David's Rise and Saul's Jealousy
1 Samuel 18:1-30
1 S.18.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ככלתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדבר: INF,qal
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונפש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נקשרה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- בנפש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאהבהו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כנפשו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON:3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:17 (verbal): Repeats the key wording and idea — Jonathan makes David swear because 'he loved him as his own soul,' echoing the bond first described in 1 Sam 18:1.
- 1 Samuel 23:16 (thematic): Jonathan seeks out David in the wilderness and 'strengthened his hand in God,' illustrating the loyal, life‑risking friendship introduced in 18:1.
- 2 Samuel 1:26 (thematic): David's lament for Jonathan expresses the depth of their relationship ('your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women'), reflecting and evaluating the soul‑bond of 18:1.
- Proverbs 18:24 (thematic): The proverb 'there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother' provides a broader wisdom parallel to the intimate, brother‑like attachment described between Jonathan and David.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
- When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own life.
1 S.18.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקחהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- לשוב: INF,qal
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.18.1 (structural): Immediate context: Jonathan’s deep attachment to David is described just before Saul “takes” him; the sequence explains why David remained at court.
- 1 Sam.16:21-23 (verbal): Earlier account of David entering Saul’s service as musician and armor‑bearer—background for Saul’s retention of David in his household.
- 1 Sam.18:3-4 (thematic): Jonathan’s covenant and the gift of his robe and weapons to David reinforce the close bond and explain why David stayed near Saul rather than returning home.
- 1 Sam.19:1-3 (allusion): Shows the developing hostility of Saul toward David (Saul seeks David’s life) which helps explain Saul’s control over David’s movements and unwillingness to let him go home.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul took him that day, and would not let him return to his father's house.
- Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house.
1 S.18.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- באהבתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- כנפשו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:16-17 (verbal): Jonathan and David again make a covenant; the text repeats that Jonathan loved David as his own soul (verbal parallel to 18:3).
- 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (structural): Immediate context describing David–Jonathan bond (soul knit together) and Jonathan giving David his robe and armor — sets up the covenant in v.3.
- 2 Samuel 1:26 (thematic): David’s lament for Jonathan emphasizes the extraordinary depth of Jonathan’s love for him (‘your love to me was wonderful’), echoing the covenantal friendship of 18:3.
- Proverbs 18:24 (thematic): Proverbial reflection on friendship (‘a friend who sticks closer than a brother’) connects thematically to the intimate, covenantal bond between Jonathan and David.
- Ruth 1:16-17 (thematic): Ruth’s pledge of loyal, covenantal fidelity to Naomi parallels the form of personal, sworn devotion and loyalty expressed in Jonathan’s covenant with David.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.
- And Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.
1 S.18.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתפשט: VERB,hitp,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- המעיל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ויתנהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj3ms
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומדיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- חרבו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- קשתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- חגרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (thematic): Immediately precedes 18:4 and establishes the covenantal love between Jonathan and David, providing the motive for Jonathan’s gift of his robe and arms.
- 1 Samuel 17:38-39 (verbal): Saul clothes David with his own armor and garments before battle—a parallel action of bestowing clothing/gear that signals role or protection.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan and David renew their covenant and promise mutual loyalty and care for one another’s descendants—this later confirmation echoes the significance of Jonathan’s earlier gift as a sign of covenantal bond and succession.
- 2 Kings 2:13-14 (structural): Elisha’s taking up Elijah’s mantle (cloak) functions as a symbolic transfer of prophetic authority, paralleling Jonathan’s giving of garments and weapons as a symbolic transfer/confirmation of status and favor.
- 2 Samuel 9:1-13 (thematic): David shows kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake, demonstrating the lasting social and political consequences of the Jonathan–David covenant symbolized by Jonathan’s giving of his robe and arms.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan stripped off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his garments, even his sword, his bow, and his belt.
- Jonathan stripped off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his garments, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
1 S.18.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ישלחנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,pl
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישכיל: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- וישמהו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וייטב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וגם: CONJ
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.18.14 (verbal): Direct continuation/repetition of the same fact: David behaves wisely and is more successful than Saul’s other servants, prospering before the people and Saul’s household.
- 1 Sam.16.21 (structural): Earlier scene where David comes to Saul’s service and becomes his attendant/armor-bearer—establishes the same relationship of David placed in Saul’s household and accepted by him.
