1 Samuel 18:19
So when it was time to give Saul's daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.
So when it was time
This phrase indicates a specific moment that had been anticipated or planned. In the Hebrew context, time often carries a sense of divine appointment or destiny. The timing here is significant as it reflects the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, even amidst human decisions and actions. The Hebrew word for "time" (עֵת, 'et) can imply an appointed time, suggesting that events are unfolding according to a divine schedule.

to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David
The giving of a daughter in marriage was a significant cultural practice in ancient Israel, often involving political alliances and familial honor. Saul's intention to give Merab to David was initially a reward for David's victory over Goliath, as seen earlier in 1 Samuel. This act was meant to solidify David's position within the royal family. However, it also reflects Saul's manipulative nature, as he later reneges on this promise. The Hebrew name "Merab" means "increase" or "abundance," which could symbolize the potential blessings and alliances that such a marriage could bring.

she was given in marriage
The phrase "given in marriage" reflects the transactional nature of marriages in ancient times, where daughters were often given by their fathers to form alliances or secure family interests. This act was not merely a personal union but a strategic move within the socio-political landscape of Israel. The Hebrew verb used here (נָתַן, natan) means "to give," emphasizing the father's authority and the formal nature of the marriage arrangement.

to Adriel of Meholah
Adriel, whose name means "flock of God," was from Meholah, a place associated with the Jordan Valley. This geographical reference situates the narrative within a real historical and cultural context, highlighting the interconnectedness of different tribes and regions in Israel. Adriel's marriage to Merab instead of David introduces a twist in the narrative, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and the unforeseen turns in God's providential plan. Meholah is later mentioned as the hometown of Elisha the prophet, adding layers of historical and theological significance to the location.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who initially favored David but later became envious and hostile towards him.

2. David
A young shepherd anointed by God to be the future king of Israel, known for his faithfulness and courage.

3. Merab
The eldest daughter of King Saul, initially promised to David as a reward for his service.

4. Adriel of Meholah
The man to whom Merab was given in marriage instead of David.

5. Meholah
A place in Israel, associated with Adriel, indicating his origin or residence.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans
Despite Saul's broken promise, God's plan for David's life was not thwarted. This reminds us that human actions cannot derail God's ultimate purposes.

Integrity in Relationships
David's response to Saul's actions reflects integrity and trust in God rather than retaliation. We are called to maintain integrity even when others wrong us.

The Consequences of Deception
Saul's deceitful actions had long-term consequences for his family and kingdom. This teaches us the importance of honesty and the potential fallout of deceit.

Trusting God's Timing
David's life exemplifies patience and trust in God's timing. We are encouraged to wait on the Lord, knowing His timing is perfect.

The Role of Humility
David's humility in accepting the situation with Merab shows the strength found in humility. We are reminded to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Saul's decision to give Merab to Adriel instead of David reflect his character and intentions?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of 1 Samuel 18:19, and how does this encourage us in our own lives?

3. How does David's response to Saul's broken promise demonstrate his faith and character, and what can we learn from this?

4. What are some modern-day situations where we might be tempted to act deceitfully, and how can we apply biblical principles to choose integrity instead?

5. How can we cultivate patience and trust in God's timing when our plans or expectations are disrupted by others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 17
Provides context for David's rise to prominence after defeating Goliath, which led to Saul's initial favor.

1 Samuel 18:17-18
Details Saul's promise to give Merab to David, revealing Saul's ulterior motives and David's humility.

2 Samuel 21:8
Mentions the sons of Merab and Adriel, connecting the consequences of Saul's actions to later events in Israel's history.

Psalm 37:4
Encourages delighting in the Lord, which aligns with David's character and trust in God's timing despite human betrayal.
David's Life At CourtB. Dale 1 Samuel 18:1-30
Cruelty of EnvyPlutarch.1 Samuel 18:9-30
David's Enemy -- SaulT. H. Hanna, D. D.1 Samuel 18:9-30
Envy the Parent of Crime1 Samuel 18:9-30
Jealousy Denies Justice to OthersH. O. Mackay.1 Samuel 18:9-30
Looking for the Black SideW. Hoyt, D. D.1 Samuel 18:9-30
Pride of RivalryFroude's Caesar.1 Samuel 18:9-30
Saul's Evil EyeG. T. Coster.1 Samuel 18:9-30
The Discipline of an Anointed ManJ. Parker, D. D.1 Samuel 18:9-30
The Great PersecutionP. Richardson. B. A.1 Samuel 18:9-30
The Wicked Jealous of the GoodJ. T. Woodhouse.1 Samuel 18:9-30
Tyranny of SelfH. O. Mackay.1 Samuel 18:9-30
David's JeopardyJ. Parker, D. D.1 Samuel 18:12-30
SimplicityB. Dale 1 Samuel 18:17-30
People
Adriel, David, Jonathan, Merab, Michal, Saul
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Adriel, A'driel, Daughter, David, Giving, Marriage, Meholah, Meholath, Meholathite, Meho'lathite, Merab, Pass, Saul, Saul's, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 18:17-21

     5674   daughters

1 Samuel 18:17-25

     8720   double-mindedness

1 Samuel 18:17-27

     5695   girls

1 Samuel 18:17-29

     5890   insecurity

1 Samuel 18:18-27

     5738   sons

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 Scripture

War! 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

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