Definition: And Saul commanded his servants, [saying], Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the kingâs son in law.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 18:22. It’s a really important piece of history that tells us about a pivotal moment in Samuel’s life and how it impacted the future of Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Saul was King of Israel: Saul was the king of Israel, and he was known for being a bit…difficult. He wasn't a very good leader. David Was Already a Leader: David was already a very important and respected figure in Israel, known for his bravery and skill with a bow. What Saul Said & What He Did: Saul, the king, gave an order to his advisors (servants) to secretly talk to David. He instructed them to say something like: "Look at David – he really likes you! Everyone who serves him loves you too." The Meaning of the Words: “Commune with David secretly…” : This means Saul was trying to get closer to David, but not in a public or official way. He wanted to build a relationship with him privately. “…and say, Behold, the king’s son in law.” This is the key part. “King’s son in law” meant someone who was close to the king – someone he trusted and considered a loyal companion. Why Did Saul Do This? Saul realized that David was too popular with the people. He feared that David's popularity could become a problem for his reign. He wanted to keep David under control and prevent him from becoming too influential, so he wanted to maintain a strong relationship with him. The Significance: This verse is significant because it shows: Saul’s Desire for Control: Saul was trying to manage someone powerful – David – and ultimately, his own position as king. A Strategic Move: He was essentially trying to gain an advantage by forming a close relationship with David. In short, this verse describes Saul making a calculated move to strengthen his position by subtly cultivating a relationship with David. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this passage in the Bible? Discuss why this verse is important for understanding the story of Samuel and Saul?