TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 18:6–11. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Now begin David's troubles, and they not only tread on the heels of his triumphs, but take rise from them, such is the vanity of that in this world which seems greatest.
I.He was too much magnified by the common people.
Some time after the victory Saul went a triumphant progress through the cities of Israel that lay next him, to receive the congratulations of the country. And, when he made his public entry into any place, the women were most forward to show him respect, as was usual then in public triumphs (Sa1 18:6), and they had got a song, it seems, which they sang in their dances (made by some poet or other, that was a great admirer of David's bravery, and was more just than wise, in giving his achievements in the late action the preference before Saul's), the burden of which was, Saul had slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. Such a difference as this Moses made between the numbers of Ephraim and Manasseh, Deu 33:17.
II.This mightily displeased Saul, and made him envy David, Sa1 18:8, Sa1 18:9.
He ought to have considered that they referred only to this late action, and intended not to diminish any of Saul's former exploits; and that in the action now celebrated it was undeniably true that David, in killing Goliath, did in effect slay all the Philistines that were slain that day and defeated the whole army; so that they did but give David his due. It may be, he that composed the song only used a poetic liberty, and intended not any invidious comparison between Saul and David; or, if he did, it was below the great mind of a prince to take notice of such a reflection upon his personal honour, when it appeared that the glory of the public was sincerely intended. But Saul was very wroth, and presently suspected some treasonable design at the bottom of it: What can he have more but the kingdom? This made him eye David as one he was jealous of and sought advantages against (Sa1 18:9): his countenance was not towards him as it had been. Proud men cannot endure to hear any praised but themselves, and think all their honour lost that goes by themselves. It is a sign that the Spirit of God has departed from men if they be peevish in their resentment of affronts, envious and suspicious of all about them, and ill-natured in their conduct; for the wisdom from above makes us quite otherwise.
III.In his fury he aimed to kill David, Sa1 18:10, Sa1 18:11.
Jealousy is the rage of a man; it made Saul outrageous against David and impatient to get him out of the way.
1.His fits of frenzy returned upon him. The very next day after he conceived malice against David the evil spirit from God, that had formerly haunted him, seized him again. Those that indulge themselves in envy and uncharitableness give place to the devil, and prepare for the re-entry of the unclean spirit, with seven others more wicked. Where envy is there is confusion. Saul pretended a religious ecstasy: He prophesied in the midst of the house, that is, he had the gestures and motions of a prophet, and humoured the thing well enough to decoy David into a snare, and that he might be fearless of any danger and off his guard; and perhaps designing, if he could but kill him, to impute it to a divine impulse and to charge it upon the spirit of prophecy with which he seemed to be animated: but really it was a hellish fury that actuated him.
2.David, though advanced to a much higher post of honour, disdained not, for his master's service, to return to his harp: He played with his hand as at other times. Let not the highest think any thing below them whereby they may do good and be serviceable to those they are obliged to.
3.He took this opportunity to aim at the death of David. A sword in a madman's hand is a dangerous thing, especially such a madman as Saul was, that was mad with malice. Yet he had a javelin or dart in his hand, which he projected, endeavouring thereby to slay David, not in a sudden passion, but deliberately: I will smite David to the wall with it, with such a desperate force did he throw it. Justly does David complain of his enemies that they hated him with a cruel hatred, Psa 25:19. No life is thought too precious to be sacrificed to malice. If a grateful sense of the great service David had done to the public could not assuage Saul's fury, yet one would think he should have allowed himself to consider the kindness David was now doing him, in relieving him, as no one else could, against the worst of troubles. Those are possessed with a devilish spirit indeed that render evil for good. Compare David, with his harp in his hand, aiming to serve Saul, and Saul, with his javelin in his hand, aiming to slay David; and observe the meekness and usefulness of God's persecuted people and the brutishness and barbarity of their persecutors. The bloodthirsty hate the upright, but the just seek his soul, Pro 29:10.
