Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul's officers, so that his name was highly esteemed. Every timeThis phrase indicates the consistency and regularity of the events described. In the Hebrew text, the word used here suggests a repeated action, emphasizing that David's success was not a one-time occurrence but a continual pattern. This consistency in David's victories highlights the divine favor upon him, as God was with him in every battle, aligning with the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him. the Philistine commanders
The Philistines were a significant adversary of Israel during this period. Historically, they were a sea-faring people known for their military prowess and advanced weaponry, particularly their use of iron. The mention of their commanders underscores the organized and formidable nature of the Philistine threat. David's success against such a well-equipped enemy further underscores the miraculous nature of his victories, suggesting divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. went out to battle
This phrase reflects the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. The Hebrew verb used here conveys the idea of going forth with purpose and determination. The battles were not mere skirmishes but significant military campaigns. David's participation in these battles as a leader under Saul's command demonstrates his growing role in Israel's military and his increasing responsibility and influence. David was more successful
The Hebrew word for "successful" can also be translated as "wise" or "prosperous," indicating not just military success but also skillful leadership and strategic acumen. David's success is attributed to his wisdom and reliance on God, contrasting with Saul's declining favor with God. This success is a testament to David's anointing and God's plan for his future kingship. than the rest of Saul’s officers
This comparison highlights David's exceptional abilities and the favor he enjoyed over Saul's other officers. It sets David apart as a leader of extraordinary capability and divine blessing. This distinction foreshadows the tension between Saul and David, as Saul becomes increasingly aware of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him. So his name became well known
The phrase indicates the growing reputation and fame of David throughout Israel and beyond. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a person's name represented their character and achievements. David's name becoming well known signifies not only his military success but also his emerging status as a leader chosen by God. This widespread recognition is a precursor to his eventual kingship and the fulfillment of God's promise to establish David's lineage. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidA young shepherd who was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his faith in God and his military prowess, David's success in battle is highlighted in this verse. 2. Philistine CommandersLeaders of the Philistine army, who were frequent adversaries of Israel. Their repeated confrontations with Israel set the stage for David's rise in reputation. 3. SaulThe first king of Israel, who initially favored David but later became envious of his success and popularity. 4. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, often in conflict with neighboring Philistine territories during this period. 5. Military EngagementsThe ongoing battles between Israel and the Philistines, which provided the context for David's increasing fame and success. Teaching Points God's Favor and SuccessDavid's success was not merely due to his own abilities but was a result of God's favor. Believers should seek to align their actions with God's will to experience His blessings. Reputation and IntegrityDavid's growing reputation was based on his consistent integrity and faithfulness. Christians are encouraged to maintain integrity in all aspects of life, knowing that a good name is valuable. Handling Envy and OppositionSaul's envy of David serves as a warning against allowing jealousy to take root. Believers should guard their hearts and celebrate others' successes. Courage in AdversityDavid's courage in facing the Philistines is a model for facing challenges with faith and trust in God. Leadership and InfluenceDavid's influence grew because of his success and character. Christians are called to lead by example, influencing others positively through their actions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's success in battle reflect his relationship with God, and what can we learn from this about the source of true success? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a good reputation in our own lives, and how does this align with biblical teachings on integrity? 3. How should we respond when we face envy or opposition from others, as David did with Saul? 4. What practical steps can we take to demonstrate courage and faith in the face of challenges, drawing inspiration from David's example? 5. How can we use our influence and leadership to positively impact those around us, following the model of David's growing influence? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath, which sets the stage for David's military success and growing reputation. 1 Samuel 18:5Earlier in the chapter, David's success in Saul's service is noted, showing a pattern of divine favor and skill. 1 Samuel 18:14-15These verses highlight that David's success was due to the Lord being with him, causing Saul to fear him. Proverbs 22:1This verse speaks to the value of a good name, which David earned through his actions and faithfulness. People Adriel, David, Jonathan, Merab, Michal, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Acted, Battle, Behaved, Better, Commanders, Continued, David, Esteemed, Forth, Greatly, Highly, Honoured, Met, Officers, Often, Pass, Philistines, Precious, Princes, Prospered, Rest, Rulers, Saul, Saul's, Servants, Succeeded, Success, War, Whenever, WiselyDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 18:30 7236 Israel, united kingdom 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 18:30 NIV1 Samuel 18:30 NLT1 Samuel 18:30 ESV1 Samuel 18:30 NASB1 Samuel 18:30 KJV
1 Samuel 18:30 Commentaries
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