- Gen.39:3-4 (thematic): Joseph ‘found favor’ with his master and was prospered and set over Potiphar’s house—similar motif of a young servant winning the ruler’s confidence and being promoted.
- Dan.2:48 (structural): Nebuchadnezzar sets Daniel over the province, and Daniel is accepted and honored—parallels the pattern of a trusted outsider elevated to authority and esteem by the sovereign.
Alternative generated candidates
- David went out wherever Saul sent him; and he behaved wisely. Saul set him over the men of war, and he was esteemed in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.
- And David went out wherever Saul sent him; he behaved wisely, and Saul set him over the men of war. And all the people and Saul's servants were pleased with him.
1 S.18.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בבואם: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- בשוב: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהכות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותצאנה: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,pl
- הנשים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- מכל: PREP
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשיר: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- והמחלות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,def
- לקראת: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בתפים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בשמחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובשלשים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:7 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same scene — the women sing the famous refrain contrasting Saul's thousands with David's ten thousands (direct verbal and narrative link).
- Exodus 15:20-21 (verbal): Miriam and the women sing and play timbrels after a military deliverance (women, song, timbrels celebrating victory over enemies).
- Judges 11:34-35 (verbal): Jephthah's daughter comes out to meet him with timbrels and dances — another instance of women greeting/celebrating with musical instruments.
- 2 Samuel 6:5 (verbal): David and all Israel 'played before the LORD on all manner of instruments' and made merry — parallel motif of public musical celebration after a significant national event.
- Psalm 149:3 (verbal): Call to praise with dancing and timbrel/harp — echoes the association of song, dance, and percussion instruments in communal rejoicing.
Alternative generated candidates
- When they came back, as David returned from killing the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with singing.
- When they came home, as David returned from striking the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel singing and rejoicing, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.
1 S.18.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותענינה: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,pl
- הנשים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- המשחקות: PART,qal,pres,f,pl,def
- ותאמרן: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,pl
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באלפיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons,poss:3,m,sg
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ברבבתיו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons,poss:3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:52 (structural): The immediate military outcome of David’s encounter with Goliath; the rout of the Philistines provides the historical backdrop for the popular song that contrasts Saul’s and David’s successes.
- 1 Samuel 17:57–58 (structural): Describes David’s return and how news of his deed spread, leading to his being brought before Saul — the rising public acclaim that the women’s song now expresses.
- Judges 5:1–3 (thematic): The Song of Deborah is a celebratory victory hymn (partly voiced by women) praising military success and leaders — a close thematic parallel to the women’s triumphal song in 1 Sam 18:7.
- 1 Samuel 18:8 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence of the women’s song: Saul’s jealousy and hostile feelings toward David, showing how public acclaim sparked royal resentment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the women answered one another, saying, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands."
- And the women sang in their dancing, 'Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.'
1 S.18.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- מאד: ADV
- וירע: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- רבבות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולי: CONJ+PREP+PRON,1,sg
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- האלפים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועוד: CONJ
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אך: PART
- המלוכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:6-9 (structural): Same episode: the women’s song praising David (’Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’) provokes Saul’s anger and jealousy that is stated in v.8.
- 1 Samuel 18:11 (thematic): Immediate consequence of v.8 — Saul becomes afraid of David and watches him closely; shows the transition from jealousy to fear and hostile intent.
- 1 Samuel 19:1-2 (structural): Direct fallout from Saul’s jealousy in ch.18: Saul tells his son Jonathan and his servants to kill David, demonstrating the escalation from resentment to attempted murder.
- Genesis 37:11 (thematic): Parallel theme of envy/jealousy arising from another’s favored status (Joseph’s brothers resent his favored position), which leads to violent hostility — a recurrent motif in biblical narratives.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul was very angry, and this thing displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands; and what more remains but the kingdom?"
- And Saul was very angry, and this thing displeased him; he said, 'They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands — and what remains but the kingdom?'
1 S.18.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עוין: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהיום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- והלאה: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:10-11 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: an evil spirit troubles Saul and he twice throws a spear at David, concretely expressing the hostility introduced in 18:9.
- 1 Samuel 19:1-2 (thematic): Saul explicitly plots David's death—he tells Jonathan and his servants to kill David—showing the continuation and escalation of Saul's enmity.
