1 Samuel 22:7

KJV

Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, [and] make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Saul {H7586} said {H559} unto his servants {H5650} that stood {H5324} about him, Hear now {H8085}, ye Benjamites {H1145}; will the son {H1121} of Jesse {H3448} give {H5414} every one of you fields {H7704} and vineyards {H3754}, and make {H7760} you all captains {H8269} of thousands {H505}, and captains {H8269} of hundreds {H3967};

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said to his servants standing around him, "Listen, you men of Binyamin! Is Yishai's son going to give any of you fields and vineyards? Is he going to make you all commanders of thousands and hundreds?

Berean Standard Bible

Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds?

American Standard Version

And Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 22:7, King Saul, consumed by escalating paranoia and desperation, addresses his loyal Benjamite servants with a manipulative rhetorical strategy. He questions their allegiance by implying that David, whom he contemptuously refers to as "the son of Jesse," cannot offer them the material wealth of "fields and vineyards" or the positions of power as "captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds" that he, as the reigning monarch, can. This verse vividly illustrates Saul's profound insecurity, his bitter resentment towards David, and his desperate attempt to solidify his precarious hold on power by appealing to the self-interest and tribal loyalty of his inner circle amidst his relentless pursuit of God's anointed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a deeply troubled period of Saul's reign, marked by his severe spiritual decline and David's providential rise. Immediately preceding this outburst, David has been relentlessly pursued by Saul, seeking refuge first with Ahimelech the priest in Nob, then with Achish king of Gath, and finally establishing a strategic base in the cave of Adullam. There, a diverse and growing company of distressed, indebted, and discontented men gathered around him, ultimately forming a formidable force of about four hundred men, as detailed in [1 Samuel 22:2](/1_samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David's Company at Adullam"). Saul, now sitting under a tamarisk tree in Gibeah, his hometown, is depicted in a state of heightened suspicion and isolation, convinced that his own household and servants are conspiring against him. His accusatory address in this verse is a direct manifestation of his frustration over his inability to apprehend David and his growing sense of betrayal, leading him to lash out at his closest advisors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul's direct appeal to his "Benjamites" is deeply rooted in the tribal structure and political realities of ancient Israel. As king, Saul hailed from the tribe of Benjamin, and it was a common practice for monarchs in the ancient Near East to surround themselves with loyalists from their own tribe. These kinsmen would naturally have a vested interest in the king's continued reign and the prosperity of their tribal affiliation. The specific promise of "fields and vineyards" and "captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds" reflects the established practice of ancient monarchs rewarding faithful service with tangible assets like land grants and high military or administrative positions. These were not merely symbolic gestures but concrete signs of royal favor, economic security, and social status. Saul's desperate offer underscores the socio-economic framework of the time, where land and official appointments were primary indicators of wealth, power, and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes developed throughout the book of 1 Samuel. It vividly highlights **Saul's escalating paranoia and profound insecurity**, which are direct consequences of his disobedience to God and the divine rejection of his kingship, as prophetically declared in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft"). His **intense jealousy and bitter resentment toward David** are palpable, as he deliberately refuses to acknowledge David's divine anointing and instead refers to him dismissively as "the son of Jesse," emphasizing David's humble origins in stark contrast to his own royal status, despite David's anointing in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing"). The theme of **manipulation and false accusations** is also prominent, as Saul attempts to discredit David and shore up his own precarious position by appealing to the naked self-interest of his servants. This desperate tactic stands in stark contrast to the overarching theme of **true loyalty and divine sovereignty**, which ultimately rests with God's chosen king, David, rather than with Saul's increasingly unrighteous and illegitimate attempts to maintain his throne.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên_):** This word, typically meaning "son" or "child," is used by Saul in the phrase "son of Jesse" as a deliberate and derogatory epithet for David. While literally referring to David's father, Jesse (H3448), Saul's intention is to diminish David's status, reducing him to a mere commoner without royal lineage or significant standing. By emphasizing David's humble origin, Saul attempts to strip him of any perceived legitimacy or divine favor in the eyes of his own court, reflecting his deep-seated contempt and refusal to acknowledge God's chosen successor.
* **Benjamites (Hebrew, _Ben-yᵉmîynîy_):** Saul's direct address to his "Benjamites" is a calculated appeal to tribal loyalty and kinship. As king, Saul himself was from the tribe of Benjamin, and it was customary for monarchs to surround themselves with trusted retainers and military leaders from their own tribe. By specifically naming them, Saul seeks to evoke a strong sense of shared identity and mutual interest, implying that David, not being a Benjamite, would not favor them as Saul would. This is a desperate attempt to consolidate support based on tribal allegiance and perceived self-preservation against a perceived outsider.
