1 samuel 18:19 - But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife.
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What does "1 samuel 18:19" mean?
This verse in 1 Samuel 18:19 describes a broken promise made by King Saul to David. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"But at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David..." This establishes a previously agreed-upon arrangement. Saul had promised to give his eldest daughter, Merab, to David in marriage. This promise was made as a reward for David's bravery and military success in slaying Goliath and fighting against the Philistines. The marriage would have elevated David's status within the kingdom and potentially placed him in line for the throne.
"...she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife." Instead of fulfilling his promise to David, Saul gave Merab in marriage to Adriel, a man from Meholah (a town in Israel). This was a direct betrayal of the agreement Saul had made with David.
In essence, this verse highlights Saul's growing jealousy and distrust of David. He recognized David's rising popularity and saw him as a threat to his own power. Breaking his promise regarding Merab was one way for Saul to subtly undermine David and prevent him from gaining further influence through marriage into the royal family.
Key implications of this verse:
Saul's dishonesty and manipulation: It reveals Saul's character as unreliable and willing to deceive to protect his own position.
Heightening tension between Saul and David: This broken promise contributes to the growing animosity and conflict between Saul and David that dominates much of the rest of 1 Samuel.
David's potential claim to the throne being undermined: Marriage into the royal family was a common way to legitimize claims to the throne. By denying David this opportunity, Saul was trying to limit David's future power.
The verse is short but loaded with significance, revealing the complex and deteriorating relationship between Saul and David, and foreshadowing the escalating conflict between them.
1 samuel 18:19 - But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife.
What does "1 samuel 18:19" mean?
This verse in 1 Samuel 18:19 describes a broken promise made by King Saul to David. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"But at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David..." This establishes a previously agreed-upon arrangement. Saul had promised to give his eldest daughter, Merab, to David in marriage. This promise was made as a reward for David's bravery and military success in slaying Goliath and fighting against the Philistines. The marriage would have elevated David's status within the kingdom and potentially placed him in line for the throne.
"...she was given to Adriel the Meholathite as wife." Instead of fulfilling his promise to David, Saul gave Merab in marriage to Adriel, a man from Meholah (a town in Israel). This was a direct betrayal of the agreement Saul had made with David.
In essence, this verse highlights Saul's growing jealousy and distrust of David. He recognized David's rising popularity and saw him as a threat to his own power. Breaking his promise regarding Merab was one way for Saul to subtly undermine David and prevent him from gaining further influence through marriage into the royal family.
Key implications of this verse:
Saul's dishonesty and manipulation: It reveals Saul's character as unreliable and willing to deceive to protect his own position.
Heightening tension between Saul and David: This broken promise contributes to the growing animosity and conflict between Saul and David that dominates much of the rest of 1 Samuel.
David's potential claim to the throne being undermined: Marriage into the royal family was a common way to legitimize claims to the throne. By denying David this opportunity, Saul was trying to limit David's future power.
The verse is short but loaded with significance, revealing the complex and deteriorating relationship between Saul and David, and foreshadowing the escalating conflict between them.