1 Samuel 18:6-9

1 Samuel 18:6-9

[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,  king  Saul,  with tabrets,  with joy,  and with instruments  of musick. [7] And the women  answered  one another as they played,  and said,  Saul  hath slain  his thousands,  and David  his ten thousands.  [8] And Saul  was very  wroth,  and the saying  him; and he said,  They have ascribed  unto David  ten thousands,  and to me they have ascribed  but thousands:  and what can he have more but the kingdom?  [9] And Saul  David  from that day  and forward. 

What does 1 Samuel 18:6-9 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

These verses show how David had captured the affection of many Israelites by his victory over Goliath. Successful military heroes still do so today. Notwithstanding David"s popularity, not everyone was ready to join David"s fan club, as the text proceeds to clarify. He became a controversial figure in Israel. Apparently Saul suspected that with such popularity David might attempt to overthrow his government. However, it was personal jealousy that took root in Saul"s mind and led to his downfall. The women"s song did not intend to insult Saul. It is typical Hebrew parallelism in which both heroes received honor for slaying multitudes of Israel"s enemies, albeit David received the higher commendation. While David"s actions pleased the people ( 1 Samuel 18:5), they displeased the king ( 1 Samuel 18:8). The problem was Saul"s desire to be popular with the people more than with God. Contrast humble John the Baptist, who wanted Jesus to receive more honor than himself ( John 1:26-27; John 3:30).