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Commentary on 1 Samuel 18 verses 12–30
Saul had now, in effect, proclaimed war with David. He began in open hostility when he threw the javelin at him. Now we are here told how his enmity proceeded, and how David received the attacks of it.
I. See how Saul expressed his malice against David. 1. He was afraid of him, Sa1 18:12. Perhaps he pretended to be afraid that David would do himself mischief, to force his way to the crown. Those that design ill against others are commonly willing to have it thought that others design ill against them. But David's withdrawal (Sa1 18:11) was a plain evidence that he was far from such a thought. However, he really stood in awe of him, as Herod feared John, Mar 6:20. Saul was sensible that he had lost the favourable presence of God himself, and that David had it, and for this reason he feared him. Note, Those are truly great and to be reverenced that have God with them. The more wisely David behaved himself the more Saul feared him, Sa1 18:15, and again Sa1 18:29. Men think the way to be feared is to hector and threaten, which makes them feared by fools only, but despised by the wise and good; whereas the way to be both feared and loved, feared by those to whom we would wish to be a terror and loved by those to whom we would wish to be a delight, is to behave ourselves wisely. Wisdom makes the face to shine and commands respect. 2. He removed him from court, and gave him a regiment in the country, Sa1 18:13. He made him captain over 1000, that he might be from under his eye, because he hated the sight of him; and that he might not secure the interest of the courtiers. Yet herein he did impolitely; for it gave David an opportunity of ingratiating himself with the people, who therefore loved him (Sa1 18:16) because he went out and came in before them, that is, he presided in the business of his country, civil as well as military, and have universal satisfaction. 3. He stirred him up to take all occasions of quarrelling with the Philistines and engaging them (Sa1 18:17), insinuating to him that hereby he would do good service to his prince (be thou valiant for me), and good service to his God (fight the Lord's battles), and a kindness to himself too, for hereby he would qualify himself for the honour he designed him, which was to marry his eldest daughter to him. This he had merited by killing Goliath, for it was promised by proclamation to him that should do that exploit (Sa1 17:25); but David was so modest as not to demand it, and now, when Saul proposed it, it was with design of mischief to him, to make him venture upon hazardous attempts, saying in his heart, Let the hand of the Philistines be upon him, hoping that he would some time or other be the death of him; yet how could he expect this when he saw that God was with him? 4. He did what he could to provoke him to discontent and mutiny, by breaking his promise with him, and giving his daughter to another when the time came that she should have been given to him, Sa1 18:19. This was as great an affront as he could possibly put upon him, and touched him both in his honour and in his love. He therefore thought David's resentment of it would break out in some indecency or other, in word or deed, which might give him an advantage against him to take him off by the course of law. Thus evil men seek mischief. 5. When he was disappointed in his, he proffered him his other daughter (who it seems had a secret kindness for David, Sa1 18:20), but with this design, that she might be a snare to him, Sa1 18:21. (1.) Perhaps he hoped that she would, even after her marriage to David, take part with her father against her husband, and give him an opportunity of doing David an unkindness. However, (2.) The conditions of the marriage, he hoped, would be his destruction; for (so zealous will Saul seem against the Philistines) the conditions of the marriage must be that he killed 100 Philistines, and, as proofs that those he had slain were uncircumcised, he must bring in their foreskins cut off; this would be a just reproach upon the Philistines, who hated circumcision as it was an ordinance of God; and perhaps David, in doing this, would the more exasperate them against him, and make them seek to be revenged on him, which was the thing that Saul desired and designed, much more than to be avenged on the Philistines: For Saul thought to make David fall by the Philistines, Sa1 18:25. See here, [1.] What cheats bad men put upon themselves. Saul's conscience would not suffer him, except when the evil spirit was actually upon him, to aim at David's life himself, for even he could not but conceive a horror at the thought of murdering such an innocent and excellent person; but he thought that to expose him designedly to the Philistines had nothing bad in it (Let not my hand be upon him, but the hand of the Philistines), whereas that malicious design against him was as truly murder before God as if he had slain him with his own hands. [2.] What cheats they put upon the world. Saul pretended extraordinary kindness for David even when he aimed at his ruin, and was actually plotting it: Thou shalt be my son-in-law, says he (Sa1 18:21), notwithstanding he hated him implacably. Perhaps David refers to this when (Psa 55:21) he speaks of his enemy as one whose words were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart. It is probable that Saul's employing his servants to persuade David to enter into a treaty of a match with his daughter Michal (Sa1 18:22) arose from an apprehension that either his having cheated him about his elder daughter (Sa1 18:19) or the hardness of the terms he intended now to propose would make him decline it.
