And as the women danced, they sang out: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands." As they dancedThis phrase captures a moment of celebration and communal joy. In ancient Israel, dancing was often a part of victory celebrations and religious festivals. The Hebrew root for "danced" is "חול" (chul), which can also mean to whirl or spin. This suggests a lively, exuberant expression of emotion. The cultural context of dancing in the Bible often signifies a response to God's deliverance or blessing, indicating that the people recognized a divine hand in their victories. the women sang
Singing was a traditional way to commemorate significant events and convey communal sentiments. The Hebrew word for "sang" is "ענה" (anah), which can also mean to answer or respond. This implies that the women's song was a response to the events they witnessed, a way to vocalize their collective experience. Historically, women often led in song during times of celebration, as seen with Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21). Saul has slain his thousands
This part of the song acknowledges King Saul's military achievements. The use of "thousands" is a hyperbolic expression common in Hebrew poetry, emphasizing Saul's prowess and success as a warrior. The historical context here is important; Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed to lead and protect the nation. His victories were crucial in establishing Israel's security and sovereignty. and David his tens of thousands
This phrase elevates David's accomplishments above those of Saul, highlighting his exceptional success in battle. The Hebrew word for "tens of thousands" is "רבבה" (ribbabah), which signifies a large, indefinite number, again using hyperbole to stress David's superiority. This comparison sets the stage for the growing tension between Saul and David, as it reflects the people's increasing admiration for David. Scripturally, this moment foreshadows David's future as king, chosen by God for his heart and faithfulness. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign is marked by his initial obedience to God, followed by disobedience and jealousy, particularly towards David. 2. DavidA young shepherd who was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his faith in God, David becomes a celebrated warrior and musician in Saul's court. 3. Women of IsraelThe women who sang and danced in celebration of the military victories. Their song highlights the growing popularity and success of David compared to Saul. 4. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of twelve tribes. At this time, Israel is transitioning from a theocracy to a monarchy under Saul's leadership. 5. PhilistinesA significant enemy of Israel during this period. David's victories over the Philistines, including the defeat of Goliath, contribute to his rising fame. Teaching Points The Danger of ComparisonComparing ourselves to others can lead to jealousy and insecurity, as seen in Saul's reaction to David's success. We should focus on our unique calling and gifts from God. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod raises and removes leaders according to His purpose. David's rise to prominence is a reminder of God's sovereign plan, even when it seems contrary to human expectations. Celebrating Others' SuccessesThe women of Israel celebrated David's victories without diminishing Saul's contributions. We should learn to rejoice in others' successes, recognizing that all achievements are ultimately for God's glory. The Power of WordsThe song of the women had a profound impact on Saul and David's relationship. Our words can build up or tear down, and we should use them wisely to encourage and edify others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Saul's reaction to the women's song reveal his heart condition, and what can we learn about guarding our hearts against jealousy? 2. In what ways does David's rise to prominence demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can we trust God's plan in our own lives? 3. How can we celebrate the successes of others in our community or church without feeling threatened or diminished? 4. Reflect on a time when words had a significant impact on your life, either positively or negatively. How can you use your words to build others up? 5. How does the account of David and Saul challenge us to examine our motives and attitudes towards leadership and authority in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 17The chapter preceding this verse details David's victory over Goliath, which sets the stage for the women's song and Saul's jealousy. 1 Samuel 18:8-9These verses describe Saul's reaction to the song, highlighting his growing jealousy and fear of David. 1 Samuel 16:7God's choice of David over Saul is rooted in the heart, not outward appearances, which contrasts with Saul's focus on public perception. 2 Samuel 6:14-16David's own dancing before the Lord when the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem, showing his heart for worship and God's presence. People Adriel, David, Jonathan, Merab, Michal, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Answering, David, Death, Merry, Myriads, Play, Played, Playing, Sang, Saul, Slain, Smitten, Song, Ten, Tens, Thousands, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 18:7 5776 achievement
5848 exaggeration
5919 popularity 1 Samuel 18:6-7 5287 dance
5420 music
5861 favour, human
7963 song 1 Samuel 18:6-8 8733 envy 1 Samuel 18:6-9 7236 Israel, united kingdom
8773 jealousy 1 Samuel 18:6-12 5890 insecurity 1 Samuel 18:6-15 5965 temperament 1 Samuel 18:7-8 1656 numbers, combinations 1 Samuel 18:7-9 5937 rivalry
8765 grudge Library A Soul's Tragedy
'And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war; and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. 6. And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. 7. And the women answered one another as they played, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWar! War! War!
At the present crisis, the minds of men are exceedingly agitated with direful prospects of a terrible struggle. We know not whereunto this matter may grow. The signs of the times are dark and direful. We fear that the vials of God's wrath are about to be poured out, and that the earth will be deluged with blood. As long as there remains a hope, let us pray for peace, nay, even in the time of war let us still beseech the throne of God, crying, that he would "send us peace in our days." The war will …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible The Exile.
David's first years at the court of Saul in Gibeah do not appear to have produced any psalms which still survive. "The sweetest songs are those Which tell of saddest thought." It was natural, then, that a period full of novelty and of prosperous activity, very unlike the quiet days at Bethlehem, should rather accumulate materials for future use than be fruitful in actual production. The old life shut to behind him for ever, like some enchanted door in a hill-side, and an unexplored land lay beckoning …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Salvation Published from the Mountains
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! I t would be improper to propose an alteration, though a slight one, in the reading of a text, without bearing my testimony to the great value of our English version, which I believe, in point of simplicity, strength, and fidelity, is not likely to be excelled by a new translation …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
(Admonition 3.) Differently to be admonished are the poor and the rich: for to the former we ought to offer the solace of comfort against tribulation, but in the latter to induce fear as against elation. For to the poor one it is said by the Lord through the prophet, Fear not, for thou shalt not be confounded (Isai. liv. 4). And not long after, soothing her, He says, O thou poor little one, tossed with tempest (Ibid. 11). And again He comforts her, saying, I have chosen thee in the furnace of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Publication of the Gospel
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it [or of the preachers] P erhaps no one Psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and patience of commentators and critics, than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly belong to the Psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the Psalmist alludes; which probably were, at that time, generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 18:7 NIV1 Samuel 18:7 NLT1 Samuel 18:7 ESV1 Samuel 18:7 NASB1 Samuel 18:7 KJV
1 Samuel 18:7 Commentaries
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