1 Samuel 18:27

Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:27 KJV

1 Samuel 18:27 details the fulfillment of King Saul's treacherous demand for David to marry his daughter Michal. This verse marks a significant turning point in the complex relationship between Saul and David, highlighting David's military success and Saul's manipulative schemes.

Context

Following David's heroic defeat of Goliath, his popularity soared among the people of Israel, eclipsing King Saul's fame (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul, consumed by jealousy, began to view David as a threat to his throne. Initially, Saul had promised his elder daughter Merab to David for his valor (1 Samuel 17:25), but he reneged on this promise and gave her to Adriel the Meholathite (1 Samuel 18:19).

However, when Saul learned that his younger daughter, Michal, loved David (1 Samuel 18:20), he saw another opportunity to dispose of David without directly engaging him. Saul proposed a gruesome dowry: one hundred foreskins of the Philistines. His true intent was for David to fall in battle, a treacherous scheme to eliminate his rival. David, after his humble acceptance of the terms, readily undertook the dangerous task.

Key Themes

• David's Military Prowess and God's Favor: David's success in slaying two hundred Philistines, doubling Saul's demand of one hundred, demonstrates his exceptional skill as a warrior and, more importantly, the protective hand of God upon him. This victory further solidified his reputation and popularity.
• Saul's Treachery and Malice: The demand for a barbaric dowry of foreskins was a thinly veiled attempt by Saul to orchestrate David's death at the hands of the Philistines. Saul's actions reveal his deep-seated jealousy and increasing paranoia, which would continue to plague him throughout his reign.
• Fulfillment of Promise: Despite Saul's wicked intentions, David successfully met the condition, leading to his marriage to Michal. This union, though born out of Saul's malice, positioned David more firmly within the royal household, a step in God's sovereign plan for him.
• Symbol of Victory: The collection of foreskins was a macabre but definitive proof of victory over uncircumcised enemies, a common practice in ancient warfare that highlighted the superiority of the circumcised Israelites.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "brought their foreskins" (Hebrew: ‘orlātām) underscores the brutal and specific nature of the dowry. It was not merely a count of dead bodies, but a tangible, humiliating trophy taken from the uncircumcised Philistines, confirming their defeat and David's prowess. The detail "in full tale" emphasizes that David meticulously provided the exact (and even double) number required, leaving no room for Saul to deny the marriage.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that even when faced with malicious intent and dangerous circumstances, God can use those situations to advance His purposes. David's integrity and courage, coupled with God's protection, allowed him to navigate Saul's traps successfully. It teaches us to trust in divine providence even when human adversaries plot against us, knowing that God can turn evil intentions into opportunities for His servants. David's obedience and success, even in a morally ambiguous task, highlight his unwavering commitment to his king, even when that king sought his harm.