1 Samuel 18:28

And Saul saw and knew that the LORD [was] with David, and [that] Michal Saul's daughter loved him.

And Saul {H7586} saw {H7200} and knew {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} was with David {H1732}, and that Michal {H4324} Saul's {H7586} daughter {H1323} loved {H157} him.

Sha'ul saw and understood that ADONAI was with David and that Mikhal Sha'ul's daughter loved him.

When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David,

And Saul saw and knew that Jehovah was with David; and Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him.

Commentary

1 Samuel 18:28 marks a pivotal moment in the deteriorating relationship between King Saul and David, highlighting Saul's grudging acknowledgement of undeniable truths.

Context

This verse is situated amidst David's meteoric rise following his victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50). David's popularity with the people and his consistent success in battle had stoked King Saul's jealousy and paranoia, turning Saul's initial favor into bitter hatred. Saul had attempted to kill David multiple times and had offered David his elder daughter Merab, and then his younger daughter Michal, as wives, with the ulterior motive of having David fall in battle. Specifically, Saul demanded a hundred Philistine foreskins as a dowry for Michal, hoping David would be killed in the process (1 Samuel 18:25). However, David succeeded beyond expectation, bringing two hundred foreskins.

Key Themes

  • God's Unmistakable Favor: The primary revelation for Saul is his forced recognition that "the LORD was with David." This is a crushing blow to Saul, as he himself had experienced the Spirit of the LORD departing from him (1 Samuel 16:14) and now saw God's clear blessing on David. David's consistent success and wisdom in all his ways were undeniable proofs of God's presence, something Saul could no longer ignore.
  • Saul's Growing Envy and Fear: Saul's realization intensifies his fear of David. He sees David not just as a successful warrior, but as a divinely favored rival for the throne. This understanding fuels his already deep-seated paranoia and hatred, setting the stage for his relentless pursuit of David.
  • Michal's Genuine Affection: The second part of Saul's realization is that his own daughter, Michal, genuinely loved David. This was a significant complication for Saul's plans. Instead of Michal being a tool to ensnare David, her love for him meant she was allied with David, even helping him escape Saul's attempts on his life later (1 Samuel 19:12). Her affection underscored David's widespread appeal and influence, even within the royal household.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "knew" here is yada' (Χ™ΦΈΧ“Φ·Χ’), which often implies a deep, experiential, or intimate knowledge, not just intellectual understanding. Saul didn't just hear reports; he observed and experienced David's consistent triumphs and the visible manifestation of God's blessing, forcing him to acknowledge a reality he desperately wished were not true.

Practical Application

This verse offers several valuable lessons for believers today:

  • God's Sovereignty Prevails: Despite human opposition and schemes, God's plan for His chosen servants will ultimately unfold. Saul's attempts to thwart God's will for David were futile because the LORD was with David.
  • The Danger of Envy: Saul's story is a stark warning about the destructive power of envy and jealousy. When we allow bitterness and fear to take root in our hearts, they can consume us and lead to irrational and harmful actions.
  • Recognizing God's Hand: We should strive to recognize God's hand at work, both in our own lives and in the lives of others, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or desires.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 30:27

    And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

  • Genesis 37:8

    And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

  • Genesis 37:11

    And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

  • 1 Samuel 26:25

    Then Saul said to David, Blessed [be] thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great [things], and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

  • Genesis 39:3

    And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

  • 1 Samuel 24:20

    And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.

  • Revelation 3:9

    Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
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