1 samuel 16:21 - David came to Saul, and stood before him. He loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.
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What does "1 samuel 16:21" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 16:21 describes a key early stage in David's relationship with King Saul. Let's break down what it means:
"David came to Saul, and stood before him." This indicates that David was brought into Saul's presence. This likely happened after Saul's servants recommended David due to his skill in playing the lyre, which was believed to soothe Saul's troubled spirit (as described earlier in 1 Samuel 16). "Stood before him" signifies that David was now serving Saul, being in his presence and at his disposal.
"He loved him greatly;" This is somewhat ambiguous. It could mean:
Saul loved David greatly: Saul was genuinely fond of David. He appreciated David's music and personality.
David loved Saul greatly: David was loyal and respectful to Saul, showing him affection and service.
Given the context of the broader story, it's more likely that this refers to Saul's initial affection for David.
"and he became his armor bearer." This is a significant promotion. An armor bearer was a position of trust and close proximity to the king. The armor bearer's responsibilities included:
Carrying the king's armor (shield, sword, spear, etc.)
Protecting the king in battle
Being a close confidant and servant
In summary: This verse paints a picture of David entering Saul's service and quickly gaining the king's favor. Saul's appreciation led to David being promoted to the role of armor bearer, a position of responsibility and intimacy. This verse is important because it sets the stage for the complex relationship that develops between David and Saul, eventually leading to jealousy, conflict, and David's rise to the throne. It shows the beginning of David's prominence in Saul's court.
1 samuel 16:21 - David came to Saul, and stood before him. He loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.
What does "1 samuel 16:21" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 16:21 describes a key early stage in David's relationship with King Saul. Let's break down what it means:
"David came to Saul, and stood before him." This indicates that David was brought into Saul's presence. This likely happened after Saul's servants recommended David due to his skill in playing the lyre, which was believed to soothe Saul's troubled spirit (as described earlier in 1 Samuel 16). "Stood before him" signifies that David was now serving Saul, being in his presence and at his disposal.
"He loved him greatly;" This is somewhat ambiguous. It could mean:
Saul loved David greatly: Saul was genuinely fond of David. He appreciated David's music and personality.
David loved Saul greatly: David was loyal and respectful to Saul, showing him affection and service.
Given the context of the broader story, it's more likely that this refers to Saul's initial affection for David.
"and he became his armor bearer." This is a significant promotion. An armor bearer was a position of trust and close proximity to the king. The armor bearer's responsibilities included:
Carrying the king's armor (shield, sword, spear, etc.)
Protecting the king in battle
Being a close confidant and servant
In summary: This verse paints a picture of David entering Saul's service and quickly gaining the king's favor. Saul's appreciation led to David being promoted to the role of armor bearer, a position of responsibility and intimacy. This verse is important because it sets the stage for the complex relationship that develops between David and Saul, eventually leading to jealousy, conflict, and David's rise to the throne. It shows the beginning of David's prominence in Saul's court.