1 samuel 18:7 - The women sang to one another as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 18:7

What does "1 samuel 18:7" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 18:7 describes a celebratory song sung by women upon the return of the Israelite army from battle. The significance lies in the following points:

Triumph and Celebration: The song expresses joy and gratitude for victory in battle, likely against the Philistines. It's a typical way for the community to acknowledge and celebrate military success.

Comparison of Saul and David: The core meaning is in the comparison between Saul, the King of Israel, and David, who at this point was a young and successful warrior. The song ascribes far greater victories to David ("ten thousands") than to Saul ("thousands").

Growing Popularity of David: The verse highlights David's rising popularity and reputation among the people due to his military prowess. He's being perceived as a more effective warrior than the king himself.

Seeds of Conflict: This verse is pivotal because it plants the seeds of jealousy and resentment in Saul's heart. Saul becomes increasingly envious of David's popularity and sees him as a threat to his throne. This ultimately leads to a growing conflict between them.

In summary, the verse signifies a moment of triumph marred by the unintended consequence of sparking jealousy in Saul, setting the stage for the future rivalry and conflict between the king and the young hero, David. It marks a turning point in their relationship and in the narrative of the biblical story.

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