1 Samuel 18

18:1 David and Jonathan had much in common: both were young and capable, were military heroes, had a robust faith in God, and had a claim to the throne of Israel. It is a testimony to Jonathan’s true character that he recognized and supported God’s choice of David to be the next king of Israel (see 18:3-4; 20:12-17). • Jonathan loved David: See 20:17; 2 Sam 1:26. Others in this chapter are also said to love David: all Israel and Judah (1 Sam 18:16), Saul’s daughter Michal (18:20), and Saul’s servants (18:22). Some modern interpreters see a homosexual relationship between David and Jonathan, but the text implies nothing other than a deep and loyal friendship.

18:2 David had previously served Saul part-time (see 17:15 and corresponding study note); now Saul kept David with him full-time.

18:3-4 Out of his love for David and recognition that God had chosen David to be Israel’s next king (see 20:13-17, 30-31; 23:17), Jonathan made a solemn pact of friendship with David. By giving David items that symbolized his official status as the king’s son and crown prince, Jonathan symbolically gave David his right of succession to the throne.

18:7 thousands . . . ten thousands: This dramatic increase in number between two lines of Hebrew poetry was a way of intensifying the statement (cp. Deut 32:30; Ps 91:7). Because of his great military victories, David was beginning to eclipse Saul (1 Sam 18:16, 30; 21:11).

18:8-15 Saul came to view David as a threat rather than an ally and would do anything to get rid of him.

18:11 In his jealousy and fear, Saul would have been happier with one dead David than with thousands of dead Philistines (18:7).

18:12 the Lord . . . had turned away from Saul as king as punishment for his disobedience. Saul’s kingship would fail, and David’s would succeed (18:14).

18:17-19 Saul offered his older daughter, Merab, to David. But it was an insincere gesture.18:17 Saul had promised his daughter to anyone who could slay Goliath (17:25; cp. Josh 15:16; Judg 1:12), but he tacked on additional risks for David (see also 1 Sam 18:21, 25).

18:18 Who am I, and what is my family: An expression of humility (see also 2 Sam 7:18; cp. Exod 3:11). David’s family could not afford the bride price to marry the king’s daughter (1 Sam 18:23-25).

18:19 So: Or But. Either David declined the offer, or Saul reneged.

18:22 really likes you: The same Hebrew word describes Jonathan’s love for David (18:3; 19:1-2, “strong affection”). Here, it was completely untrue.

18:23 The future son-in-law would give the bride price as a gift to his bride’s father (see Gen 34:12; Exod 22:16-17).

18:29 even more afraid: Saul’s fear was unfounded. Although he made himself David’s enemy, David consistently honored Saul as king (see chs 24, 26).