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Matthew Henry

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

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 18:8

And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him ,.... Partly because they called him plain Saul, and not King Saul; did not give him his royal title, which might serve to strengthen his suspicion, after suggested; and chiefly because they attributed a greater number of slain to David than to him, as follows: and he said, they have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they ascribed but thousands ; and so had given more honour to an inferior officer than to the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:9

And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. Instead of looking pleasantly, and with a smile, upon him, as a courtier and favourite, he was justly entitled to by his gallant behaviour, he looked at him with a sour, ill natured look; he looked at him with an evil, spiteful, malicious, and envious eye; or he diligently watched and observed all his motions and actions, whether they tended to disloyalty and treason, to dethrone him, and take the kingdom to himself, which he was suspicious of;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:10

And it came to pass on the morrow ,.... After the women had met him with their music and dancing, and when returned home: that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul ; thinking on the above things that had passed, he became melancholy: and he prophesied in the midst of the house ; either really, delivering out divine songs, as the prophets did; according to Abarbinel, he foretold that David would be king, and the kingdom would be taken from him, and given to him; or he feigned... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:11

And Saul cast the javelin ,.... Out of his hand at David: for he said ; in his heart, determining in his mind: I will smite David even to the wall with it ; he determined to cast it with such force and violence, that it should pierce through David, and enter into the very wall, by the side of which David was: and David avoided out of his presence twice ; to escape the javelin cast at him; either he went out at the first time of its being thrown, and then came in again, when he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:12

And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him ,.... Protecting and preserving him, prospering and succeeding him, giving him victory over his enemies, and favour among the people; the Targum is,"the Word of the Lord was for his help.'Procopius Gazaeus interprets it of the Holy Ghost, whose grace was vouchsafed unto him: he might be afraid in his melancholy fits, that as he had attempted to take away the life of David, that David would contrive and seek an opportunity, and take... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:13

Therefore Saul removed him from him ,.... From court, partly that he might be out of his sight, having such an hatred of his person that he could not bear to see him, and partly that he might be safer from any designs of his upon his life, which he might fear, because of his treatment of him: and made him his captain over a thousand ; not out of respect to him, and in honour of him, but partly to cover his malice, and please the people, and partly in hope that he might be slain by the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:14

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways ,.... Both in the court and in the camp, in whatsoever service he was employed; or "prospered" F21 משכיל "prospere admodum res gerebat", Vatablus; "secundabatur", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; so the Targum and Jarchi. , as the word also signifies; for, generally speaking, those that behave wisely succeed well; in this he was a type of Christ, Isaiah 52:13 ; the reason of it follows: and the Lord was with him ; from whom... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:15

Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely ,.... So that he could get no advantage against him, and he succeeded and was prosperous in all his enterprises, and was more and more in favour with the people: he was afraid of him ; lest the time was drawing near that the kingdom should be rent from him, and given to David. read more

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