* **Vineyard (Hebrew, _kerem_):** This term, representing a "vineyard" or "garden," is used collectively with "fields" (H7704, _sâdeh_) to signify tangible material wealth and economic security in ancient Israel. Land ownership, particularly fertile land for cultivation, was a primary source of livelihood, prosperity, and social status. Saul's rhetorical question, implying David's inability to bestow such gifts, is a direct appeal to the economic self-interest of his servants. He suggests that their continued loyalty to him will be rewarded with valuable land grants, a common practice for kings to secure and maintain allegiance, highlighting his reliance on worldly incentives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites;":** This opening clause vividly sets the scene, portraying Saul in a moment of intense frustration, suspicion, and isolation. He is surrounded by his inner circle, likely his most trusted advisors and military commanders, many of whom are from his own tribe, Benjamin. His commanding phrase "Hear now" conveys the urgency and gravity of his address, while the specific, pointed address to "ye Benjamites" is a direct and manipulative appeal to their tribal loyalty, designed to foster an 'us vs. them' mentality against David and anyone perceived as disloyal.
* **"will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards,":** This is the first of two rhetorical questions Saul poses, strategically designed to manipulate his audience. By contemptuously referring to David as "the son of Jesse," Saul attempts to diminish David's status and legitimacy, portraying him as a commoner unworthy of royal authority. The question itself carries the implicit accusation that David, a man of humble origins and now a fugitive, lacks the power, resources, or inclination to bestow significant material wealth, such as valuable land grants. Saul aims to convince his servants that their material well-being and prosperity are inextricably tied solely to his continued reign.
* **"[and] make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;":** This second rhetorical question continues Saul's manipulative appeal, now targeting his servants' ambition and desire for social status and power. Positions as "captains of thousands" and "captains of hundreds" were high-ranking military or administrative roles, signifying considerable influence, honor, and authority within the kingdom. Saul suggests that David, as a rival and a perceived threat, would neither be able nor willing to grant such prestigious positions to them. This implies that their advancement, prestige, and future depend entirely on their unwavering loyalty to Saul, underscoring his desperate attempt to retain power by promising rewards that he fears David might offer or that his servants might seek elsewhere.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is notably rich with **Rhetorical Questions**, as Saul employs two pointed inquiries ("will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, [and] make you all captains...") not to genuinely seek information, but to persuade, manipulate, and coerce his audience. These questions are strategically crafted to lead his Benjamite servants to a pre-determined conclusion: that only Saul, the reigning king, possesses the power and will to provide for their material and social advancement, thereby reinforcing their loyalty to him and simultaneously discrediting David. There is also evident **Derogatory Language** in Saul's use of "the son of Jesse," which functions as a dismissive and contemptuous label for David, effectively stripping him of any perceived royal legitimacy or divine favor. This verbal slight powerfully reveals Saul's deep-seated jealousy, his refusal to acknowledge God's chosen successor, and his attempt to dehumanize his rival. Furthermore, the passage employs a clear **Appeal to Self-Interest**, as Saul attempts to sway his servants by focusing on the tangible, worldly benefits—valuable land and high office—that he claims only he can provide, contrasting this with a perceived lack of such benefits from David. This manipulative tactic underscores Saul's profound desperation and his reliance on worldly incentives rather than on genuine leadership, divine mandate, or the inherent righteousness of his cause.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a poignant illustration of the destructive nature of a heart estranged from God. Saul's paranoia, jealousy, and manipulative tactics stand in stark contrast to the Spirit-filled leadership and integrity embodied by David. It highlights the profound biblical truth that true authority, lasting security, and genuine blessing flow from God's anointing and His sovereign will, not from human schemes, desperate appeals to self-interest, or the promise of earthly rewards. Saul's accelerating descent into tyranny and suspicion serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of disobedience to God's word and the inherent dangers of clinging to power through unrighteous and worldly means. His singular focus on "fields and vineyards" and "captains" reveals a profoundly worldly mindset, one that values fleeting earthly gain and temporal status over divine favor, spiritual integrity, and a humble reliance on God's provision.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man Brings a Snare")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's desperate appeal in 1 Samuel 22:7 offers a profound mirror for self-examination, not only for those in positions of leadership but for every believer navigating the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and security. It vividly reveals how unchecked insecurity, fueled by jealousy and an insatiable desire for control, can profoundly distort perception, erode trust, and ultimately lead to manipulative and destructive behavior. Saul's singular focus on material gain and positions of power as the sole basis for loyalty compels us to critically examine the motivations behind our own allegiances and pursuits. Are we genuinely seeking God's will and pursuing true righteousness, or are we easily swayed by the fleeting promises of worldly success, status, or material comfort? This passage challenges us to cultivate a heart of unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when circumstances appear uncertain or threatening. It calls us to resist the powerful temptation to resort to fear-mongering, manipulation, or unrighteous means to secure our own interests or maintain control. True security, lasting influence, and genuine peace flow not from desperate attempts to control others or accumulate earthly possessions, but from a life humbly submitted to God's divine plan and purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might unchecked insecurity or jealousy be subtly leading me towards manipulative or controlling behaviors?**
* **How can I better discern between genuine loyalty rooted in shared values and allegiance based solely on personal gain or worldly promises?**
* **Am I primarily concerned with accumulating earthly rewards and positions, or with diligently seeking God's favor and faithfully fulfilling His divine purpose for my life?**
* **What profound lessons can I draw from Saul's tragic decline about the indispensable importance of humility, obedience, and integrity in both personal life and leadership?**

