1 Samuel 18:6

KJV

¶ And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass as they came {H935}, when David {H1732} was returned {H7725} from the slaughter {H5221} of the Philistine {H6430}, that the women {H802} came out {H3318} of all cities {H5892} of Israel {H3478}, singing {H7891} and dancing {H4246}, to meet {H7125} king {H4428} Saul {H7586}, with tabrets {H8596}, with joy {H8057}, and with instruments of musick {H7991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As David and the others were returning from the slaughter of the P'lishti, the women came out of all the cities of Isra'el to meet King Sha'ul, singing and dancing joyfully with tambourines and three-stringed instruments.

Berean Standard Bible

As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass as they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with instruments of music.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:6 vividly captures the jubilant national reception for David following his monumental victory over Goliath and the Philistines. As the victorious Israelite army returned, women from across the cities poured out with singing, dancing, and musical instruments, celebrating David's heroic deed. This spontaneous outpouring of praise signifies David's immediate and immense popularity, marking a pivotal moment that foreshadows his ascent to the throne while simultaneously igniting the destructive jealousy of King Saul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of David's triumph over Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). The previous chapter culminates with David slaying the Philistine giant, leading to the rout and pursuit of the Philistine army by the Israelites. The narrative then shifts to David's introduction to Saul and the beginning of his service in the king's court. Verse 6 marks the victorious army's return to the cities of Israel, a moment of national celebration that serves as a direct consequence of David's singular act of faith and courage. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses, where the women's specific song of praise (1 Samuel 18:7) directly provokes Saul's envy and initiates the tragic conflict between the two men, which will dominate the remainder of the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was a common and deeply ingrained tradition for women to celebrate military victories with public displays of song, dance, and instrumental music. This custom is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as Miriam leading the women in song and dance after the Red Sea crossing in [Exodus 15:20-21](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20-21 - Miriam's Song of Victory") or Jephthah's daughter coming out to meet him after his victory in [Judges 11:34](/judges/11-34 "Judges 11:34 - Jephthah's Daughter"). The "tabrets" (timbrels or tambourines) and "instruments of musick" were standard components of such festivities, providing the rhythmic accompaniment for the celebratory dances and songs. This public acclamation was not merely entertainment but a significant socio-religious act, acknowledging divine deliverance and honoring the victorious warriors, particularly the one perceived as the primary agent of victory.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights **National Celebration and Deliverance**, 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 jubilation. Secondly, it emphasizes **David's Ascending Popularity**, 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](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed by Samuel"). Finally, and most significantly, this public adoration serves as a stark **Foreshadowing of Jealousy**. 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](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7-9 - Saul's Jealousy and Anger"), marking the tragic beginning of his relentless persecution of David and the decline of his reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabrets (Hebrew, _tōph_):** This term refers to a hand drum or tambourine, a percussion instrument commonly used in ancient Israel for celebrations, dances, and religious ceremonies. Its presence here signifies the vibrant, rhythmic, and audible nature of the women's celebration, indicating a full-bodied expression of joy and triumph. The _tōph_ was a staple in communal festivities, reinforcing the idea of a widespread, spontaneous outpouring of national delight.
* **Singing (Hebrew, _shir_):** To "sing" in this context denotes not just vocalization but often implies the composition and performance of songs of praise or lament. Here, it is a song of victory, likely extemporaneous but reflecting the collective sentiment. The act of singing was a powerful means of public declaration and memory, ensuring that the heroic deed and its significance were proclaimed and remembered throughout the land.
* **Dancing (Hebrew, _mᵉḥōlāh_):** This word refers to a circular or processional dance, often performed in celebration or worship. It was a physical, communal expression of joy and gratitude, frequently accompanied by music and singing. The women's dancing underscores the unrestrained and enthusiastic nature of their welcome, signifying a deep emotional response to the national deliverance and David's role in it.

#### 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 immediate context: the victorious return of the Israelite forces. The specific mention of David's return "from the slaughter of the Philistine" (singular, referring to Goliath) immediately highlights his central role in the recent triumph, setting him apart as the primary hero of the moment.
* **"that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul":** This describes the spontaneous and widespread nature of the celebration. Women, traditionally the celebrants of military victories, poured out from "all cities," indicating a national phenomenon. Crucially, they came out "to meet king Saul," who was still the reigning monarch and the official head of the army. This shows respect for the king's position, even as their focus quickly shifts.
* **"with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick":** This final phrase details the manner of their celebration. The inclusion of "tabrets" (tambourines) and "instruments of musick" emphasizes the loud, festive, and public nature of the welcome. The phrase "with joy" encapsulates the overwhelming emotion driving this spontaneous demonstration, a profound sense of relief and elation over the 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](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song")) 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 catalyst for his bitter jealousy and the beginning of his tragic pursuit 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 shift in divine favor and popular allegiance from Saul to David, which will define the rest of Saul's reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse illustrates the volatile nature of human praise and the divine hand 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. 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 envy 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.

* [Exodus 15:20-21](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20-21 - Miriam's Song of Victory")
* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed by Samuel")
* [1 Samuel 18:7-9](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7-9 - Saul's Jealousy Ignites")

### 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? For Saul, this scene becomes a crucible, revealing the deep-seated insecurity and envy that will consume him. 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 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
* **How do I typically react when someone else receives significant praise or recognition, especially if I feel overlooked?**
* **In what ways can public acclaim become a spiritual danger, and how can I guard against its potential pitfalls?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the nature of true leadership and the source of genuine authority?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of genuine celebration for God's work in others, even when it might challenge my own sense of importance?**

### FAQ
**Why were women specifically mentioned as leading the celebration?**

Answer: 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 role in public celebrations, particularly those commemorating military victories or significant national events. This is exemplified by Miriam leading the women in song and dance after the Red Sea crossing in [Exodus 15:20-21](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20-21 - Miriam's Song of Victory") and Jephthah's daughter greeting her father after his victory in [Judges 11:34](/judges/11-34 "Judges 11:34 - Jephthah's Daughter"). Their presence signified a widespread, communal, and deeply emotional response to the national deliverance. Furthermore, their spontaneous outpouring of praise for David, particularly their song in [1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song"), carried significant weight as a popular endorsement, which in turn profoundly impacted King Saul.

### 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. 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 and death. 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). 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. The fleeting nature of David's human praise, which quickly turned to Saul's 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!](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb"). David's reception, though glorious, was a mere shadow of the day when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Jesus is Lord"), a King whose glory is not diminished by human envy but is eternally magnified.

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

Judges 11:34

And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she [was his] only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.

Exodus 15:20

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Psalms 68:25

The singers went before, the players on instruments [followed] after; among [them were] the damsels playing with timbrels.

Jeremiah 31:11

For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of [him that was] stronger than he.

Jeremiah 31:13

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.