What does 1 Samuel 18:21 mean?
"And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain." - 1 Samuel 18:21
1 Samuel 18:21 (KJV) states, "And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain."
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of David and Saul, as it marks the beginning of the breakdown of their relationship and the start of Saul's intense jealousy towards David. To fully understand the significance of this verse, it is important to provide some context to the story.
In the preceding chapters of 1 Samuel, we are introduced to David, a young shepherd who is anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel. As the story progresses, David gains favor with Saul, the current king, due to his victory over Goliath and his musical talents. However, as David's popularity and success grow, Saul becomes increasingly paranoid and envious of David. This ultimately leads to Saul's attempts to kill David and his descent into madness.
In 1 Samuel 18:21, Saul makes a deceitful and malicious plan to set David up for failure and potential harm. Saul offers his daughter, Michal, to David in marriage, with the intention of using her to trap and harm David. This action is a reflection of Saul's fear and jealousy, as he sees David as a threat to his own power and kingship. By giving David his daughter, Saul believes that he can manipulate David into a dangerous situation and ultimately lead to his downfall.
The theme of jealousy and manipulation is prominent in this verse, as it highlights the destructive nature of Saul's actions and the lengths he is willing to go to in order to maintain control. It also serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing jealousy and insecurity to consume one's heart, as it can lead to harmful and destructive behavior.
Moreover, the symbolism of marriage in this verse holds significant weight. In biblical times, marriage was not just a union between two individuals, but also a symbol of alliance and loyalty. By offering Michal to David, Saul is attempting to use this sacred union as a means of manipulation and control, further highlighting the depths of his deceitful nature.
Additionally, this verse serves as a pivotal moment in the overall narrative of David's journey to kingship. It foreshadows the trials and tribulations that David will face in his pursuit of God's plan for him, as well as the challenges he will encounter in his relationship with Saul.
Overall, 1 Samuel 18:21 is a powerful and impactful verse that provides insight into the complex dynamics of power, jealousy, and manipulation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of envy and the potential consequences of allowing it to consume one's heart. Additionally, it sets the stage for the tumultuous relationship between David and Saul, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God's plan for David to become the future king of Israel.
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1 Samuel 18:21 - "And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain."
"And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain." - 1 Samuel 18:21
1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."
2 Samuel 21:18 - "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant."
1 Samuel 8:21 - "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD."
1 Samuel 30:18
1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
2 Samuel 18:21 - "Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran."
1 Samuel 12:18 - "So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel."
1 Samuel 21:10-15
1 Samuel 19:18 - "¶ So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth."
1 Samuel 9:18 - "Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is."
1 Samuel 18:9 - "And Saul eyed David from that day and forward."
1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
1 Samuel 18:24 - "And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David."
1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."
1 Samuel 18:12 - "¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul."
1 Samuel 21:10 - "¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."
1 Samuel 13:21 - "Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads."
1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."
1 Samuel 18:29 - "And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually."
1 Samuel 18:28 - "¶ And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him."
1 Samuel 1:21 - "And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow."
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Samuel 18:18 - "And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?"
1 Samuel 18:14 - "And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him."
1 Samuel 3:18 - "And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good."
1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."
1 Samuel 18:15 - "Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him."