II. See how David conducted himself when the tide of Saul's displeasure ran thus high against him.
1.He behaved himself wisely in all his ways. He perceived Saul's jealousy of him, which made him very cautious and circumspect in every thing he said and did, and careful to give no offence. He did not complain of hard measure more make himself the head of a party, but managed all the affairs he was entrusted with as one that made it his business to do real service to his king and country, looking upon that to be the end of his preferment. And then the Lord was with him to give him success in all his undertakings. Though he procured Saul's ill-will by it, yet he obtained God's favour. Compare this with Psa 101:2, where it is David's promise, I will behave myself wisely; and that promise he here performed; and it is his prayer, O, when wilt thou come unto me? And that prayer God here answered: The Lord was with him. However blind fortune may seem to favour fools, God will own and bless those that behave themselves wisely.
2.When it was proposed to him to be son-in-law to the king he once and again received the proposal with all possible modesty and humility. When Saul proposed his elder daughter to him (Sa1 18:18) he said, Who am I, and what is my life? When the courtier proposed the younger, he took no notice of the affront Saul had put upon him in disposing of the elder from him, but continued in the same mind (Sa1 18:23): Seemeth it a light thing to you to be a king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man and lightly esteemed? He knew Michal loved him, and yet did not offer to improve his interest in her affections for the gaining of her without her father's consent, but waited till it was proposed to him. And then see, (1.) How highly he speaks of the honour offered him: To be son-in-law to the king. Though his king was but an upstart, in his original as mean as himself, in his management no better than he should be, yet, being a crowned head, he speaks of him and the royal family with all due respect. Note, Religion is so far from teaching us to be rude and unmannerly that it does not allow us to be so. We must render honour to whom honour is due. (2.) How humbly he speaks of himself: Who am I? This did not proceed from a mean, abject, sneaking spirit, for when there was occasion he made it appear that he had as high a sense of honour as most men; nor was it from his jealousy of Saul (though he had reason enough to fear a snake under the green grass), but from him true and deep humility: Who am I, a poor man, and lightly esteemed? David had as much reason as any man to value himself. He was of an ancient and honourable family of Judah, a comely person, a great statesman and soldier; his achievements were great, for he had won Goliath's head and Michal's heart. He knew himself destined by the divine counsels to the throne of Israel, and yet, Whom am I, and what is my life? Note, It well becomes us, however God has advanced us, always to have low thoughts of ourselves. He that humbleth himself shall be exalted. And, if David thus magnified the honour of being son-in-law to the king, how should we magnify the honour of being sons (not in law, but in gospel) to the King of kings! Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us! Who are we that we should be thus dignified?
3.When the slaying of 100 Philistines was made the condition of David's marrying Saul's daughter he readily closed with it (Sa1 18:26): It pleased David well to be the king's son-in-law upon those terms; and, before the time given him for the action had expired, he doubled the demand, and slew 200, Sa1 18:27. He would not seem to suspect that Saul designed his hurt by it (though he had reason enough), but would rather act as if Saul had meant to consult his honour, and therefore cheerfully undertook it, as became a brave soldier and a true lover, though we may suppose it uneasy to Michal. David hereby discovered likewise, (1.) A great confidence in the divine protection. He knew God was with him, and therefore, whatever Saul hoped, David did not fear falling by the Philistines, though he must needs expose himself much by such an undertaking as this. (2.) A great zeal for the good of his country, which he would not decline any occasion of doing service to, though with the hazard of his life. (3.) A right notion of honour, which consists not so much in being preferred as in deserving to be so. David was then pleased with the thoughts of being the king's son-in-law when he found the honour set at this high price, being more solicitous how to merit it than how to obtain it; nor could he wear it with satisfaction till he had won it.
