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But Saul was thinking, "I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/18-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/09_1Sa_18_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 18:17 - David Marries Michal" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Saul said to David, Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD's battles. But Saul was thinking, I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/18-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/18-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/18-16.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:16">◄</a> 1 Samuel 18:17 <a href="/1_samuel/18-18.htm" title="1 Samuel 18:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18.htm">New International Version</a> Saul said to David, &#8220Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage; only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the LORD.&#8221 For Saul said to himself, &#8220I will not raise a hand against him. Let the Philistines do that!&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> One day Saul said to David, “I am ready to give you my older daughter, Merab, as your wife. But first you must prove yourself to be a real warrior by fighting the LORD’s battles.” For Saul thought, “I’ll send him out against the Philistines and let them kill him rather than doing it myself.” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Saul said to David, “Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you for a wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” For Saul thought, “Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a> And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight the LORD’s battles.” For Saul thought, “Let my hand not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife, only be a valiant man for me and fight the LORD’S battles.” For Saul thought, “My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Saul said to David, &#8220Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife, only be a valiant man for me and fight the LORD&#8217S battles.&#8221 For Saul thought, &#8220My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife, only be a valiant man for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” For Saul thought, “My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife; only be a man of valor for me and fight Yahweh’s battles.” For Saul thought, “My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Saul said to David, “Behold I will give you my older daughter Merab as a wife; only be brave for me and fight the LORD’S battles.” For Saul thought, “My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul told David, “Here is my oldest daughter Merab. I’ll give her to you as a wife if you will be a warrior for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I don’t need to raise a hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul told David, &#8220Here is my oldest daughter Merab. I&#8217ll give her to you as a wife, if you will be a warrior for me and fight the LORD&#8217s battles.&#8221 But Saul was thinking, &#8220My hand doesn&#8217t need to be against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Saul said to David, Behold, my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight Jehovah's battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> One day, Saul told David, "If you'll be brave and fight the LORD's battles for me, I'll let you marry my oldest daughter Merab." But Saul was really thinking, "I don't want to kill David myself, so I'll let the Philistines do it for me." <a href="/erv/1_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Saul said to David, Behold, my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me. and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Finally, Saul said to David, "Here is my oldest daughter Merab. I will give her to you as your wife if you prove yourself to be a warrior for me and fight the LORD's battles." (Saul thought, "I must not lay a hand on him. Let the Philistines do that.") <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you as your wife on condition that you serve me as a brave and loyal soldier, and fight the LORD's battles." (Saul was thinking that in this way the Philistines would kill David, and he would not have to do it himself.) <a href="/isv/1_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Saul told David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I'll give her to you as a wife. Just be an excellent soldier for me and fight the LORD's battles." Now Saul told himself, "I won't harm him myself. Instead, I'll let the Philistines harm him." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Saul said to David, ?Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD?s battles.? But Saul was thinking, ?I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Saul said to David, "Here's my oldest daughter, Merab. I want to give her to you in marriage. Only be a brave warrior for me and fight the battles of the LORD." For Saul thought, "There's no need for me to raise my hand against him. Let it be the hand of the Philistines!" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Saul said to David, "Look, my elder daughter Merob, I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles." For Saul said, "Do not let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Saul said to David, Behold, my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee for a wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. <a href="/web/1_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Saul said to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you as wife. Only be valiant for me, and fight Yahweh’s battles.” For Saul said, “Don’t let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul says to David, “Behold, my elder daughter Merab—I give her to you for a wife; only, be for a son of valor to me, and fight the battles of YHWH”; and Saul said, “Do not let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul saith unto David, 'Lo, my elder daughter Merab -- her I give to thee for a wife; only, be to me for a son of valour, and fight the battles of Jehovah;' and Saul said, 'Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul will say to David, Behold, my daughter the great, Merab; her will I give to thee for wife; but be thou to me for a son of strength and fight the battles of Jehovah. And Saul said, My hand shall not be upon him, and the hand of the rovers shall be upon him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Saul said to David: Behold my elder daughter Merob, her will I give thee to wife: only be a valiant man, and fight the battles of the Lord. Now Saul said within himself: Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hands of the Philistines be upon him. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Saul said to David: “Behold, my elder daughter, Merab. I will give her to you as wife. Only be a valiant man, and fight the wars of the Lord.” Now Saul was considering within himself, saying, “Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hands of the Philistines be upon him.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Saul said to David, “Look, I will give you my older daughter, Merob, in marriage if you become my warrior and fight the battles of the LORD.” Saul thought, “I will not lay a hand on him. Let the hand of the Philistines strike him.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Saul said to David, “Here is my elder daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife; only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” For Saul thought, “I will not raise a hand against him; let the Philistines deal with him.