- 1 Samuel 24:3-7 (allusion): Saul pursues David into the wilderness and enters a cave where David cuts off a corner of Saul's robe; episode illustrates the ongoing pursuit and Saul's hostile intent contrasted with David's restraint.
- 1 Samuel 26:7-11 (thematic): David sneaks into Saul's camp and again spares his life; David later confronts Saul, recounting Saul's repeated attempts to kill him and confirming persistent hatred.
- Psalm 59 (allusion): A psalm of David composed when Saul sent men to watch his house to kill him; poetically reflects and responds to the same persecutory hostility described in 1 Samuel.
Alternative generated candidates
- From that day forward Saul regarded David as an enemy.
- From that day Saul kept an eye on David with hostility.
1 S.18.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ממחרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותצלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתנבא: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- בתוך: PREP
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מנגן: VERB,piel,ptc,ms,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- כיום: ADV
- ביום: PREP
- והחנית: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 16:14-23 (verbal): Same episode earlier: 'an evil spirit from the LORD' troubles Saul and David is brought to play to soothe him; parallels language (spirit, David's music) and function of the scene.
- 1 Sam 10:10-12 (allusion): When Saul first encounters the Spirit of God he prophesies among the prophets—structurally similar prophetic/ecstatic behavior and the motif of a sudden spirit-induced utterance.
- 1 Sam 19:9-10 (thematic): Continuation/recurrence of the motif: the evil spirit comes upon Saul again, he tries to pin David with a spear—directly echoes the hostile, violent turn of Saul under the spirit.
- 1 Sam 19:23-24 (verbal): Saul again falls into prophetic ecstasy and prophesies with the prophets; parallels the phenomenon of Saul 'prophesying in the midst of the house' and being overtaken by spirit.
Alternative generated candidates
- And on the next day a harmful spirit from the LORD rushed upon Saul, and he prophesied in his house; and David played with his hand, as at other times; and a spear was in Saul's hand.
- And the next day an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul, and he prophesied within the house; and David played with his hand, as at other times, while the spear was in Saul's hand.
1 S.18.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויטל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- החנית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אכה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- בדוד: PREP
- ובקיר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויסב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפניו: PREP+3ms
- פעמים: NOUN,m,du,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 19:10 (verbal): Repeats the same action: an evil spirit comes on Saul and he seeks to pin David to the wall with his spear; David escapes—essentially a restatement of the spear-throwing incident.
- 1 Sam 19:11–12 (structural): Continues the pattern of Saul's direct attempts on David's life and David's escape (Saul sends men to kill David; Michal helps David slip away), showing the recurring persecution motif.
- 1 Sam 24:3–7 (thematic): Saul pursues David with intent to kill, but David gains an opportunity to kill Saul in a cave and spares him—contrasts Saul's attempt to strike David with David's restraint.
- 1 Sam 26:7–11 (thematic): David steals Saul's spear and water jug while Saul sleeps and later refuses to harm him—another episode highlighting Saul's violent pursuit of David and David's merciful response.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul cast the spear, saying, "I will pin David to the wall." David escaped from before him twice.
- Saul hurled the spear, intending to pin David to the wall; but David slipped away from him twice.
1 S.18.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלפני: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ומעם: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (verbal): Samuel anoints David and "the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward," explaining why the LORD was with David in 18:12.
- 1 Samuel 16:14 (verbal): Explicitly states that "the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul," matching the second half of 18:12 about God's departure from Saul.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (structural): Immediate context: David "behaved himself wisely" and prospered, and this verse likewise notes that Saul became afraid of David because of the LORD's presence with him.
- 1 Samuel 17:37 (thematic): David credits the LORD's protection for his victory over Goliath—illustrates the recurring theme that God's presence enables David and provokes Saul's fear.
- 1 Samuel 19:9–10 (structural): Reports Saul's murderous jealousy (hurling a spear at David) as a concrete outworking of the fear and estrangement described in 18:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul was afraid of David, for the LORD was with him, and from Saul the LORD had departed.
- Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him and had departed from Saul.
1 S.18.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסרהו: VERB,hif,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וישמהו: VERB,hif,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:58 (thematic): After David's victory Saul took him and would not let him return home—an earlier instance of David being retained in Saul's service and presence, paralleling the transfer from private favor to official service.
- 1 Samuel 16:21 (structural): David is brought into Saul's court as a musician and armorbearer and 'stood before Saul'—another scene of David entering and serving in the king's presence, similar in form to 18:13.