4.Even after he was married he continued his good services to Israel. When the princes of the Philistines began to move towards another war David was ready to oppose them, and behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul, Sa1 18:30. The law dispensed with men from going to war the first year after they were married (Deu 24:5), but David loved his country too well to make use of that dispensation. Many that have shown themselves forward to serve the public when they have been in pursuit of preferment have declined it when they have gained their point; but David acted from more generous principles.
III. Observe how God brought good to David out of Saul's project against him. 1. Saul gave him his daughter to be a snare to him, but in this respect that marriage was a kindness to him, that his being Saul's son-in-law made his succeeding him much the less invidious, especially when so many of his sons were slain with him, Sa1 31:2. 2. Saul thought, by putting him upon dangerous services, to have him taken off, but that very thing confirmed his interest in the people; for the more he did against the Philistines the better they loved him, so that his name was much set by (Sa1 18:30), which would make his coming to the crown the more easy. Thus God makes even the wrath of man to praise him and serves his designs of kindness to his own people by it.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:30 serves as a crucial concluding statement to a chapter detailing David's meteoric rise and King Saul's deepening jealousy. It encapsulates David's consistent and exceptional military prowess and prudent conduct in the ongoing conflicts with the Philistines. Despite Saul's escalating animosity and treacherous attempts to undermine him, David unfailingly demonstrated superior wisdom and strategic acumen compared to all of Saul's other commanders. This sustained excellence and divine favor led directly to an exponential increase in his public reputation and esteem among the people of Israel, further solidifying his position as a national hero and God's chosen leader, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of Saul's decline and David's ascent.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore David's unique position. Contrast is central, implicitly juxtaposing David's consistent wisdom, integrity, and success with Saul's increasingly erratic, paranoid, and self-defeating behavior. While Saul's actions lead to his spiritual and political decline, David's lead to his elevation and public adoration. The Repetition of the phrase "went forth" regarding the Philistines underscores the relentless and persistent nature of the conflict, thereby amplifying David's consistent and remarkable success in such challenging and dangerous circumstances. The statement that David "behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul" utilizes superlative language to emphasize his unparalleled excellence and strategic acumen, distinguishing him sharply and unequivocally from all others in the king's service. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful summary statement or climax for the preceding narrative of David's triumphs and Saul's schemes in chapter 18, consolidating the reader's understanding of David's rising status and the clear divine hand upon him, while simultaneously foreshadowing his ultimate ascension to the throne as the true, God-ordained king of Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 18:30 powerfully illustrates the profound theological principle that true wisdom, particularly in leadership, is a divine gift that leads to effective action, integrity, and ultimately, God's favor and vindication. David's śākal was not merely human shrewdness but a divinely enabled discernment that consistently produced successful outcomes, standing in stark contrast to Saul's increasingly foolish, disobedient, and self-destructive choices. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty in raising up leaders and establishing their reputation, regardless of human opposition or malicious intent. Even as Saul sought desperately to diminish, control, or even kill David, God continued to elevate him, demonstrating that "promotion comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south, but God is the judge; He puts down one and exalts another" Psalm 75:6-7. David's consistent excellence and unwavering integrity, even under duress and unjust persecution, serve as a powerful testament to the fact that faithfulness to God and reliance on His wisdom ultimately lead to honor and a sterling reputation, even if it comes through trials and adversity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's exemplary conduct in 1 Samuel 18:30 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. His "wisdom" was not abstract or theoretical but intensely practical, demonstrated through effective action, prudent conduct, and strategic discernment in the face of real-world challenges, including relentless external threats and malicious internal opposition. This calls us to earnestly seek a similar kind of wisdom from God—a wisdom that enables us to navigate complex situations, make sound and righteous decisions, and act with integrity and excellence in our own spheres of influence, whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or ministries. Even when facing unfair treatment, irrational jealousy, or deliberate attempts to undermine our efforts, David's consistent faithfulness and unwavering reliance on God led to his elevation and a sterling reputation. This powerful narrative reminds us that our ultimate vindication and true honor come not from human approval, but from God alone. We are called to serve faithfully, work diligently, and behave wisely, trusting that God will manage our reputation, open doors of opportunity, and bring about His perfect timing and purpose. Our primary focus should always be on pleasing God through our conduct, rather than anxiously seeking human approval or fearing human criticism.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "behaved himself more wisely" truly mean in this context?
