And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. From that dayThis phrase marks a significant turning point in the narrative of David's life. The Hebrew word for "day" (יוֹם, yom) often signifies more than a 24-hour period; it can denote a season or a pivotal moment. This was a moment of divine orchestration, where David's destiny began to unfold in the royal court. Historically, this was after David's victory over Goliath, a triumph that not only showcased his faith and courage but also positioned him for greater roles in Israel's history. Saul kept David with him
The Hebrew root for "kept" (אָחַז, achaz) implies a firm grasp or hold. Saul's decision to keep David close was initially driven by admiration and the recognition of David's potential. This action reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of kings surrounding themselves with capable and valiant men. However, it also foreshadows the complex relationship that would develop between Saul and David, marked by both favor and jealousy. and did not let him return
The phrase suggests a sense of possession and control. Saul's refusal to let David return home indicates the king's desire to integrate David into his service permanently. This decision can be seen as both an honor and a burden for David, as it removed him from the simplicity of his pastoral life and thrust him into the complexities of royal politics and warfare. to his father's house
David's father's house, the house of Jesse, represents his roots and humble beginnings. In the ancient world, one's family and lineage were crucial to identity and social standing. By not allowing David to return, Saul was effectively severing David from his past, setting the stage for his future as a leader in Israel. This separation also symbolizes the divine calling on David's life, as God often calls individuals away from their familiar surroundings to fulfill His purposes. 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 eventual rejection by God as king. 2. DavidThe youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his faithfulness, courage, and heart for God, David becomes a central figure in Israel's history. 3. Jesse's HouseThe family home of David in Bethlehem. David's return to his father's house signifies his role as a shepherd and his humble beginnings before being called to serve in Saul's court. 4. IsraelThe nation over which Saul reigns as king. The events of 1 Samuel 18 take place during a time of transition and tension as God prepares David to eventually succeed Saul. 5. The Court of SaulThe royal setting where David serves Saul, initially as a musician and later as a warrior and leader. This environment becomes a place of both opportunity and danger for David. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod orchestrates the rise and fall of leaders according to His divine plan. David's presence in Saul's court is part of God's preparation for his future role as king. Faithfulness in Small BeginningsDavid's journey from shepherd to king begins with humble service in Saul's court. Believers are encouraged to be faithful in small tasks, trusting God for future opportunities. The Importance of Godly CharacterDavid's character and faithfulness earn him favor with Saul and the people. Christians are called to cultivate godly character, which opens doors for service and leadership. Navigating Hostile EnvironmentsDavid's time in Saul's court is marked by both favor and hostility. Believers can learn from David's example of relying on God for wisdom and protection in challenging situations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Saul's decision to keep David with him reflect God's plan for David's future leadership in Israel? 2. In what ways does David's service in Saul's court prepare him for his future role as king? How can we apply this principle of preparation in our own lives? 3. How does David's faithfulness in small tasks, such as serving as a musician and warrior, demonstrate the importance of being faithful in our current responsibilities? 4. What can we learn from David's character and relationship with God that can help us navigate challenging or hostile environments today? 5. How do the events of 1 Samuel 18:2 connect with the broader account of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of David, ultimately leading to Jesus Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16This chapter provides background on David's anointing by Samuel and his introduction to Saul's court as a musician. It sets the stage for David's rise in prominence. 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath demonstrates David's faith and courage, leading to his increased favor with Saul and the people of Israel. Psalm 23Written by David, this psalm reflects his trust in God as his shepherd, a theme that resonates with his early life as a shepherd and his reliance on God during his time in Saul's court. Acts 13:22This New Testament reference highlights David as a man after God's own heart, emphasizing his faithfulness and God's favor upon him. People Adriel, David, Jonathan, Merab, Michal, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics David, Father's, Home, Kept, Permitted, Return, Saul, Taketh, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 18:1-2 5086 David, rise of 1 Samuel 18:1-3 5691 friends, good 1 Samuel 18:1-4 7032 unity, God's people 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 18:2 NIV1 Samuel 18:2 NLT1 Samuel 18:2 ESV1 Samuel 18:2 NASB1 Samuel 18:2 KJV
1 Samuel 18:2 Commentaries
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