1 Samuel 18:8

And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed [but] thousands: and [what] can he have more but the kingdom?

And Saul {H7586} was very {H3966} wroth {H2734}, and the saying {H1697} displeased {H3415}{H5869} him; and he said {H559}, They have ascribed {H5414} unto David {H1732} ten thousands {H7233}, and to me they have ascribed {H5414} but thousands {H505}: and what can he have more but the kingdom {H4410}?

Sha'ul became very angry, because this song displeased him. He said, "They give David credit for tens of thousands, but me they give credit for only thousands. Now all he lacks is the kingdom!"

And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?”

And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

Commentary

Context of 1 Samuel 18:8

This pivotal verse immediately follows the celebratory song of the women as David returned victorious from his battle against Goliath and subsequent military campaigns. The song, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands," was a spontaneous outpouring of praise for David's extraordinary success. Prior to this, King Saul had shown favor to David, even making him a commander. However, this public acclamation of David's greater achievements ignited a deep-seated jealousy and insecurity in Saul, marking a dramatic turning point in their relationship and setting the stage for years of conflict and pursuit.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Destructive Power of Envy: Saul's reaction demonstrates how unchecked envy can quickly consume a person, turning admiration into hostility. His displeasure was not just annoyance, but a deep-seated anger (*charah* in Hebrew, indicating a burning rage) that would lead to attempts on David's life. This starkly contrasts with the biblical call to rejoice with those who rejoice.
  • Insecurity and Paranoia: Saul's interpretation of the song immediately jumps to a threat against his kingship. He perceives David's popularity as a direct challenge, revealing his own profound insecurity in his position, despite being God's anointed king. His fear that David would take "the kingdom" highlights his paranoia.
  • The Unfolding of God's Plan: Ironically, Saul's fear was not unfounded, though his reaction was sinful. God had already rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience (see 1 Samuel 15:23) and had secretly anointed David (see 1 Samuel 16:13). Saul's very attempts to thwart David ultimately served to elevate him in the eyes of the people and prepare him for future leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Saul was very wroth" captures the Hebrew word *charah* (חָרָה), which means to burn or be kindled, often referring to intense anger or fury. The phrase "the saying displeased him" uses the Hebrew *ra'* (רַע), which can mean evil, harm, or distress. It suggests that the song was perceived by Saul as something harmful or malicious towards him, rather than an innocent celebration. This illustrates his immediate, negative, and self-centered interpretation of the event.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of envy and insecurity. We are reminded:

  • To Guard Our Hearts: Envy is a subtle sin that can quickly escalate into bitterness, resentment, and destructive behavior. It's crucial to identify and address such feelings before they take root, as Proverbs 27:4 warns of the cruelty of wrath and the fury of anger, but who can stand before envy?
  • To Celebrate Others: Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we are called to celebrate their successes and recognize that each person has unique gifts and purposes in God's plan.
  • To Trust God's Sovereignty: Saul's fear stemmed from a lack of trust in God's control. When we trust that God is ultimately in charge, we can find peace even amidst changes or challenges to our own status or plans.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 15:28 (6 votes)

    And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

  • Proverbs 13:10 (5 votes)

    ¶ Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.

  • 1 Samuel 20:31 (4 votes)

    For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.

  • Esther 3:5 (4 votes)

    And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

  • James 4:5 (4 votes)

    Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

  • Proverbs 27:4 (3 votes)

    Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?

  • Numbers 11:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And [when] the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard [it]; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed [them that were] in the uttermost parts of the camp.