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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:12-30

Saul had now, in effect, proclaimed war with David. He began in open hostility when he threw the javelin at him. Now we are here told how his enmity proceeded, and how David received the attacks of it. I. See how Saul expressed his malice against David. 1. He was afraid of him, 1 Sam. 18:12. Perhaps he pretended to be afraid that David would do himself mischief, to force his way to the crown. Those that design ill against others are commonly willing to have it thought that others design ill... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:30

Then the princes of the Philistines went forth ,.... Out of their cities in troops, to revenge and spoil the land of Israel, being enraged at their defeat when Goliath their champion was slain, and at the injury and dishonour done them by David very lately in slaying two hundred of them, and taking off their foreskins; and, as the Jews say F2 Midrash Schemuel apud Abarbinel. in loc. , having heard of the marriage of David, and understanding the Israelites had a law, that a newly... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 18:30

Then the princes of the Philistines went forth - Probably to avenge themselves on David and the Israelites: but of this war we know no more than that David was more skillful and successful in it than any of the other officers of Saul. His military skill was greater, and his success was proportionate to his skill and courage; hence it is said, he behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:17-30

The plot and its lessons. The facts are— 1 . Saul, in hopes of compassing the death of David, promises him his eldest daughter to wife, on condition that he is valiant against the Philistines. 2 . David expresses his unworthiness of so great an honour. 3 . Saul, having broken this promise by giving Merab to Adriel, offers David his daughter Michal. 4 . On David intimating that, being poor, he was not able to provide a becoming dowry, Saul is content with proof of the death... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:29-30

David proved and tried. I. EXEMPLARY CONDUCT UNDER TRIAL . One can hardly imagine a course of events more likely to turn a young man's head and make him giddy with elation than the rapid promotion of the youthful David. Brought at once from comparative obscurity into the full blaze of public admiration as a national hero, appointed as an officer of high rank in the army, made son-in-law to the king, and at the same time trusted and honoured by the people, the son of Jesse had much... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:30

The princes of the Philistines went forth. See on 1 Samuel 18:5 . This new war was the result of David's raid, but it only led to an increase of his fame and popularity. For he behaved himself more wisely. I.e. was more successful and skilful than any of Saul's other officers. HOMILETICS. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 18:30

1 Samuel 18:30. The princes of the Philistines went forth To fight with the Israelites: who had highly incensed them by David’s late action, as well as by former losses. David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul, &c. By discovering, it is likely, the designs of the Philistines, and preventing them. For we do not read that they came to a battle. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-30

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

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Samuel 18:30

ANOTHER SUMMARY COVERING A PERIOD OF TIME"Then the princes of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul; so his name was highly esteemed.""The princes of the Philistines." There is a great deal of ambiguity in much of what is found in certain passages; and, in this instance, it is not clear whether the Philistine princes were leaders of armies into battle, or if they came out, after the manner of Goliath, seeking... read more

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