4.David happily avoided the blow twice (namely, now, and afterwards, Pro 19:10); he did not throw the javelin at Saul again, but withdrew, not fighting but flying for his own preservation; though he had both strength and courage enough, and colour of right, to make resistance and revenge the injury, yet he did no more than secure himself, by getting out of the way of it. David, no doubt, had a watchful eye upon Saul's hand, and the javelin in it, and did as bravely in running from it as he did lately in running upon Goliath. Yet his safety must be ascribed to the watchful eye of God's providence upon him, saving his servant from the hurtful sword; and by this narrow escape it seemed he was designed for something extraordinary.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
When David returned after striking down the Philistine, etc., the Lord, having returned after defeating the ancient enemy through His suffering and appearing in the glory of resurrection to His chosen ones, the glory of this triumph having been spread throughout Judea, the lowly souls, conscious of their own frailty, came out from all the cities of Israel, rejoicing in Christ, whom they recognized as the author of life and the conqueror of death. Through the many churches which form one catholic church, they celebrated Him with concordant praise, each one manifesting the gifts of virtues given by the one and the same Spirit, devoting themselves to Him with appropriate services of humble devotion, and with eager faith above all declaring, as with a triumphal song, that although the institution of the law commanded works of justice, it had delivered no small number of enemies to destruction and snatched not few souls from the enemy's grasp. Yet with incomparable strength, the grace of Christ, by bestowing the wages of heavenly life, even tore down the very gates of death as a victor; so much so that He assured that those who receive eternal life will mock death and say: "Where, O death, is your contention? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Cor. 15:55). And it is to be noted that not all the women of Israel, but women from all the cities of Israel came forth. For not all have faith, but from all persons, conditions, places, and ages, those who receive the faith are chosen by Him who said: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" (John 12:32). He did not say all, but all kinds; to signify that believers from every kind of human being would come forth. It is also to be noted that while women are said to have come out to meet Saul, they raised their voices in praise of David; for the souls piously believing in Christ publicly proclaimed to the people zealous for the law what ought to be understood about the shadow of the law itself and the light of the gospel, so that by preaching, they might also summon this people to the path of grace and truth. We can also say that when the Lord Christ returned to the heavens with immortal flesh, angelic hosts from all realms came to meet Him with the fitting exultation of praise, accepting Him as the victor over the enemy and the giver of life to us.
Continue studying 1 Samuel 18:6 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
1 Samuel 18:6 captures the exuberant national celebration in Israel upon David's return from his decisive victory over Goliath and the Philistines. As the victorious Israelite forces approached the cities, women from across the land spontaneously emerged, expressing their overwhelming joy through singing, dancing, and the playing of musical instruments. This widespread and fervent acclamation of David signifies his immediate ascent to immense popularity and national hero status, a pivotal moment that, while celebrating deliverance, simultaneously ignites the destructive jealousy of King Saul and sets the stage for profound shifts in Israel's leadership.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows the climactic narrative of David's extraordinary triumph over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, which resulted in the rout and pursuit of the Philistine army. Having secured a miraculous victory for Israel, David is brought before King Saul, and the initial bonds of their relationship are formed. Verse 6 marks the celebratory homecoming of the Israelite army, a direct consequence of David's singular act of faith and courage. This public acclamation is not merely a descriptive detail but a crucial narrative pivot. It sets the stage for the dramatic shift in Saul's disposition towards David, as the women's specific song of praise in 1 Samuel 18:7 directly provokes the king's bitter envy, initiating the tragic conflict that will dominate the remainder of Saul's reign and much of the book of 1 Samuel.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, the public celebration of military victories, particularly with women leading in song and dance, was a deeply ingrained cultural and religious tradition. This custom served as a powerful expression of national gratitude, communal relief, and acknowledgment of divine deliverance. Biblical examples include Miriam leading the women in celebration after the Red Sea crossing in Exodus 15:20-21 and Jephthah's daughter greeting her father after his victory in Judges 11:34. The "tabrets" (tambourines or hand drums) and other "instruments of musick" were standard components of such festivities, providing the rhythmic accompaniment essential for celebratory dances and songs. This spontaneous outpouring of joy was not merely entertainment but a significant socio-religious ritual, affirming the hero's role and the nation's deliverance.
Key Themes
1 Samuel 18:6 powerfully illuminates several significant themes within the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights National Deliverance and Jubilation, underscoring the profound relief and joy that swept through Israel after being freed from the oppressive Philistine threat. David's victory was perceived as a divinely orchestrated deliverance, worthy of widespread celebration. Secondly, it emphasizes David's Ascending Popularity and God's Favor, demonstrating how quickly and thoroughly David, the once-obscure shepherd, became a national hero. His fame instantly eclipsed that of King Saul, serving as a public affirmation of God's favor upon him, as foreshadowed by his anointing in 1 Samuel 16:13. Finally, and most significantly, this public adoration serves as a stark Foreshadowing of Saul's Jealousy and Downfall. While the verse itself describes pure celebration, the extravagant welcome for David, particularly when contrasted with Saul's own reception, immediately ignites Saul's bitter envy in 1 Samuel 18:7-9, marking the tragic beginning of his relentless persecution of David and the decline of his reign.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the same root as "loving," this name signifies "David," the youngest son of Jesse. In this context, the specific mention of David's name highlights his individual heroism and the direct cause of the national celebration. It underscores that the focus of the people's adoration is shifting from the king to this new, divinely favored figure.
A primitive root meaning "to go out" or "to come out" in a wide variety of applications. Here, it describes the spontaneous and widespread emergence of the women from "all cities of Israel." This verb emphasizes the active, intentional, and collective movement of the populace to greet the returning army, signifying a deeply felt and expressed national sentiment.
Feminine of a word meaning "a dance," this term refers specifically to a circular or processional dance, often performed in celebration or worship. The women's dancing signifies an uninhibited, physical, and communal expression of joy and gratitude, frequently accompanied by music and singing, demonstrating the profound emotional impact of the victory.
Verse Breakdown
"And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine"
This opening clause establishes the precise moment and the central figure of the celebration. The phrase "as they came" refers to the returning Israelite army, but the immediate focus shifts to David, whose return "from the slaughter of the Philistine" (singular, referring to Goliath) unequivocally identifies him as the hero of the hour and the catalyst for the ensuing jubilation.
