Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Saul ordered his attendants: “Speak to David privately and say, ‘Look, the king likes you, and his attendants all love you; now become his son-in-law.’” New Living Translation Then Saul told his men to say to David, “The king really likes you, and so do we. Why don’t you accept the king’s offer and become his son-in-law?” English Standard Version And Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in private and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king’s son-in-law.’” Berean Standard Bible Then Saul ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’” Berean Literal Bible And Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in secrecy and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you, and now become son-in-law of the king.’” King James Bible And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law. New King James Version And Saul commanded his servants, “Communicate with David secretly, and say, ‘Look, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become the king’s son-in-law.’ ” New American Standard Bible Then Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in secret, saying, ‘Behold, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; now then, become the king’s son-in-law.’” NASB 1995 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.’” NASB 1977 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.’” Legacy Standard Bible Then Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David secretly, saying, ‘Behold, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; so now, become the king’s son-in-law.’” Amplified Bible Then Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David secretly, saying, ‘Listen, the king delights in you, and all his servants love you; now then, become the king’s son-in-law.’” Berean Annotated Bible Then Saul (desired) ordered his servants, “Speak to David (beloved) privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law. Christian Standard Bible Saul then ordered his servants, “Speak to David in private and tell him, ‘Look, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Therefore, you should become the king’s son-in-law.’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Saul then ordered his servants, “Speak to David in private and tell him, ‘Look, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Therefore, you should become the king’s son-in-law.’” American Standard Version And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son-in-law. English Revised Version And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law. GOD'S WORD® Translation Saul ordered his officers, "Talk to David in private. Tell him, 'The king likes you, and all his officers are fond of you. Become the king's son-in-law.'" Good News Translation He ordered his officials to speak privately with David and tell him, "The king is pleased with you and all his officials like you; now is a good time for you to marry his daughter." International Standard Version Saul commanded his officials, "Speak with David privately and say, 'Look, the king delights in you, and all his officials love you. Now become the king's son-in-law.'" NET Bible Then Saul instructed his servants, "Tell David secretly, 'The king is pleased with you, and all his servants like you. So now become the king's son-in-law." New Heart English Bible Then Saul commanded his servants, "Talk with David secretly, and say, 'Look, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. So now therefore be the king's son-in-law.'" Webster's Bible Translation And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son-in-law. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Saul ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’” World English Bible Saul commanded his servants, “Talk with David secretly, and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore be the king’s son-in-law.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Saul commands his servants, “Speak to David gently, saying, Behold, the king has delighted in you, and all his servants have loved you, and now, be son-in-law of the king.” Berean Literal Bible And Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in secrecy and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you, and now become son-in-law of the king.’” Young's Literal Translation And Saul commandeth his servants, 'Speak unto David gently, saying, Lo, the king hath delighted in thee, and all his servants have loved thee, and now, be son-in-law to the king.' Smith's Literal Translation And Saul commanded his servants, Speak to David in secret, saying, Behold, the king delighted in thee, and all his servants loved thee: and now be son-in-law of the king. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Saul commanded his servants to speak to David privately, saying: Behold thou pleasest the king, and all his servants love thee. Now therefore be the king's son in law. Catholic Public Domain Version And Saul commanded his servants to speak to David privately, saying: “Behold, you are pleasing to the king, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, be the son-in-law of the king.” New American Bible Saul then ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and say: The king favors you, and all his officers love you. You should become son-in-law to the king.” New Revised Standard Version Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in private and say, ‘See, the king is delighted with you, and all his servants love you; now then, become the king’s son-in-law.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Saul commanded his servants to speak to David the son of Jesse, saying, Behold the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you; now therefore be the king's son-in-law. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Shaul commanded his Servants, for they said to David, son of Iyshay: “Behold, the King delights in you and all his Servants love you! Now, be son in law to the King!