1 Samuel 18:21
And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
1 Samuel 18:21 (KJV)
Context
This verse comes after David’s victory over Goliath, which made him popular among the people of Israel. King Saul saw David as a threat to his throne. Saul had two daughters, Merab and Michal. He had promised Merab to David, but later gave her to another man (1 Samuel 18:17-19). Now he offers Michal, his younger daughter, to David. The phrase “in the one of the twain” means “in the one of the two,” referring to these two daughters. Saul’s offer appears generous, but his heart is not.
Meaning
Saul’s words reveal his true plan. He says, “I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him.” A snare is a trap. Saul wanted Michal to be a trap for David, leading him into danger. He also hoped that “the hand of the Philistines may be against him,” meaning that David would die in battle against Israel’s enemies. Saul presented the marriage as an honor, but his real motive was to destroy David. This shows Saul’s jealousy and fear, which drove him to use even his own daughter for evil. His cunning stands in sharp contrast to David’s integrity and trust in God.
Biblical connections
Saul’s plan did not succeed. Later, Michal helped David escape from Saul’s men (1 Samuel 19:11-17). God’s providence overruled Saul’s schemes. Human plots cannot stop God’s purposes for His anointed servant. This also points to Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David, who was delivered from the schemes of evil men according to God’s plan. Just as God turned Saul’s snare into a means of deliverance for David, so He turned the cross—intended for evil—into the means of salvation for all who believe.
Application
This passage warns against using relationships or gifts as tools of manipulation. Saul treated Michal as a means to harm David, not as a person to love. Believers are called to act with integrity and honesty, not cunning. When others set traps for us, we can trust God to protect us and to work through difficult situations for our good. We must also examine our own motives, ensuring we do not use people for selfish ends.
Reflection
David accepted the offer, showing humility and respect for authority. He did not know Saul’s full plan, but he trusted God. In our own lives, we may face people who intend harm while appearing kind. We can follow David’s example by walking faithfully and leaving the outcome to God, who turns intended snares into means of deliverance.
