding of leadership and authority?**
* **In what ways might unchecked jealousy manifest in our own lives or communities today?**
* **How does the explicit revelation of Saul's hidden thoughts (the narrator's commentary) impact your understanding of divine knowledge and human accountability?**
* **What practical steps can we take to combat feelings of envy when we see others succeed?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul ask for Philistine foreskins specifically, and not just Philistine heads or other trophies?**

Answer: Saul's demand for Philistine foreskins was a calculated and deeply humiliating request, going beyond a mere trophy of war like heads or weapons. For the Israelites, circumcision was a fundamental sign of their covenant with God and a mark of their distinct identity. The Philistines, as uncircumcised Gentiles, were often viewed with contempt. Demanding their foreskins was an act of extreme emasculation and desecration, symbolizing not just military defeat but also a profound spiritual and cultural triumph over the enemy. It was a verifiable, undeniable proof of David's engagement in direct, intimate, and deadly combat, which Saul hoped would lead to David's death. It also served to further inflame the Philistines against David, making him a primary target for their vengeance.

**Was this a common practice for a dowry in ancient Israel?**

Answer: No, demanding foreskins as a dowry was highly unconventional and not a common practice in ancient Israel. The traditional *mohar* (dowry) typically involved a payment of money, goods, or service from the groom's family to the bride's family, as seen in the case of Jacob working for Laban for Rachel and Leah ([Genesis 29:15-30](/genesis/29-15 "Genesis 29:15-30 - Jacob and Leah and Rachel")). Saul's demand was a grotesque perversion of the custom, invented for the sole purpose of putting David in mortal danger. It highlights Saul's manipulative and desperate character, willing to subvert cultural norms for his own malicious ends, as explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 18:25](/1_samuel/18-25 "1 Samuel 18:25 - Saul's Treacherous Dowry").

**What does this incident reveal about Saul's character and his kingship?**

Answer: This incident profoundly reveals the depth of Saul's moral and spiritual decline. It demonstrates his intense jealousy, paranoia, and insecurity stemming from David's popularity and God's favor. Saul's kingship, once marked by initial humility and military prowess, has devolved into a reign driven by personal vendetta and murderous intent. He is willing to use deception, manipulate sacred customs, and put a loyal servant in extreme peril to preserve his own power. This act underscores his unfitness to rule, contrasting sharply with the righteous leadership God desires and foreshadowing his ultimate rejection as king ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The treacherous plot of Saul against David in 1 Samuel 18:25, where a "dowry" is demanded with the intent to kill, serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing to the ultimate "dowry" and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. David, though innocent and loyal, faced a king consumed by envy who sought his demise. This foreshadows Christ, the truly innocent Son of God, who faced the ultimate treachery and hatred from those in power, leading to His crucifixion. Just as David's life was preserved by God through seemingly impossible odds, so too was Christ's life preserved from the grave, culminating in His resurrection. Furthermore, the concept of a "dowry" is inverted and elevated in the New Covenant. Christ did not demand a perilous price from His bride, the Church; rather, He *paid* the ultimate price, offering His own life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His "dowry" was His precious blood, shed on the cross, to redeem His people and make them His own ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loved the Church")). Saul's malicious scheme to make David "fall by the hand of the Philistines" stands in stark contrast to God's redemptive plan, where the "fall" of Christ on the cross was not a defeat but the victory that secured eternal life for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, David's preservation from Saul's deadly dowry points to the greater triumph of Christ, who conquered death itself to secure His eternal bride.

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

Genesis 34:12

Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.

1 Samuel 14:24

¶ And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted [any] food.

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.

1 Samuel 17:36

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

Genesis 17:11

And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

Genesis 17:14

And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

Exodus 22:16

¶ And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.