Answer: In this context, "behaved himself more wisely" translates the Hebrew word śākal (H7919), which signifies David's exceptional practical discernment, strategic acumen, and successful execution in military and leadership roles. It's not merely about intellectual cleverness, but about making sound, insightful judgments that consistently led to favorable outcomes and decisive victories against the Philistines. This wisdom was divinely enabled, distinguishing him sharply from all of Saul's other commanders and highlighting God's unique favor upon him. It stands in stark contrast to Saul's increasingly irrational, impulsive, and self-defeating behavior throughout the chapter, particularly his spiritual and mental distress 1 Samuel 18:10.
How did David's success impact King Saul?
Answer: David's continued success and burgeoning reputation, powerfully summarized in 1 Samuel 18:30, profoundly intensified King Saul's deep-seated jealousy and paranoia. Instead of celebrating David's victories as beneficial for the kingdom, Saul viewed them as a direct and existential threat to his own throne and authority. This irrational fear led to Saul's escalating attempts to kill David, either directly by throwing spears at him in his own court 1 Samuel 18:11 or indirectly by sending him on increasingly dangerous military missions, cunningly hoping the Philistines would eliminate him 1 Samuel 18:25. David's wisdom and success, therefore, became a tragic catalyst for Saul's spiritual, mental, and ultimately, political decline.
Is David's wisdom something we can emulate today?
Answer: Absolutely. While David's specific historical and military context was unique, the underlying principle of seeking and applying divine wisdom remains timeless and universally applicable. As believers, we are called to pray for wisdom, knowing that God "gives generously to all without finding fault" James 1:5, and to live by God's principles as revealed in His Word. This leads to prudent conduct, discerning decisions, and ultimately, successful outcomes in various aspects of life. David's example teaches us that true wisdom involves practical discernment, unwavering integrity, and a deep, abiding reliance on God, even when facing adversity, unfair opposition, or the jealousy of others. By consistently behaving wisely and faithfully, we can build a strong reputation and demonstrate God's favor through our lives, much like David did, trusting in the Lord with all our heart and not leaning on our own understanding Proverbs 3:5-6.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 18:30, with its powerful emphasis on David's unparalleled wisdom, divine favor, and escalating reputation, serves as a profound and multifaceted foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart and a divinely chosen king, was ultimately a type and shadow of the perfect Son. While David "behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul," Jesus is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" Colossians 2:3. His earthly life was marked by perfect prudence, flawless conduct, and unparalleled success in fulfilling God's redemptive plan, even in the face of intense opposition from the spiritual "princes" of this world and human authorities. Just as David's name was "much set by" among the people of Israel, so too has God "highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth" Philippians 2:9-11. Jesus' wisdom led Him not to earthly military victories against physical enemies, but to the ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His sacrificial death on the cross and glorious resurrection, thereby establishing an eternal kingdom. He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" John 1:29, the King of kings and Lord of lords Revelation 19:16, whose name is eternally "set by" above all others, the ultimate fulfillment of all that David prefigured.