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Nadab, I will give her to you to wife, but you must become a commander-in-chief for me and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Shaul said to David: “Behold, my older daughter Nadab I shall give to you as a wife, however, be Commander of the army for me and fight the battles of LORD JEHOVAH.” And Shaul said: “My hand will not be against him, but it will be the hand of the Philistines”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Saul said to David: 'Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife; only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles.' For Saul said: 'Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.' <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/18-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=5379" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/18.htm">David Marries Michal</a> 17<a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Then Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Here</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: hag·gə·ḏō·w·lāh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">is my older</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: ḇit·tî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">daughter</a> <a href="/hebrew/4764.htm" title="4764: mê·raḇ (N-proper-fs) -- Older daughter of Saul. From rabab; increase; Merab, a daughter of Saul.">Merab.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯāh (DirObjM:: 3fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: ’et·ten- (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">I will give her</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">to you</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: lə·’iš·šāh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">in marriage.</a> <a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">Only</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hĕ·yêh- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">be</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥa·yil (N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">valiant</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for me</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: lə·ḇen- (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: wə·hil·lā·ḥêm (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Imp-ms) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">and fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥă·mō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">battles.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: wə·šā·’ūl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">But Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">was thinking,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tə·hî (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">I need not raise</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">my hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">against him;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ- (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">let the hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">of the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: ū·ṯə·hî- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">be</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">against him.”</a> 18And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/17-25.htm">1 Samuel 17:25</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">1 Samuel 14:49</a> Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter). <a href="/1_samuel/25-44.htm">1 Samuel 25:44</a> But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim. <a href="/2_samuel/3-14.htm">2 Samuel 3:14</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">1 Samuel 19:11</a> Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” <a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24</a> Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food. <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">1 Samuel 18:21</a> “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.” <a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">1 Samuel 18:25</a> Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines. <a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">1 Samuel 18:28</a> When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, <a href="/1_samuel/19-17.htm">1 Samuel 19:17</a> And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away, and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’” <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">1 Samuel 20:30-31</a> Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? / For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17-18</a> Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. / So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. <a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20-21</a> Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. / So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.” <a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">1 Samuel 25:28</a> Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">1 Samuel 26:21</a> Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give you to wife: only be you valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.her will I give<a href="/1_samuel/17-25.htm">1 Samuel 17:25</a> And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.<a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Psalm 12:2</a> They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.<a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21</a> 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.valiant [heb] a son of valour <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a> And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.<a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">1 Samuel 25:28</a> I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.<a href="/numbers/32-20.htm">Numbers 32:20,27,29</a> And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war, … Let not mine<a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">1 Samuel 18:21,25</a> And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain… <a href="/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7</a> The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.<a href="/2_samuel/11-15.htm">2 Samuel 11:15</a> And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/8-20.htm">Battles</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-25.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-16.htm">David</a> <a href="/genesis/29-16.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">LORD's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">Merab</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-13.htm">Older</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-53.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-15.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-18.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-50.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">Battles</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-18.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">LORD's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">Merab</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">Older</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-18.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-15.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-19.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 18</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Jonathan befriends David</a> 5. <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Saul envies his praise</a> 10. <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">seeks to kill him in his fury</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">fears him for his good success</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">offers him his daughters for snare</a> 23. <a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law, </a> 25. <a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry</a> 28. <a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">Saul's hatred and David's glory increase</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Saul said to David, This phrase marks a significant moment in the relationship between Saul and David. Saul, the first king of Israel, is addressing David, who has gained favor in his eyes after defeating Goliath. This interaction is set against the backdrop of Saul's growing jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity and success. Saul's words are outwardly generous, but they conceal his ulterior motives.