- 1 Samuel 18:5 (verbal): This immediately preceding verse describes David's wise conduct and rising favor in Saul's service; it provides the background for his subsequent promotion to 'captain of a thousand.'
- 1 Samuel 20:30-33 (allusion): Saul's escalating jealousy and public rejection of Jonathan (and his hostility toward David) shows the motive behind removing David from intimate access to the king, the hostile context for the transfer in 18:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Saul removed him from his presence, and made him a commander over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
- Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
1 S.18.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכל: PREP
- דרכו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- משכיל: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:5 (verbal): Same narrative context and near-verbatim assessment: David 'behaved himself more wisely' and prospered in Saul's service—reiterating David's skill and favor.
- Genesis 39:3 (verbal): About Joseph: 'And his master saw that the LORD was with him'—uses the same formula linking personal success and God's presence.
- 2 Samuel 5:10 (thematic): Reports David's continued rise: 'And David grew greater and greater; for the LORD of hosts was with him'—echoes the theme that David's success is due to the LORD's presence.
- 1 Samuel 17:37 (thematic): David's declaration of God's help (and Saul's blessing 'the LORD be with thee') underscores the motif that the LORD's presence empowers David in battle and service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him.
- And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him.
1 S.18.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- משכיל: ADJ,ptc,m,sg
- מאד: ADV
- ויגר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מפניו: PREP+3ms
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:14 (verbal): Explicitly states the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul — language and idea picked up in 1 Sam 18:15 to explain Saul’s fear of David because God’s presence left Saul.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (verbal): Says David ‘behaved himself more wisely’ and ‘the LORD was with him,’ directly paralleling 18:15’s claim that Saul feared David because the LORD was with him.
- Genesis 39:2–3 (thematic): Reports that ‘the LORD was with Joseph’ and prospered his work — a recurring theme that God’s presence brings success and can provoke fear or favor among others, analogous to David’s situation.
- Psalm 78:70–72 (thematic): Describes God’s choosing and blessing of David (‘He chose David his servant… he shepherded them’), thematically linking God’s favor on David to his success and the impact of that favor on others (as in Saul’s fear).
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore Saul saw that he was very prudent, and he feared him.
- When Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he became afraid of him.
1 S.18.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהודה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- יוצא: VERB,qal,part,ms,sg
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (structural): A parallel, expanded account: 'all Israel' assemble to David at Hebron and make a covenant with him, echoing the united affection and recognition of David by Israel and Judah.
- 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 (thematic): Describes men of Israel and Judah coming to David at Hebron in strength—illustrates and explains the widespread support and love for David across the tribes.
- 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (structural): Both Israel and Judah come to David in Hebron and anoint him king over all Israel, reflecting the same unity and acceptance that 1 Samuel 18:16 attributes to the people’s affection.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (verbal): Notes David’s superior conduct and high reputation ('his name was much set by'), which explains why 'all Israel and Judah loved David'—a complementary description of his esteem among the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.
- And all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.
1 S.18.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- בתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs,1cs
- הגדולה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- מרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אתן: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- לאשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אך: PART
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לבן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והלחם: CONJ+VERB,hithpael,perf,3,m,sg
- מלחמות: NOUN,f,pl,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תהי: VERB,qal,juss,3,f,sg
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
Parallels
- 1 Sam.17.25 (verbal): Saul earlier promises his daughter as a reward for the man who defeats the Philistine — the same pattern of offering a daughter in marriage for military service appears here.
- 1 Sam.17.45-47 (thematic): David declares that God will give him victory and that the contest is the LORD’s; parallels the language and idea of fighting 'the LORD’s battles' in 18:17.
- 1 Sam.18.11 (thematic): Saul’s attempt to pin David with a spear and his rising hostility echo the sentiment in 18:17 where Saul wishes no harm come from his hand but from the Philistines — both show Saul’s desire to eliminate David.
- 1 Sam.18.20-21 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Merab is not given to David (she is given to Adriel) and David requests/receives Michal — these verses directly follow and resolve the offer recorded in 18:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Saul said to David, "Behold, my elder daughter Merab—I will give her to you as a wife; only be a mighty man for me, and fight the LORD's battles." And Saul said, "Let not my hand be against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him."