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Saul commanded his servants: 'Speak with David secretly, and say: Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee; now therefore be the king's son-in-law.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Saul charged his servants, saying, Speak ye privately to David, saying, Behold, the king delights in thee, and all his servants love thee, and do thou becomes the king's son-in-law. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Marries Michal…21“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” 22Then Saul ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’” 23But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.”… Cross References Then Saul ordered his servants, 1 Kings 1:33 “Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. 1 Samuel 16:19-20 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” / And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat and sent them to Saul with his son David. Esther 6:10 “Hurry,” said the king to Haman, “and do just as you proposed. Take the robe and the horse to Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything that you have suggested.” “Speak to David privately 2 Samuel 3:12-13 Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” / “Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.” 1 Samuel 20:2 “Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!” Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, Esther 2:17 And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. Proverbs 16:15 When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. Proverbs 14:35 A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful. and all his servants love you. 1 Kings 10:8 How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! 2 Chronicles 9:7 How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! 1 Samuel 16:21 When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’” 1 Samuel 17:25 Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.” 2 Kings 8:27 And Ahaziah walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab, for he was a son-in-law of the house of Ahab. 2 Samuel 3:14 Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.” 1 Samuel 19:1 Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, Treasury of Scripture And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you: now therefore be the king's son in law. commanded Psalm 36:1-3 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes… Psalm 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. servants 2 Samuel 13:28,29 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant… Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. Jump to Previous Attendants Commanded Commandeth Commune David Delight Delights King's Love Ordered Orders Pleased Private Privately Saul Secretly Servants Son-In-Law Speak TalkJump to Next Attendants Commanded Commandeth Commune David Delight Delights King's Love Ordered Orders Pleased Private Privately Saul Secretly Servants Son-In-Law Speak Talk1 Samuel 18 1. Jonathan befriends David5. Saul envies his praise 10. seeks to kill him in his fury 12. fears him for his good success 17. offers him his daughters for snare 23. David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law, 25. gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry 28. Saul's hatred and David's glory increase Then Saul ordered his servants Saul, the first king of Israel, often used intermediaries to communicate his intentions, reflecting the hierarchical structure of ancient monarchies. This approach also indicates Saul's growing insecurity and indirect methods, as he sought to manipulate situations to his advantage. The use of servants highlights the king's authority and the social stratification of the time. “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’” Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly jealous of David's success and popularity. 2. David A young shepherd anointed by God to be the future king of Israel, known for his faithfulness and courage. 3. Saul's Servants Individuals who serve King Saul and are tasked with conveying his messages to David. 4. The Royal Court The setting where Saul's servants interact with David, representing the political and social dynamics of the time. 5. Marriage Proposal Saul's deceptive offer to David to become his son-in-law, which is part of a larger scheme to ensnare David. Teaching Points Discernment in RelationshipsBe aware of the intentions behind others' words and actions. Not everyone who speaks kindly has your best interests at heart. God's Protection and Favor Despite human schemes, God's plans for His people prevail. David's life is a testament to God's protection and favor. Integrity in Adversity Maintain integrity and faithfulness even when faced with deceit and manipulation. David's response to Saul's schemes reflects his trust in God. The Danger of Jealousy Saul's jealousy leads to destructive behavior. Guard your heart against envy, which can distort your actions and relationships. Wisdom in Decision-Making Seek God's wisdom in making decisions, especially when opportunities seem too good to be true. David's cautious approach serves as a model. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 18:22?2. How does 1 Samuel 18:22 reveal Saul's intentions towards David's relationship with Michal? 3. What can we learn about deceit from Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 18:22? 4. How does Saul's manipulation in 1 Samuel 18:22 contrast with biblical teachings on honesty? 5. How can we guard against deceitful intentions in our relationships today? 6. What other biblical examples show the consequences of deceitful schemes like Saul's? 7. Why did Saul use deception in 1 Samuel 18:22 to manipulate David? 8. How does 1 Samuel 18:22 reflect on Saul's character and leadership? 9. What does 1 Samuel 18:22 reveal about the nature of political alliances in ancient Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18? 11. Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18? 12. 1 Samuel 18:20-21: Why would Saul offer his daughter Michal to David if he intended to harm him, and does this suggest inconsistencies within the narrative? 13. Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)? 14. (2 Samuel 22 compared with Psalm 18) Why do these passages have slight variations if both are supposed to be inspired or accurate accounts? What Does 1 Samuel 18:22 Mean Then Saul ordered his servants• Saul again uses intermediaries rather than confronting David himself, revealing both fear and manipulation (1 Samuel 18:12, 29). • Earlier he had promised Merab to David (18:17) and failed to keep his word; this new command shows a calculated plan rather than genuine goodwill. • Scripture records Saul’s repeated attempts to control circumstances while God steadily advances David (16:13; 18:14). Speak to David privately and tell him • The instruction to approach “privately” signals secrecy; Saul does not want his true motives exposed (18:21). • Similar covert counseling occurs later when Saul instructs Jonathan and servants to kill David (19:1). • The contrast stands out: David’s transparent faith (17:45) versus Saul’s hidden schemes. ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you • Flattery masks jealousy. Saul’s earlier delight in David’s harp playing (16:21) has soured into fear of David’s success (18:8). • Proverbs 29:5 warns, “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet,” which Saul is literally doing. • The text underscores that statements from authority figures must be weighed against consistent character. and all his servants love you. • David’s favor with court officials is genuine (18:5, 16, 30); even Saul’s household cannot deny it. • God’s hand on David produces visible fruit among people long before he wears a crown (Genesis 39:21 shows a similar pattern with Joseph). • Saul manipulates this popularity, hoping David’s trust in those relationships will lower his guard. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’ • Marriage into the royal family had already been held out as a reward for slaying Goliath (17:25), so Saul couches the invitation as overdue honor. • In reality Saul schemes to have David fall to the Philistines through a lethal bridal price (18:25), twisting what should be a covenant of blessing into a death trap. • God overrules: David succeeds, marries Michal (18:27), and the very alliance Saul feared becomes reality, fulfilling God’s earlier anointing (16:13). summary 1 Samuel 18:22 shows Saul orchestrating a deceitful plan cloaked in royal favor. Each phrase unpacks a step in his strategy—commanding servants, whispering privately, flattering David, citing popular approval, and offering marriage—to position David for harm while appearing generous. Yet every move Saul makes only advances God’s purpose of elevating David, reminding us that human schemes cannot thwart divine sovereignty. (22) Behold, the king hath delight in thee.--Lange quaintly sees in this fluent discourse of the courtiers "something of the flattering, conciliatory tone usual in such circles."Verses 22, 23. - Commune, etc. This is a more full and exact account of what was said summarily in ver. 21. We cannot suppose that Saul first spoke to David himself, and then told his servants to coax him, as this would also require us to suppose that when offered her by Saul, David refused Michal in marriage. But we may well believe that he was displeased at having been deceived, and that the renewed proposal of marriage with one of the king's daughters had to be made carefully, as he might naturally think that there was danger of his being cajoled a second time. David replies, in fact, very discreetly, saying that to be the king's son-in-law was indeed a great honour, but that he was too poor to provide a sufficient dowry. Strictly the promises given in 1 Samuel 17:25 bound Saul to give her without dowry; but it appears quite plainly from David's words that he had lost Merab because not able to purchase her as Adriel had done. For the custom of giving large sums to the bride's father see Genesis 34:12; Exodus 22:16, 17.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Saulשָׁא֜וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites ordered וַיְצַ֨ו (way·ṣaw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order his servants, עֲבָדָ֗ו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant “Speak דַּבְּר֨וּ (dab·bə·rū) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to David דָּוִ֤ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse privately בַּלָּט֙ (bal·lāṭ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3909: Covered, secret, incantation, secrecy, covertly and tell him, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Behold, הִנֵּ֨ה (hin·nêh) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! the king הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king is pleased with you, חָפֵ֤ץ (ḥā·p̄êṣ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire and all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every his servants עֲבָדָ֖יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant love you. אֲהֵב֑וּךָ (’ă·hê·ḇū·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | second person masculine singular Strong's 157: To have affection f Now therefore, וְעַתָּ֖ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time become his בַּמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (bam·me·leḵ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king son-in-law.’” הִתְחַתֵּ֥ן (hiṯ·ḥat·tên) Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 2859: To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage Links 1 Samuel 18:22 NIV1 Samuel 18:22 NLT 1 Samuel 18:22 ESV 1 Samuel 18:22 NASB 1 Samuel 18:22 KJV 1 Samuel 18:22 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 18:22 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 18:22 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 18:22 French Bible 1 Samuel 18:22 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 18:22 Saul commanded his servants saying Commune (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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