1 Samuel 18:6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:6-11

Now begin David's troubles, and they not only tread on the heels of his triumphs, but take rise from them, such is the vanity of that in this world which seems greatest. I. He was too much magnified by the common people. Some time after the victory Saul went a triumphant progress through the cities of Israel that lay next him, to receive the congratulations of the country. And, when he made his public entry into any place, the women were most forward to show him respect, as was usual then in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:6

And it came to pass, as they came ,.... The armies of Israel, with their commanders at the head of them: when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine ; either from the slaughter of Goliath, with his head in his hand, going to Jerusalem, and Saul accompanying him; or rather from the slaughter of the Philistines at some other time, the singular being put for the plural; since, according to the order of the history, this seems to be done after David was brought to court, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 18:6

When David was returned - This verse connects well with the 54th verse of the preceding chapter; and carries on the narration without any break or interruption. See the notes on 1 Samuel 17:54 . The women came out - It was the principal business of certain women to celebrate victories, sing at funerals, etc. With instruments of music - The original word ( שלשים shalishim ) signifies instruments with three strings; and is, I think, properly translated by the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-9

Love and jealousy. One great exploit performed in the sight of two armies took David at once and forever out of obscurity. Thenceforth he was a man much observed. The quiet pastoral life at Bethlehem was ended, and could never be resumed. Sudden success brings rapid distinction, but also brings trials and risks from which the obscure are free. David leaped at a bound into honour and fame, but for that very reason he found himself at the beginning of his troubles. Well that, before those... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:5-11

Some dangers of persistent sin. The facts are— 1 . David, behaving wisely in his public position, wins favour with the people, and in the welcome to him on his return from the battle the women ascribe to him, in their song, higher praise than to Saul. 2 . The fact excites Saul's envy henceforth. 3 . In a fit of envious rage Saul seeks to smite David. The victory over Goliath brought Saul and David into a proximity highly favourable to the development of their respective... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:6

When David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine. Or more probably, as in the margin, "of the Philistines." The allusion is not to the combat with Goliath, but to one of the expeditions referred to in 1 Samuel 18:5 , in which David had gained some decisive victory. The women would not have described the slaughter of one champion as the slaying of ten thousand, nor would there have been any contrast between this act and the military enterprises of Saul. Probably he too would... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 18:6

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 18:6-9

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

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 18:6

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

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