- Then Saul said to David, 'Behold, my elder daughter Merab—I will give her to you as a wife; only be strong for me, fight the LORD's battles.' But Saul said this thinking, 'Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.'
1 S.18.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- ומי: PRON,interr
- חיי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- משפחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אהיה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- חתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 7:18 (verbal): David's rhetorical question 'Who am I... and what is my house...' appears almost verbatim later when he responds humbly to God's promise, echoing the same formula of unworthiness.
- 1 Chronicles 17:16 (verbal): Parallel retelling of 2 Samuel 7:18 in Chronicles; the same wording and theme of David's astonished humility before a gracious act toward his house.
- Psalm 8:4 (thematic): Employs the same rhetorical pattern of 'What is ... that ...' to express human smallness and unworthiness—here in relation to God's care—paralleling David's humble self-questioning.
- Genesis 32:10 (thematic): Jacob's expression of personal unworthiness ('I am unworthy of all the steadfast love...') shares the theme of humble self-assessment before a lordly blessing or favor, similar to David's reluctance to claim royal marriage.
Alternative generated candidates
- David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my life, and what is my father's house in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?"
- And David said to Saul, 'Who am I, and what is my life, or my father's house in Israel, that I should be the king's son-in-law?'
1 S.18.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תת: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- מרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והיא: CONJ+PRON,3,f,sg
- נתנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לעדריאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- המחלתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Sam.18.17 (structural): Immediate context: Saul plans to give one of his daughters to David as a political/bride reward, setting up the marriages of Merab and Michal.
- 1Sam.18.20 (thematic): Contrasts Merab’s marriage to Adriel with Michal’s love for David and her becoming David’s wife (continuation of the same narrative thread).
- 1Sam.14.49 (verbal): Genealogical note listing Saul’s sons and daughters, including Merab and Michal, confirming their familial identities referenced in 18:19.
- 1Sam.25.44 (allusion): Later statement that Saul gave Michal (David’s wife) to another man (Paltiel/Phaltiel), echoing and complicating the earlier marital arrangements.
- 2Sam.3:14-16 (thematic): Later resolution: Abner/Israel return Michal to David as part of political negotiations, with the narrative noting the intermediary (Paltiel) who had been living with her.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the time when Merab, the daughter of Saul, was to be given to David, she was given to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite instead.
- At that time Merab, Saul's daughter, was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife.
1 S.18.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאהב: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- מיכל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- וישר: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:27 (structural): Immediate continuation: Saul arranges Michal’s marriage to David (requiring a show of valor), showing Saul’s political use of the match after hearing of her love.
- 1 Samuel 18:1 (verbal): Uses the same verb of love toward David — Jonathan 'loved' David — highlighting multiple personal attachments to David early in his rise.
- 1 Samuel 19:11-17 (thematic): Michal’s loyalty is further developed: she warns David and helps him escape from Saul, confirming the affection noted in 18:20.
- 1 Samuel 25:44 (thematic): Later report that Saul had given Michal to another man (Paltiel) — shows the marriage’s political manipulation and ruptures introduced after 18:20.
- 2 Samuel 3:14-16 (structural): Narrative resolution: Michal is taken from Paltiel and returned to David, underscoring the political bargaining and long-term significance of Michal’s relationship to David.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Michal, the daughter of Saul, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing was pleasing in his sight.
- But Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
1 S.18.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתננה: VERB,qal,fut,1,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- למוקש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשתים: PREP+NUM,card,2,f
- תתחתן: VERB,hitpael,impf,2,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.18.17 (structural): Directly precedes and explains Saul’s motives here: Saul’s hatred of David and intent to set a snare so the hand of the Philistines would be against him.
- 1 Sam.18.25 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Saul demands a bride-price of 100 Philistine foreskins—an explicit formulation of the ‘snare’ mentioned in 18:21.
- 1 Sam.18.27 (structural): Resolution of the bride-price episode—David returns with the required (in fact double) number of Philistine kills, subverting Saul’s intended snare.
- 1 Sam.19.11-17 (thematic): Shows the escalation of Saul’s hostility after the marriage offer—Saul sends agents to seize David and plots his death, confirming the marriage as part of Saul’s broader enmity.
- 2 Sam.3.14-16 (thematic): Later political handling of Michal (given away and then brought to David) illustrates the recurring use of Michal’s marriage for political maneuvering and power plays.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul said, "I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him and that the hand of the Philistines may be upon him." And Saul said to David, "You shall be my son-in-law today."
