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 furiousThe Hebrew word for "furious" is "charah," which conveys a deep, burning anger. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's righteous anger, but here it reflects Saul's personal and sinful wrath. Saul's fury is not just a momentary outburst but a reflection of his growing insecurity and jealousy. Historically, Saul's anger marks the beginning of his tragic downfall, as he allows his emotions to cloud his judgment and lead him away from God's favor. and resented this song
The word "resented" in Hebrew is "ra'ah," which means to be displeased or to view something as evil. Saul's resentment is not just against the song itself but against the implications it carries. The song, sung by the women of Israel, praises David's military successes, which Saul perceives as a threat to his own status. This resentment is a seed of bitterness that grows into a destructive force in Saul's life, illustrating the danger of allowing envy to take root in one's heart. 'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,'
The phrase "ascribed to David tens of thousands" highlights the public recognition and honor David receives for his victories. The Hebrew word "natan," meaning "to give" or "to ascribe," indicates that the people are attributing great success and worth to David. This public acclaim is a turning point in David's life, setting the stage for his eventual rise to kingship. It also serves as a test of character for both David and Saul, revealing David's humility and Saul's pride. 'but to me they have ascribed only thousands.'
Saul's comparison of the numbers "tens of thousands" and "thousands" reveals his preoccupation with human accolades and his insecurity about his own achievements. The Hebrew word "eleph" for "thousands" is used here to emphasize the perceived disparity in honor between Saul and David. This comparison is a reflection of Saul's internal struggle with pride and his inability to find contentment in God's calling for his life. What more can he have but the kingdom?
This rhetorical question exposes Saul's fear and paranoia. The Hebrew word "malkuth" for "kingdom" signifies not just a physical realm but also authority and rule. Saul's fear that David will take the kingdom is prophetic, as it foreshadows David's future as king. However, Saul's focus on earthly power blinds him to the spiritual reality that God is sovereign over Israel's leadership. This statement marks the beginning of Saul's obsession with eliminating David, which ultimately leads to his own demise. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign is marked by his initial obedience to God, followed by disobedience and jealousy, particularly towards David. 2. DavidA young shepherd who was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his faith in God, David becomes a successful warrior and gains popularity among the people. 3. The SongA celebratory song sung by the women of Israel after David's victory over Goliath and subsequent military successes. The song praises David's achievements, which incites Saul's jealousy. 4. IsraelThe nation over which Saul is king. The people of Israel are witnessing the rise of David as a national hero. 5. The KingdomRefers to the kingdom of Israel, which Saul fears David will take from him due to his growing popularity and success. Teaching Points The Dangers of JealousyJealousy can lead to irrational thoughts and actions, as seen in Saul's reaction to David's success. Believers are called to guard their hearts against envy and to celebrate others' achievements. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipDespite Saul's attempts to maintain control, God's plan for David to become king prevails. Trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when circumstances seem unfavorable. The Importance of HumilitySaul's pride and desire for recognition lead to his downfall. In contrast, David's humility and reliance on God are key to his success. Embrace humility and seek God's approval above human praise. The Power of WordsThe song sung by the women of Israel, though intended to celebrate, becomes a source of division. Be mindful of how words can impact others and strive to speak life and encouragement. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Saul's reaction to the song reflect his spiritual state and relationship with God? 2. In what ways can jealousy manifest in our own lives, and how can we combat it with Scripture? 3. How does David's response to Saul's jealousy demonstrate his character and faith in God? 4. What lessons can we learn from Saul's downfall about the importance of obedience and humility? 5. How can we apply the principle of celebrating others' successes in our personal and professional lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15Saul's disobedience to God's command leads to his rejection as king, setting the stage for David's rise. 1 Samuel 16David is anointed by Samuel, indicating God's choice of him as the future king. 1 Samuel 17David's victory over Goliath, which contributes to his growing fame and Saul's jealousy. Proverbs 27:4Discusses the destructive nature of jealousy, which is evident in Saul's attitude towards David. James 3:16Highlights the chaos and evil that result from envy and selfish ambition, reflecting Saul's behavior. People Adriel, David, Jonathan, Merab, Michal, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Angry, Ascribed, Credit, Credited, David, Displeased, Displeasing, Evil, Exceedingly, Galled, Kingdom, Lacketh, Myriads, Refrain, Saul, Saying, Sight, Ten, Tens, Thousands, Unpleasing, WrothDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 18:8 5791 anger, human
5964 temper 1 Samuel 18:6-8 8733 envy 1 Samuel 18:6-9 7236 Israel, united kingdom
8773 jealousy 1 Samuel 18:6-12 5890 insecurity 1 Samuel 18:6-15 5965 temperament 1 Samuel 18:7-8 1656 numbers, combinations 1 Samuel 18:7-9 5937 rivalry 1 Samuel 18:8-9 6109 alienation
8796 persecution, forms of
8800 prejudice 1 Samuel 18:8-11 5568 suffering, causes Library A Soul's Tragedy
'And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war; and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. 6. 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. 7. And the women answered one another as they played, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWar! War! War!
At the present crisis, the minds of men are exceedingly agitated with direful prospects of a terrible struggle. We know not whereunto this matter may grow. The signs of the times are dark and direful. We fear that the vials of God's wrath are about to be poured out, and that the earth will be deluged with blood. As long as there remains a hope, let us pray for peace, nay, even in the time of war let us still beseech the throne of God, crying, that he would "send us peace in our days." The war will …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible The Exile.
David's first years at the court of Saul in Gibeah do not appear to have produced any psalms which still survive. "The sweetest songs are those Which tell of saddest thought." It was natural, then, that a period full of novelty and of prosperous activity, very unlike the quiet days at Bethlehem, should rather accumulate materials for future use than be fruitful in actual production. The old life shut to behind him for ever, like some enchanted door in a hill-side, and an unexplored land lay beckoning …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Salvation Published from the Mountains
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! I t would be improper to propose an alteration, though a slight one, in the reading of a text, without bearing my testimony to the great value of our English version, which I believe, in point of simplicity, strength, and fidelity, is not likely to be excelled by a new translation …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
(Admonition 3.) Differently to be admonished are the poor and the rich: for to the former we ought to offer the solace of comfort against tribulation, but in the latter to induce fear as against elation. For to the poor one it is said by the Lord through the prophet, Fear not, for thou shalt not be confounded (Isai. liv. 4). And not long after, soothing her, He says, O thou poor little one, tossed with tempest (Ibid. 11). And again He comforts her, saying, I have chosen thee in the furnace of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Publication of the Gospel
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it [or of the preachers] P erhaps no one Psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and patience of commentators and critics, than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly belong to the Psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the Psalmist alludes; which probably were, at that time, generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 18:8 NIV1 Samuel 18:8 NLT1 Samuel 18:8 ESV1 Samuel 18:8 NASB1 Samuel 18:8 KJV
1 Samuel 18:8 Commentaries
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