What does 1 Samuel 18:22 mean?

1 Samuel 18:22 (KJV) reads: "And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law."

This verse comes at a critical point in the narrative of the rise of David, who is beloved by the people and has caught the attention of King Saul. The context is crucial to understanding the significance of this verse, as it reflects not only the politics of the time, but also the underlying themes of loyalty, jealousy, and divine providence.

In the preceding chapters of 1 Samuel, we see David's rise from a humble shepherd to a heroic figure who slays the giant Goliath, thereby winning the favor of the people. This early success leads to the jealousy of King Saul, who begins to view David as a threat to his own power and legacy. Despite Saul's attempts to kill David, the young man continues to demonstrate his loyalty to the king, even as he gains favor among the people and in Saul's court.

In the specific verse, Saul commands his servants to secretly approach David and propose a marriage alliance between David and Saul's own family. This is both a political and personal move on Saul's part. Politically, it would align David more closely with the royal family and potentially reduce the threat that Saul perceives from him. Personally, it reflects the complex relationship between Saul and David, as it is both an attempt to bind David to the royal household and a means of testing his loyalty.

From a thematic perspective, this verse reflects the themes of loyalty, jealousy, and divine providence that run throughout the narrative of David's rise. David's loyalty to Saul is unwavering, despite the king's attempts to kill him. This loyalty is contrasted with Saul's jealousy and fear of David, as he sees the young hero as a threat to his own power. Meanwhile, the hand of divine providence is evident in the ways that David's rise seems inevitable, despite the obstacles he faces. This verse also touches on the theme of the complexities of human relationships, as it demonstrates the tangled web of alliances and loyalties within the court of King Saul.

Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the proposal of a marriage alliance. Marriage in the ancient Near East was often a means of forging political alliances and solidifying power. In this instance, the marriage proposal serves as a symbolic gesture of Saul's attempt to bring David more closely under his control. However, the proposal also serves as a test of David's loyalty and a reflection of the complex power dynamics at play in the court.

In conclusion, 1 Samuel 18:22 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of David's rise to power. It reflects the political maneuverings and personal dynamics of King Saul's court, while also touching on the themes of loyalty, jealousy, and divine providence. The verse's symbolism highlights the complex power dynamics at play, while also serving as a test of David's loyalty. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between Saul and David, and highlights the underlying tensions and themes that drive the narrative forward.

Artwork for 1 Samuel 18:22

1 Samuel 18:22 - "¶ And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law."

"¶ And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law." - 1 Samuel 18:22

1 Samuel 22:18 - "And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod."

2 Samuel 24:22

2 Samuel 24:22

2 Samuel 24:22

1 Samuel 15:22

1 Samuel 15:22

1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."

2 Samuel 22:18 - "He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me."

1 Samuel 4:18

1 Samuel 4:18

1 Samuel 4:18

1 Samuel 30:18

1 Samuel 22:11-13

1 Samuel 8:19-22

1 Samuel 8:19-22

1 Samuel 8:19-22

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 3:17-18

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 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 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 8:22 - "And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."

1 Samuel 18:24 - "And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David."

1 Samuel 9:22 (Brenton) 22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them to the inn, and set them there a place among the chief of those that were called, about seventy men.

1 Samuel 18:12 - "¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul."

1 Samuel 4:22 - "And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken."

1 Samuel 9:22 (KJVA) 22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.