1 Samuel 18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 18

In the course of the foregoing chapter we left David in triumph; now in this chapter we have, I. The improvement of his triumphs; he soon became, 1. Saul's constant attendant, 1 Sam. 18:2. 2. Jonathan's covenant friend, 1 Sam. 18:1, 3, 4. 3. The darling of his country, 1 Sam. 18:5, 7, 16. II. The allays of his triumphs. This is the vanity that accompanies even a right work, that ?for it a man is envied,? Eccl. 4:4. So David was by Saul. 1. He hated him, and sought to kill him himself, 1 Sam.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:1-5

David was anointed to the crown to take it out of Saul's hand, and over Jonathan's head, and yet here we find, I. That Saul, who was now in possession of the crown, reposed a confidence in him, God so ordering it, that he might by his preferment at court be prepared for future service. Saul now took David home with him, and would not suffer him to return again to his retirement, 1 Sam. 18:2. And David having signalized himself above the men of war, in taking up the challenge which they... read more

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

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 18 This chapter gives an account of the respect shown to David by Saul and Jonathan, by the servants of Saul, and all the people, and of what was said in his praise in the songs of the women, 1 Samuel 18:1 ; which latter gave Saul a great offence, and upon which he envied him, and eyed him, and indeed sought his life, and removed him from him; and yet still he continued the darling of the people, behaving wisely among them, which greatly embarrassed Saul,... read more

John Gill

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

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul ,.... In answer to his questions about his descent and family, and doubtless more things were talked of than are recorded: that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David : he won his heart, made a conquest of his affections, these went out towards him, and cleaved unto him; such were the comeliness of his person, his graceful mien and deportment, his freedom and fluency of expression, his courage and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:2

And Saul took him that day ,.... Not only into his favour, and into his service, but into his court; even on that very day he slew the Philistine, or however as soon as it could be done: and would let him go no more home to his father's house ; as he used to do before; when he only served as a musician to him, then he was only at court when Saul was in a melancholy disposition, and wanted him, and so was going and returning, and in the intervals kept his father's sheep, 1 Samuel 17:15 ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant ,.... A covenant of friendship; entered into a solemn agreement to keep up and maintain a cordial respect to each other, and to support each other's interest both in life and after death, whoever was the survivor; and in consequence of this David had a friend at court, when Saul fell out with him, and who pleaded his cause, and discovered his father's plots, and was the means of preserving David's life: because he loved him as his own soul ; so... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:4

And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him ,.... As a token of his hearty love and true friendship, and that David might appear at court not in the habit of a shepherd, but in that of a prince: and gave it to David, and his garments ; his other garments besides his robe, and so clothed him from tip to toe, and which fitted him; for as there was a similarity in their souls, and the disposition of them, so in the make and hulk of their bodies, and in the stature of them:... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18:5

And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him ,.... About any business whatsoever, especially about martial affairs, for which he was abundantly qualified: and behaved himself wisely ; in the management of them, using great prudence and discretion, and so failed not of success, and of recommending himself; the Targum renders it "prospering"; he was prosperous and successful in whatsoever he engaged, for the Lord was with him, and blessed him: and Saul set him over the men of war ;... read more

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