- And Saul said, 'I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.' Then Saul said to David, 'You shall be my son-in-law today.'
1 S.18.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בלט: PART
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הנה: PART
- חפץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- אהבוך: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl,obj2ms
- ועתה: CONJ
- התחתן: VERB,hithpael,imp,2,ms
- במלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.18.21 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel: Saul instructs his servant/Abner to propose that David become the king’s son‑in‑law, setting up the marriage arrangement mentioned in v.22.
- 1 Sam.18.25–27 (structural): Direct continuation of the episode: Saul demands a dangerous ‘dowry’ of Philistine foreskins, David accomplishes the task, and Saul gives his daughter Michal to David — completes the marriage motif begun in v.22.
- Judges 14:1–3 (thematic): Samson’s marriage to a Philistine woman shows the motif of a hero’s marriage functioning as a social/political episode and a prize that involves conflict with the Philistines.
- Gen.29:15–30 (thematic): Jacob’s labor/wage for Rachel exemplifies the ancient Near Eastern practice of marriage as a negotiated transaction (bride‑price/service), paralleling Saul’s use of marriage as reward/arrangement.
- 2 Sam.3:13–16 (thematic): Michal’s later transfer (Abner negotiating with David and Michal being returned) underscores the political use of royal daughters in alliance and succession politics, echoing her earlier arrangement as Saul’s tool.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Saul commanded his servants, "Speak to David secretly, saying, 'Behold, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; now therefore become the king's son-in-law.'"
- And Saul commanded his servants to speak secretly to David, saying, 'See, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; therefore become the king's son-in-law.'
1 S.18.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנקלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בעיניכם: PREP+NOUN,pl,f,cons+PRON,2,pl
- התחתן: VERB,hithpael,perf,3,m,sg
- במלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנכי: PRON,1,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רש: VERB,qal,inf
- ונקלה: CONJ+VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:25 (structural): Immediate narrative partner: Saul responds to David's desire for the king's daughter by setting a bride-price (the demand for Philistine foreskins), which frames David's remark about being poor and lightly esteemed.
- 1 Samuel 18:27 (structural): Direct resolution of the episode: David fulfills Saul's deadly bride-price and is given Michal, showing how the earlier claim of being 'a poor and lightly esteemed man' is reversed by his deed.
- 1 Samuel 17:25 (thematic): Earlier promise motif: the people declare that the slayer of the Philistine will receive great rewards from the king, including his daughter—this provides the cultural expectation behind David's remark about marriage to the king's daughter.
- 2 Samuel 3:14-16 (thematic): Later political aftermath for Michal: Michal is given to another (Ish-bosheth) and then returned to David, illustrating the political significance of royal marriages introduced in 1 Sam 18 and the stakes behind David's comment about social status and marriage.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the servants of Saul spoke these words in the ears of David. And David said, "Is it a small thing in your eyes to be a king's son-in-law, while I am a poor and lightly esteemed man?"
- And the servants of Saul spoke these words in David's hearing. And David said, 'Is it a light thing in your eyes to become the king's son-in-law? I am a poor and of humble means man.'
1 S.18.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כדברים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- האלה: DEM,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:25 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation—Saul acts on the report by setting a bride-price for David (the report in 18:24 motivates the demand in 18:25).
- 1 Samuel 18:12 (thematic): Earlier report of David’s success and God’s favor—servants’ reports about David provoke Saul’s uneasy and jealous attitude (same reporting-motive in the narrative).
- 1 Samuel 19:1–2 (thematic): After hearing of David’s rising reputation Saul’s attitude hardens and he seeks David’s death—shows the escalation from servants’ reports to lethal action against David.
- 1 Samuel 17:55–58 (verbal): After David’s victory over Goliath people report his deed to Saul and describe the youth—another instance where news of David’s actions is brought to the king, using similar reporting language and narrative function.
Alternative generated candidates
- The servants reported David's words to Saul.
- And the servants told Saul, 'Thus did David speak.'
1 S.18.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כה: ADV
- תאמרו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- חפץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במהר: PREP+ADV
- כי: CONJ
- במאה: PREP+NUM,card,sg,f
- ערלות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- להנקם: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- באיבי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חשב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להפיל: VERB,hiph,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:17 (verbal): Immediate antecedent in the same episode: Saul first sets a bride-price for David (kill a thousand Philistines) — same marriage/warfare motive and negotiation over military exploits.
