“And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the Lord’s battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.”
Context:In this verse, we find King Saul having a conversation with David. The context begins in 1 Samuel 17, where David, a young shepherd, defeats the Philistine giant Goliath. David’s victory gained him fame and favour with the people of Israel, including King Saul’s son Jonathan, who became a close friend of David. Saul’s jealousy towards David begins to intensify, and in the subsequent chapters, Saul attempts to kill David on multiple occasions.
Saul’s proposal:Saul offers his elder daughter Merab to David as a wife. This proposal may have been an attempt by Saul to draw David into his family and strengthen his own position by aligning with a successful and popular figure like David.
Condition of valor:Saul sets a condition for David to become his son‑in‑law, requiring him to be valiant and fight the Lord’s battles. Saul is looking for David’s continued success in military endeavours, hoping that by engaging in dangerous battles, David might be killed by the Philistines rather than Saul having to bear the guilt of directly killing him.
Saul’s hidden motives:Saul’s offer and condition reveal his true intentions. Saul is hoping that David will be killed in battle against the Philistines. Saul’s jealousy and fear of David’s growing popularity and God’s favour upon him lead him to seek David’s demise indirectly.
Lessons and Applications:
- Jealousy and its consequences:Saul’s jealousy toward David serves as a cautionary tale. Jealousy can lead to destructive actions and strained relationships. As followers of God, we should guard our hearts against jealousy and instead rejoice in the successes and blessings of others.
- Trusting in God’s protection:Despite the danger David faces, it is clear that God’s hand is upon him. David’s story reminds us that even in the face of adversity and opposition, God can provide protection and deliverance. It is important for us to trust in God’s guidance and rely on His strength in challenging times.
- The importance of integrity:David’s response to Saul’s proposal is not recorded in this verse, but throughout the narrative, we see that David maintains his integrity and remains loyal to God. Regardless of the circumstances, David does not compromise his faith or values. This teaches us the significance of maintaining our integrity and honouring God in all situations.
- God’s sovereignty and purpose:Despite Saul’s evil intentions, God’s purpose for David’s life is not thwarted. God’s plan to establish David as the future king of Israel remains unchanged. This serves as a reminder that God’s sovereignty is not hindered by human actions or circumstances. We can trust that God’s purposes will ultimately prevail.
Overall, 1 Samuel 18:17 reveals the complex dynamics between Saul and David, highlighting themes such as jealousy, trust in God’s protection, integrity, and God’s sovereignty.
