1 Samuel 18 26

1 Samuel 18:26 kjv

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.

1 Samuel 18:26 nkjv

So when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to become the king's son-in-law. Now the days had not expired;

1 Samuel 18:26 niv

When the attendants told David these things, he was pleased to become the king's son-in-law. So before the allotted time elapsed,

1 Samuel 18:26 esv

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son-in-law. Before the time had expired,

1 Samuel 18:26 nlt

David was delighted to accept the offer. Before the time limit expired,

1 Samuel 18 verses

1 Samuel 18 26 Meaning

This verse describes David's resolute acceptance of King Saul's deadly bride-price: one hundred Philistine foreskins for Michal. It records David's swift and decisive action, leading his men to kill two hundred Philistines and bringing their foreskins as proof to the king. This act, which far exceeded Saul's demand, cemented his claim to Michal, confirming David's extraordinary prowess and ultimately thwarting Saul's murderous plot, as Saul was then obligated to give Michal to David as his wife.

1 Samuel 18 26 Context

Chapter 18 of 1 Samuel narrates the escalating tension between King Saul and David. After David's defeat of Goliath, his popularity soared, leading to Saul's intense jealousy. Initially, Jonathan's loyalty and love for David, as well as Michal's affection, served as David's protectors. However, Saul's paranoia turned into open hostility, leading to multiple attempts on David's life. This verse fits into Saul's most insidious scheme yet to eliminate David: rather than outright killing him, he sought to use the customs of marriage against him. Saul offered his daughter Michal's hand, not in genuine blessing, but by demanding a bride-price of 100 Philistine foreskins, an impossible and deadly task designed to ensure David's demise at the hands of Israel's bitter enemies. This specific demand also had historical and cultural significance as it was an act of extreme humiliation for the enemy and a brutal display of a warrior's prowess in the ancient Near East. David, aware of the danger and yet undeterred by the immense risk, embraced this challenge as an opportunity to secure his place within the royal family, which would ultimately solidify his public image and God's purpose for him.

1 Samuel 18 26 Word analysis

• When his servants told David these words: This indicates the official nature of the communication, highlighting Saul's royal authority attempting to ensnare David through protocol. "His servants" (עֲבָדָיו – ‘avadav) were likely Saul's courtiers or trusted messengers, sent to convey the king's terms.

• it pleased David well (וַיִּיטַב - vayyitab): Literally, "it was good in his eyes." This phrase conveys that David found the proposition agreeable, even desirable. Despite the grave danger, David recognized the strategic importance of becoming the king's son-in-law, legitimizing his position within the royal household and fulfilling Michal's expressed love for him. This shows David's discernment, courage, and faith in the face of peril.

• to become the king's son-in-law (לְהִתְחַתֵּן בַּמֶּלֶךְ - lĕhithatten bammelek): This denotes a deep marital alliance. Marriage into a royal family bestowed immense status, influence, and a claim to power. For David, this was a crucial step towards his divinely appointed destiny as king.

• And before the days were ended (וּטֶרֶם מָלְאוּ הַיָּמִים - uṭerem male’u hayyamim): This phrase emphasizes the urgency and swiftness of David's action. He did not procrastinate, showcasing his decisive and efficient leadership, vital traits for a military commander. It suggests that a timeframe had been set, and David acted well within it, perhaps even anticipating the expiration to ensure the deed was undeniable.

• David arose and went (וַיָּקָם וַיֵּלֶךְ - vayyaqam vayyelek): A common Hebrew idiom signifying decisive action and readiness for a task. It underscores David's prompt response and unwavering commitment.

• he and his men: This highlights David's established command over his own loyal troop of warriors, which would become increasingly significant as Saul's hostility grew.

• and killed two hundred Philistines (וַיַּךְ אֶת מָאתַיִם אִישׁ פְּלִשְׁתִּים - vayyak et matayim ish pĕlishtim): This is a direct, brutal, and graphic detail. The number 200 is double Saul's requirement of 100, signifying David's overwhelming success, exceptional valor, and a potential subtle message to Saul that his plan not only failed but empowered David even more. It reinforces David's identity as a fearsome warrior for Israel.

• And David brought their foreskins (אֶת עָרְלֹתֵיהֶם - et ‘orloteihem): This gruesome detail highlights the barbarity of ancient warfare and the depth of animosity between Israel and the Philistines. Foreskins were specifically chosen as the bride-price to humiliate the uncircumcised Philistines and, more importantly, because it was an inherently dangerous mission designed to ensure David's death. It served as undeniable proof of the kill, yet its specific nature makes this a unique, not a standard, bride-price, pointing to Saul's malicious intent.

• and they were given in full number to the king (וַיִּתְּנוּם לַמֶּלֶךְ בַּמִּסְפָּר - vayyitnum lammalek bammispar): This confirms that David not only met but far exceeded the quota. The exact accounting emphasizes the fulfillment of the contract despite its horrific nature.

• that he might become the king's son-in-law (לְהִתְחַתֵּן בּוֹ - lĕhithatten bo): Reiteration of the initial objective, underscoring the purpose of David's dangerous endeavor and his determination to achieve it.

• And Saul gave him his daughter Michal as his wife (וַיִּתֶּן לוֹ שָׁאוּל אֶת מִיכַל בִּתּוֹ לְאִשָּׁה - vayyitten lo Sha’ul et Mikhal bitto lĕ’ishshah): This final action confirms the contract's completion and Saul's forced fulfillment of his promise, a stark illustration of God's protection over David and the failure of Saul's wicked plans.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "it pleased David well to become the king's son-in-law. And before the days were ended, David arose and went": This pairing illustrates David's immediate and strategic grasp of the situation, transforming a death trap into an opportunity for advancement. His alacrity and willingness to face extreme danger highlight his remarkable courage and trust that God was with him.
  • "killed two hundred Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, and they were given in full number to the king": This sequence encapsulates David's formidable military prowess and unwavering determination. Doubling the requirement underscored his absolute success and possibly conveyed a message of defiance to Saul. The barbaric nature of the "bride-price" starkly contrasts with God's covenant sign of circumcision for Israel, highlighting David's triumph over the unholy enemies.

1 Samuel 18 26 Bonus section

• The unusual "bride-price" of foreskins instead of cattle or silver highlights the exceptional malice and murderous intent of King Saul towards David. It was an insult to the Philistines and a likely death sentence for anyone else.
• David's success here is another proof point for the Israelite populace and the surrounding nations of his extraordinary favor from God and his capabilities as a warrior leader.
• This act strengthens David's legitimacy not only as a military leader but as one connected by blood to the throne, even as Saul wished to sever that connection through death.

1 Samuel 18 26 Commentary

This verse encapsulates the intensifying conflict between Saul's human efforts to thwart God's divine plan and David's confident progression within that plan. Saul, consumed by fear and jealousy, devises a cunning plot disguised as a marriage arrangement, hoping David would fall in battle. However, David, understanding the political and personal significance of the union, courageously embraces the deadly challenge. His actions in killing two hundred Philistines—double the demand—demonstrate not only his exceptional military skill and leadership but also a profound confidence in divine protection. This dramatic success transforms Saul's snare into David's triumph, compelling Saul to grant Michal to him and further solidifying David's position within the royal court, albeit fueling Saul's escalating fear and hatred. The gruesome nature of the "bride-price" also highlights the spiritual battle, where the true covenant people (symbolized by David) decisively defeat and humiliate the enemies of God (symbolized by the Philistines). Ultimately, the verse shows God’s active hand, consistently overruling Saul’s wicked intentions to protect David and advance His chosen servant.