The Philistine - Rather as in the margin. The allusion is not to Goliath, but to one of the expeditions referred to in 1 Samuel 18:5.Singing and dancing - Women used to dance to the sound of the timbrel, and to sing as they danced and played.(instruments of music The word means, an instrument like the triangle, or with three cords. read more
As they played - Or danced with vocal and instrumental music (see Judges 16:25 note). read more
What can he have ... - Rather, “There is only the kingdom left for him.” Compare for the same sentiment, 1 Kings 2:22. “A kingdom (says Camden) brooketh no companion, and majesty more heavily taketh injuries to heart.” read more
1 Samuel 18:6-9. The women came out of all the cities All the neighbouring cities. And the women answered one another as they played They sang, as well as played on musical instruments. And they sang alternately, as they did Exodus 15:21. And the burden of the song seems to have been that which follows. And said, Saul hath slain his thousands, &c. To understand this it is necessary to observe, that the usual way of singing at that time was in parts. So that some of these women... read more
David’s success and Saul’s jealousy (18:1-30)Once David came to live at Saul’s court, he and Jonathan became close friends. In fact, Jonathan promised loyalty to David as if bound to him by covenant. David continued to produce outstanding successes as a soldier, and Saul made him an officer. The promotion was popular with army officers and common people alike (18:1-5). David’s popularity, however, stirred up Saul’s jealousy, and Saul tried to kill him (6-11). Saul was now afraid of David, so... read more
Philistine . Authorized Version and Revised Version margin "Philistines". dancing. A great celebration. Twice referred to later (1 Samuel 21:11 ; 1 Samuel 29:5 ). Compare subscription of Psalms 52:0 , which is mahalath = the great dancing". tabrets . Hebrew. toph = drums of various sizes. read more
SAUL'S JEALOUSY AROUSED BY THE SONG OF THE WOMEN"As they were coming home, when David returned from slaying the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with timbrels, with songs of joy, and with instruments of music. And the women sang to one another as they made merry:`Saul has slain his thousands,And David his ten thousands.'And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him; he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands,... read more
1 Samuel 18:6-9. The women came out—singing and dancing— See Exodus 1:20. Saul probably received his first suspicion that David was that neighbour of his who was better than himself, to whom the Lord, as Samuel had told him, had given the kingdom, ch. 1Sa 15:28 from these acclamations of the women; which, I suppose, brought this declaration of the prophet to his remembrance, without which he would have treated this exalted encomium with neglect. This appears probable from his saying, And what... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:8-9
What can he have more? etc. Literally, "And there is beside for him only the kingdom. Though many years had passed since Samuel pronounced Saul's deposition, and the choice of another in his place ( 1 Samuel 15:28 ), yet it was not a thing that a king could ever forget. No doubt he had often looked out for signs of the person destined to be his successor; and now, when he had stood powerless before the enemy, a shepherd boy had stepped forth and given him the victory. And this stripling,... read more