1 Samuel 18:19

But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

But it came to pass at the time {H6256} when Merab {H4764} Saul's {H7586} daughter {H1323} should have been given {H5414} to David {H1732}, that she was given {H5414} unto Adriel {H5741} the Meholathite {H4259} to wife {H802}.

However, when it was time for Merav Sha'ul's daughter to be given to David, she was given to Adri'el the Mecholati as his wife.

So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.

But it came to pass at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:19 (KJV)

1 Samuel 18:19: "But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife."

Context of 1 Samuel 18:19

This verse marks a significant turning point in the deteriorating relationship between King Saul and David. Earlier, after David's heroic defeat of Goliath, King Saul had made a public promise: the man who killed Goliath would be rewarded with great wealth, Saul's daughter, and exemption from taxes for his family (1 Samuel 17:25). David, having accomplished this feat, was therefore entitled to marry Saul's eldest daughter, Merab.

However, David's immense popularity, especially after the women of Israel sang "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands," ignited a fierce jealousy and fear in Saul (1 Samuel 18:8-9). Saul began to see David as a threat to his throne. Instead of fulfilling his promise, Saul reneged on his word, giving Merab not to David, but to Adriel the Meholathite. This act of Saul's treachery was a deliberate slight against David and a clear indication of his growing animosity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Broken Promises and Deceit: Saul's failure to honor his public pledge to David is a stark demonstration of his declining character. It highlights the danger of allowing envy and insecurity to override integrity and justice.
  • Saul's Fear and Jealousy: This action is directly fueled by Saul's deep-seated fear of David's rising influence and popularity. He uses deceit and manipulation as tools to undermine David, rather than acknowledging God's hand on him.
  • Divine Providence: Despite Saul's schemes, God's plan for David's future as king remains unthwarted. This incident, while a setback for David, ultimately leads to circumstances that further align with God's ultimate purpose for him.
  • David's Humble Endurance: David does not protest or demand his promised bride. His quiet acceptance underscores his humility and trust in God's timing, even in the face of injustice.

Practical Application

The account of Merab being given to Adriel offers several timeless lessons. It reminds us of the destructive power of envy and how it can lead to broken trusts and dishonorable actions. Saul's actions serve as a cautionary tale against allowing personal insecurities to dictate our integrity. For believers, it also reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty; even when human plans fail or are thwarted by malice, God's ultimate purpose prevails. David's response of patient endurance, rather than retaliation, provides an example of trusting in God's leading, even when promises are broken and injustices occur.

Related Scriptures

Following this broken promise, Saul's younger daughter, Michal, fell in love with David, providing Saul with another opportunity to ensnare David, which ultimately led to David's marriage to Michal.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 7:22 (5 votes)

    And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

  • 2 Samuel 21:8 (5 votes)

    But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:

  • Judges 14:20 (2 votes)

    But Samson's wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.