- 1 Samuel 18:27 (structural): Narrative fulfillment: David actually brings Philistine foreskins (two hundred) and receives Michal, directly resolving Saul’s demand and revealing the deception/motive behind the task.
- 1 Samuel 18:11 (thematic): Earlier verse records Saul’s hostile intent toward David (seeking to pin him to the wall), showing the motive behind sending David into deadly combat with the Philistines.
- 1 Samuel 18:20–21 (thematic): These verses describe Michal’s love for David and Saul’s use of the marriage to control or test David — the same marriage-as-instrument theme that underlies the foreskin/avengement demand.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul said, "Thus you shall say to David: 'The king has no delight in a dowry except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged on the king's enemies.'" (For Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.)
- Then Saul said, 'Thus shall you say to David, “The king has no delight in a dowry but in a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged on the king's enemies.”' (For Saul thought to entrap David by the hand of the Philistines.)
1 S.18.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- וישר: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להתחתן: VERB,hitp,inf
- במלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- מלאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.18.25 (verbal): Saul sets the bride-price (a hundred Philistine foreskins) for David — the immediate stipulation that prompts David's response in 18:26.
- 1 Sam.18.27 (structural): The subsequent verse records the fulfillment (Saul gives Michal to David) and so completes the narrative arc begun in 18:26.
- 2 Sam.3.14-16 (thematic): David's claim on Michal appears later as a political demand to legitimize his rule — shows royal marriage used as a means of political consolidation.
- 1 Sam.25.39-42 (thematic): David's marriage to Abigail after Nabal's death illustrates marriages as alliances and the involvement of intermediaries/servants in arranging royal or strategic marriages.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the servants told David these words. And it pleased David well to become the king's son-in-law; and the days were not completed.
- And when the servants of Saul told David these words, it pleased David well to become the king's son-in-law. Before the days were fulfilled,
1 S.18.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- ויך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בפלשתים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- מאתים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ערלתיהם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:3,m,pl
- וימלאום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl,obj:3,m,pl
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להתחתן: VERB,hitp,inf
- במלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- מיכל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:25 (structural): Immediate narrative antecedent: Saul sets the bride-price as a demand for Philistine foreskins (a hundred), which David fulfills in 18:27.
- 1 Samuel 17:25 (thematic): Saul's earlier proclamation that his daughter will be given to whoever defeats the Philistine (Goliath) establishes the recurring motif of marriage awarded for martial victory.
- 1 Samuel 17:50-54 (thematic): David's defeat of Goliath and the subsequent presentation of the enemy's head and receipt of royal favor parallels the pattern of military success leading to honor and marriage.
- Judges 14:12-19 (thematic): Samson kills thirty men to satisfy a wedding wager and secure bridal gifts—comparable motif of violent feats performed to meet a marital demand or earn a bride-related reward.
Alternative generated candidates
- David arose and went, he and his men; and he struck down two hundred of the Philistines and brought their foreskins, and they were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king's son-in-law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to be David's wife.
- David rose and went, he and his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines; and David brought their foreskins, and they were given to the king as a full payment for the hundred that Saul had required. So David became the king's son-in-law, and Saul gave him Michal his daughter as a wife.
1 S.18.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומיכל: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהבתהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg,obj:3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 18:12 (verbal): Saul's fear of David is explicitly tied to the LORD being with David — same recognition of divine favor found in 18:28.
- 1 Sam 18:20 (verbal): Earlier statement that Michal loved David and that this was reported to Saul — directly parallels the mention of Michal’s love in 18:28.
- 1 Sam 16:13 (thematic): After Samuel anoints David, 'the Spirit of the LORD came upon David' (indicating God's presence with him), a theological basis for statements that the LORD was with David.
- 1 Sam 16:18 (verbal): A prior report about David describes him as a man of war and adds 'and the LORD is with him,' echoing the same formula of divine accompaniment used in 18:28.
- 1 Sam 19:11-12 (thematic): Michal’s intervention to hide and save David demonstrates the reality of her love and alliance referred to in 18:28, showing its practical consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal the daughter of Saul loved him,
- And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him.
1 S.18.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לרא: PREP
- מפני: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עוד: ADV
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:10 (structural): Earliest narrative indication of Saul’s hostile, disturbed reaction toward David (evil spirit from the LORD troubles Saul), setting the stage for ongoing enmity.