### FAQ
**Why does Saul call David "the son of Jesse" instead of simply "David"?**

Answer: Saul's deliberate use of "the son of Jesse" is a calculated and derogatory rhetorical device. It serves to diminish David's status, emphasizing his humble, non-royal lineage and stripping him of any perceived legitimacy as a successor to the throne. By refusing to call him by his name or acknowledge his anointing, Saul attempts to portray David as a mere commoner, an upstart, and thereby undermine his growing influence and divine favor in the eyes of his own loyalists. It is a potent verbal expression of Saul's deep-seated resentment, his refusal to accept God's choice, and his desperate attempt to delegitimize his rival.

**What does Saul's offer of "fields and vineyards" and "captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds" reveal about his leadership style?**

Answer: Saul's offer reveals a leadership style profoundly rooted in worldly incentives and transactional loyalty, rather than genuine trust, integrity, or divine mandate. He attempts to secure allegiance by appealing directly to the material desires (land, wealth) and personal ambitions (power, status) of his servants. This indicates his profound desperation and his understanding that his authority is no longer based on God's favor or the people's love and respect, but on his ability to provide tangible, earthly benefits. It highlights a stark contrast with the leadership God truly desires, which is based on righteousness, selfless service, and a humble reliance on divine strength, as powerfully exemplified by David's later reign, where he administered justice and righteousness to all his people ([2 Samuel 8:15](/2_samuel/8-15 "2 Samuel 8:15 - David's Righteous Reign")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 22:7, with Saul's desperate appeal to earthly rewards and positions, stands in profound and illuminating contrast to the nature of Christ's kingdom and His radical call to discipleship. Saul, the rejected king, attempts to buy loyalty with promises of "fields and vineyards" and military ranks, demonstrating a profoundly worldly and transactional understanding of power and influence. In stark opposition, Jesus, the true King and ultimate Son of David, did not offer material wealth or earthly status to His followers. Instead, He called them to radical self-denial, cross-bearing, and allegiance to a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")). While Saul sought to secure his precarious throne through manipulation, fear, and bribery, Jesus established His eternal kingdom through sacrificial love, inviting His disciples to find true and imperishable riches in Him and eternal life ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). The "son of Jesse" whom Saul so contemptuously despises foreshadows the ultimate "Son of David," Jesus Christ, whose righteous reign is not based on tribal loyalties or fleeting material promises, but on divine authority, boundless grace, and the promise of a glorious spiritual inheritance for all who believe and are adopted as co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Saul's consuming paranoia and his desperate attempts to control stand in stark contrast to Christ's perfect trust in His Heavenly Father and His liberating call to freedom from the bondage of sin and fear, for "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

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

1 Samuel 8:14

And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, [even] the best [of them], and give [them] to his servants.

1 Samuel 8:15

And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.

1 Kings 12:16

¶ So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

Isaiah 11:10

¶ And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

1 Samuel 20:27

And it came to pass on the morrow, [which was] the second [day] of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

Isaiah 11:1

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

1 Samuel 8:11

And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his chariots, and [to be] his horsemen; and [some] shall run before his chariots.