1 samuel 18:8 - Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. What can he have more but the kingdom?”
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What does "1 samuel 18:8" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 18:8 describes a pivotal moment in the relationship between Saul and David, marking the beginning of Saul's jealousy and paranoia towards David. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him." This sets the scene. Saul is not just mildly annoyed; he is intensely angered by what he has heard. The word "displeased" is a significant understatement; he's consumed by resentment.
"They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands." This refers to the popular song sung by the Israelite women celebrating the victory over the Philistines. The lyrics were: "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands." This public praise, specifically the unequal distribution of credit, is the trigger for Saul's anger. He feels humiliated and overshadowed.
"What can he have more but the kingdom?" This is the crucial line. It reveals the root of Saul's anger: fear of losing his throne. He interprets the public acclaim as a sign that the people favor David over him and that David is being positioned to usurp his kingship. This isn't necessarily based on any action by David, but it is Saul's perception. He believes the only thing left for David to attain is the kingdom itself, and he sees this popular adoration as paving the way for it.
In summary, this verse means:
Saul, filled with jealousy and insecurity, is deeply offended by the people's greater praise of David after a military victory. He interprets this praise as a threat to his power and a sign that the people see David as a more worthy king. This marks the beginning of Saul's obsession with David and his determination to eliminate him as a potential rival.
1 samuel 18:8 - Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. What can he have more but the kingdom?”
What does "1 samuel 18:8" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 18:8 describes a pivotal moment in the relationship between Saul and David, marking the beginning of Saul's jealousy and paranoia towards David. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him." This sets the scene. Saul is not just mildly annoyed; he is intensely angered by what he has heard. The word "displeased" is a significant understatement; he's consumed by resentment.
"They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands." This refers to the popular song sung by the Israelite women celebrating the victory over the Philistines. The lyrics were: "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands." This public praise, specifically the unequal distribution of credit, is the trigger for Saul's anger. He feels humiliated and overshadowed.
"What can he have more but the kingdom?" This is the crucial line. It reveals the root of Saul's anger: fear of losing his throne. He interprets the public acclaim as a sign that the people favor David over him and that David is being positioned to usurp his kingship. This isn't necessarily based on any action by David, but it is Saul's perception. He believes the only thing left for David to attain is the kingdom itself, and he sees this popular adoration as paving the way for it.
In summary, this verse means:
Saul, filled with jealousy and insecurity, is deeply offended by the people's greater praise of David after a military victory. He interprets this praise as a threat to his power and a sign that the people see David as a more worthy king. This marks the beginning of Saul's obsession with David and his determination to eliminate him as a potential rival.