1 samuel 18:17 - Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab, I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight Yahweh’s battles.” For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.”
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What does "1 samuel 18:17" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 18:17 reveals Saul's growing jealousy and treacherous plan to get rid of David. Let's break down its meaning piece by piece:
"Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab, I will give her to you as wife." This seems like an honor. Marrying a king's daughter was a significant advancement and a sign of royal favor. However, it's a calculated offer.
"Only be valiant for me, and fight Yahweh’s battles.” Saul is laying out the condition for this marriage: David must continue to be a brave warrior and fight for Israel. This isn't just about loyalty; it's setting David up for dangerous missions.
"For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.”" This is the core of Saul's deception. He doesn't want to directly kill David himself (possibly fearing the consequences of killing a celebrated hero or incurring divine wrath). Instead, he hopes that by sending David into dangerous battles against the Philistines, they will do the dirty work for him. He wants David killed in battle, removing him as a threat without Saul having to take direct responsibility.
In summary: Saul is using the offer of his daughter's hand in marriage as bait. He wants David to continue fighting the Philistines, hoping David will be killed in battle, thereby removing David as a popular rival without Saul having to shed David's blood directly. This shows Saul's deceitfulness, his growing paranoia, and his determination to eliminate the threat he perceives in David. He is essentially using David's bravery and loyalty against him.
1 samuel 18:17 - Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab, I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight Yahweh’s battles.” For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.”
What does "1 samuel 18:17" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 18:17 reveals Saul's growing jealousy and treacherous plan to get rid of David. Let's break down its meaning piece by piece:
"Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab, I will give her to you as wife." This seems like an honor. Marrying a king's daughter was a significant advancement and a sign of royal favor. However, it's a calculated offer.
"Only be valiant for me, and fight Yahweh’s battles.” Saul is laying out the condition for this marriage: David must continue to be a brave warrior and fight for Israel. This isn't just about loyalty; it's setting David up for dangerous missions.
"For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.”" This is the core of Saul's deception. He doesn't want to directly kill David himself (possibly fearing the consequences of killing a celebrated hero or incurring divine wrath). Instead, he hopes that by sending David into dangerous battles against the Philistines, they will do the dirty work for him. He wants David killed in battle, removing him as a threat without Saul having to take direct responsibility.
In summary: Saul is using the offer of his daughter's hand in marriage as bait. He wants David to continue fighting the Philistines, hoping David will be killed in battle, thereby removing David as a popular rival without Saul having to shed David's blood directly. This shows Saul's deceitfulness, his growing paranoia, and his determination to eliminate the threat he perceives in David. He is essentially using David's bravery and loyalty against him.