"that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul"
This describes the widespread and spontaneous nature of the national welcome. The "women," traditionally the celebrants of military victories, emerged from "all cities of Israel," indicating a truly national phenomenon. Crucially, they initially came out "to meet king Saul," acknowledging his position as the reigning monarch and commander-in-chief, even as their focus would soon shift.
"with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick"
This final phrase details the vibrant and audible manner of their celebration. The inclusion of "tabrets" (tambourines) and "instruments of musick" emphasizes the loud, festive, and public nature of the welcome. The overarching phrase "with joy" encapsulates the profound sense of relief, elation, and gratitude that permeated the nation following their deliverance from the Philistine threat.
Literary Devices
1 Samuel 18:6 is rich with Irony and Foreshadowing. The primary irony lies in the fact that the women come out to meet King Saul, yet their subsequent actions (as revealed in the very next verse, 1 Samuel 18:7) elevate David above him, inadvertently setting the stage for Saul's downfall. This public acclamation, intended to celebrate a national victory under Saul's leadership, becomes the immediate catalyst for his bitter jealousy and the tragic beginning of his relentless persecution of David. The verse also employs Symbolism: the women, with their traditional role in victory celebrations, symbolize the collective voice and sentiment of the entire nation. Their spontaneous outpouring of joy, song, and dance represents the widespread adoration for David, a powerful, almost prophetic, endorsement of his rising status and God's favor upon him, contrasting sharply with Saul's waning authority. This scene is a clear Foreshadowing of the inevitable shift in divine favor and popular allegiance from Saul to David, which will define the remainder of Saul's reign and the subsequent history of Israel.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This pivotal verse illustrates the volatile nature of human praise and the sovereign hand of God at work in the shifting landscape of leadership. While the celebration is a natural expression of gratitude for deliverance, it also exposes the dangers of seeking or receiving glory that belongs to God alone, and the destructive power of human envy. The spontaneous adoration for David highlights God's sovereign choice and elevation of His chosen servant, even as it inadvertently triggers the destructive force of human sin in Saul. This moment underscores that true authority and lasting success are not derived from popular acclamation but from divine appointment and faithfulness to God's will. It also serves as a reminder that God often raises up unexpected figures to accomplish His purposes, shifting power dynamics in ways that challenge human expectations and expose the heart's true condition, ultimately demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted by human pride or jealousy.
Reflection and Application
1 Samuel 18:6 offers profound insights into how we respond to success, both our own and that of others. For David, this moment represents the pinnacle of public acclaim, a testament to his courage and God's anointing. It challenges us to consider how we handle moments of recognition or popularity: do we allow it to inflate our ego, or do we humbly acknowledge God as the source of all blessing and ability, redirecting praise to Him? For Saul, this scene becomes a crucible, revealing the deep-seated insecurity and envy that will consume him, ultimately leading to his downfall. It serves as a stark warning against the destructive power of jealousy, particularly when others receive praise or advancement that we feel is due to us. In our own lives, when we witness the success of others, especially those we perceive as rivals, do we genuinely rejoice with them, or do we allow bitterness and resentment to take root? The spontaneous, uninhibited joy of the women also reminds us of the importance of celebrating God's deliverance and blessing in our lives and in the lives of others, fostering a spirit of gratitude and communal rejoicing rather than comparison and competition.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were women specifically mentioned as leading the celebration?
The mention of women leading the celebration is significant because it reflects a well-established cultural tradition in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East. Women often played a prominent and highly visible role in public celebrations, particularly those commemorating military victories or significant national events. This is powerfully exemplified by Miriam leading the women in song and dance after the Red Sea crossing in Exodus 15:20-21 and Jephthah's daughter greeting her father after his victory in Judges 11:34. Their presence signified a widespread, communal, and deeply emotional response to the national deliverance. Furthermore, their spontaneous outpouring of praise for David, particularly their specific song in 1 Samuel 18:7, carried significant weight as a popular endorsement, which in turn profoundly impacted King Saul and marked a turning point in his reign.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The national jubilation over David's victory and his sudden, immense popularity in 1 Samuel 18:6 serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who would one day enter Jerusalem to the acclamations of the crowds, though their praise would prove fleeting. David, the deliverer of Israel from Goliath, receives the spontaneous praise of the people, pointing to Christ, the true and eternal Deliverer who defeats sin, death, and the grave. While David's victory was earthly and his glory temporary, the praise he received anticipates the universal adoration due to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Just as the women celebrated David with instruments and dance, so too will all creation ultimately worship Christ, the victorious King, whose triumph is not merely over a Philistine giant but over all spiritual enemies and the very powers of darkness. The fleeting nature of David's human praise, which quickly turned to Saul's bitter jealousy, contrasts sharply with the eternal and undisputed reign of Christ, who is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!. David's reception, though glorious, was a mere shadow of the day when every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, a King whose glory is not diminished by human envy but is eternally magnified and universally acknowledged.