- 1 Samuel 19:1 (structural): Direct continuation of the narrative: Saul explicitly commands Jonathan and his servants to kill David, showing active, sustained hostility.
- 1 Samuel 19:9-10 (structural): Another concrete episode where Saul’s hostility turns to attempted violence—he tries to pin David to the wall—illustrating the persistent threat to David’s life.
- Psalm 59:1-2 (allusion): A psalm explicitly linked to the episode when Saul sent men to watch David’s house to kill him; David’s plea for deliverance echoes the verse’s portrayal of continuous enmity.
- Psalm 35:11-19 (thematic): David laments enemies who falsely accuse and seek his life; the theme of relentless persecution and personal hostility parallels Saul’s ongoing hatred toward David.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul remained David's enemy continually.
- And Saul was more very afraid of David; and he became his enemy continually.
1 S.18.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מדי: PREP
- צאתם: NOUN,f,sg,construct,3,pl
- שכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וייקר: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:5 (structural): Immediate context: David succeeds wherever Saul sends him and behaves wisely; this verse explains the narrative basis for David’s superior status among Saul’s servants.
- 1 Samuel 18:6–7 (quotation): The public song—'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands'—reflects popular acclaim that heightens David’s renown mentioned in 18:30.
- 1 Samuel 17:57 (cf. 17:55–58) (thematic): After Goliath’s defeat the men commend David as skillful, brave and prudent, an earlier instance of the same rise in reputation that 18:30 describes.
- Daniel 1:19–20 (verbal): Daniel is shown to be superior to all the king’s magicians and enchanters (doing better than his peers); thematically and verbally this parallels David’s being 'more' than Saul’s servants and highly esteemed.
- Genesis 39:2–4 (thematic): Joseph, favored by the LORD, prospers in Potiphar’s house and is put above other servants; a parallel case of divine favor producing a servant’s superior standing and reputation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when the commanders of the Philistines went out, David was more distinguished than all of Saul's servants; and his name was highly esteemed.
- When the leaders of the Philistines went out to war, David behaved more wisely than any of Saul's officers; and his name became very great.
When he had finished speaking to Saul, Jonathan's soul was knit to David's soul, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.
Jonathan stripped off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, together with his garments, even his sword, his bow, and his belt. And David went out wherever Saul sent him; he behaved wisely, and Saul set him over the men of war. He found favor in the eyes of all the people and also in the eyes of Saul's servants.
When they came back, as David returned from striking the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, with singing, with timbrels, with dances, and with joyful music. And the women sang to one another, saying, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry, and this thing displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?” So Saul was hostile toward David from that day on. And on the next day an evil spirit from the LORD rushed upon Saul, and he prophesied within the house; and David played with his hand as at other times, while a spear was in Saul's hand.
Saul hurled the spear, intending to pin David to the wall; and David evaded him twice.
Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him and had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander over a thousand; and David went out and came in before the people. And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him.
When Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was fearful of him.
All Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.
Then Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab—I will give her to you as a wife; only be valiant for me and fight the LORD's battles.” (But Saul thought, “Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”) And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my life, or the life of my father's house in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” Now at the time Merab, Saul's daughter, was to be given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife. But Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David; and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. And Saul said, “I will give her to him that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Then Saul said to David, “You shall be my son-in-law today.” So Saul commanded his servants to speak to David privately, to say, “Behold, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; now therefore become the king's son-in-law.” And the servants of Saul spoke these words in David's hearing. David said, “Is it a light thing in your eyes to become the king's son-in-law, while I am a poor man and of low estate?” And the servants told Saul, saying, “Thus did David speak.”
Then Saul said, “Thus shall you say to David: ‘The king has no delight in a bride-price; he desires a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged on the king's enemies.’ ” (For Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.) And David's men told him these words. And it pleased David to become the king's son-in-law. The days were not yet expired. So David rose and went, he and his men, and struck down two hundred of the Philistines; and David brought their foreskins, and they counted them to fulfill the number for the king, that he might be the king's son-in-law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter as a wife.
When Saul saw that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him,
Saul became even more afraid of David; and Saul was David's enemy continually. Now the commanders of the Philistines went out to war; and whenever they went out, David behaved more wisely than any of Saul's servants; so his name was highly esteemed.