“Here is my older daughter Merab. Merab, Saul's eldest daughter, is mentioned here as part of Saul's plan. In ancient Israel, marriages were often used to form alliances and secure political power. Offering Merab to David could be seen as an honor, but it also serves Saul's strategic purposes. The mention of Merab highlights the cultural practice of arranged marriages and the importance of family alliances in maintaining power.I will give her to you in marriage. This offer of marriage is significant because it fulfills a promise Saul made earlier to the man who would defeat Goliath (<a href="/1_samuel/17-25.htm">1 Samuel 17:25</a>). However, Saul's intentions are not purely to reward David; he uses this offer as a means to entrap him. The marriage proposal is a political maneuver, reflecting the complex dynamics of Saul's court and his attempts to control David.Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” Saul's request for David to be valiant and fight the LORD's battles is a manipulation of David's loyalty and faith. Saul appeals to David's sense of duty and his reputation as a warrior. The phrase "the LORD's battles" suggests a divine mandate, aligning Saul's desires with God's will. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where kings were expected to lead in accordance with God's commands.But Saul was thinking, This insight into Saul's thoughts reveals his duplicity. While he speaks of honor and duty, his internal motives are far from noble. This contrast between Saul's words and thoughts underscores the theme of deception and the corrupting influence of power. It also highlights the biblical principle that God sees beyond outward appearances to the heart (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>).“I need not raise my hand against him; Saul's internal monologue reveals his desire to eliminate David without direct involvement. By not raising his own hand against David, Saul seeks to maintain a facade of righteousness while orchestrating David's downfall. This reflects the moral decline of Saul's character and his reliance on cunning rather than faithfulness to God.let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” Saul's plan is to use the Philistines, Israel's perennial enemies, as instruments of David's destruction. This reflects the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, a central theme in the narrative of 1 Samuel. Saul's reliance on external enemies to do his bidding illustrates his desperation and lack of trust in God's protection. This phrase also foreshadows the continued struggles David will face, both from external foes and internal betrayal.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly jealous of David's success and popularity. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> A young shepherd anointed by God to be the future king of Israel, known for his faithfulness and bravery. 3. <a href="/topical/m/merab.htm">Merab</a> Saul's older daughter, whom Saul offers to David as a wife. 4. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> A perennial enemy of Israel, often at war with them during this period. 5. <a href="/topical/m/marriage_proposal.htm">Marriage Proposal</a> Saul's offer of his daughter Merab to David, which is a strategic move rather than a genuine gesture.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_jealousy_and_manipulation.htm">The Dangers of Jealousy and Manipulation</a> Saul's jealousy leads him to use his own daughter as a pawn, highlighting how unchecked envy can corrupt relationships and intentions. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Despite Saul's manipulative plans, God's purposes for David's life continue to unfold, reminding us of God's ultimate control over human schemes. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> David's continued service to Saul, despite the king's intentions, exemplifies faithfulness and integrity in difficult circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_leadership.htm">The Cost of Leadership</a> David's journey to kingship is fraught with challenges, illustrating that leadership often involves personal sacrifice and perseverance. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_timing.htm">Trusting God's Timing</a> David's patience and trust in God's timing, rather than seizing power prematurely, serve as a model for waiting on God's perfect plan.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18</a> <a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_1_samuel_18_events.htm">Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</a> <a href="/q/why_mention_brothers'_protection_in_song_8_8-9.htm">Why does Song of Solomon 8:8–9 mention the brothers’ protective stance, yet offer no clear historical context or evidence of such customs in ancient Israel? </a> <a href="/q/is_david's_foreskin_story_plausible.htm">1 Samuel 18:17–27: Is the story of David collecting Philistine foreskins historically plausible, and what does it imply about the reliability of the text? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife.--This was but the fulfilment of a much earlier promise. The king had said he would give his daughter in marriage to the hero who should slay the Philistine giant champion. For one cause or other he had declined, or at least postponed, the carrying out of his pledge; and the dark thought crossed his mind, Could he not endanger the hated life, while seeming to wish to keep the old promise? He speaks of the Philistine war as the Lord's battles. This was a feeling which inspired every patriotic Israelite. "He was," when fighting with the idolatrous nations, "warring for the Lord"--so David felt when he spoke of the Philistine giant as having defied the ranks of the living God, and alluded to the battle as the Lord's (<a href="/1_samuel/17-26.htm" title="And David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?">1Samuel 17:26</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm" title="And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.">1Samuel 17:47</a>). The same idea is expressed in the title of that most ancient collection of songs which has not been preserved to us--"Book of the Wars of the Lord" (<a href="/numbers/21-14.htm" title="Why it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,">Numbers 21:14</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 17, 18. - Behold my elder daughter Merab. Saul had promised that he would give his daughter in marriage to whosoever should slay the giant (<a href="/1_samuel/17-25.htm">1 Samuel 17:25</a>); and not only was there in this the honour of a close alliance with the royal house, but, as it was usual to give large presents to the father in return for the daughter's hand, the gift had also a substantial value. After long delay Saul now refers to this promise, not so much with the intention of fulfilling it, as of leading David on to enterprises which might cost him his life. The marriage may have been deferred at first on account of David's youth; the subject is now revived, but with evil intentions. My eider daughter is literally "my daughter, the great one," while Michal is "the little one," a way of speaking used only where there are but two daughters. Be thou valiant, etc. This exhortation would be natural under the circumstances; but Saul hoped that David, in order to secure so great a prize, would be encouraged to undertake rash adventures. For Saul said. I.e. in himself; his purpose was to urge David to perpetual fighting, that so in some rash undertaking he might be slam. Thus Saul s malice grows, and though not prepared as yet to put David to death himself, he would have felt relief if he had died by the fortune of war. David answers modestly and discreetly that he is not worthy of so great an honour. We are not to suppose that he discerned Saul's treachery, which only came-to light afterwards. What is my life, - i.e. my condition, - or my father's family? The or is not in the Hebrew, and the meaning is, What is my condition, even my father's family? etc. David's condition or rank in life was settled by the rank which his father held. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/18-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Saul שָׁא֜וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to David, דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “Here הִנֵּה֩ (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! is my oldest הַגְּדוֹלָ֤ה (hag·gə·ḏō·w·lāh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent daughter בִתִּ֨י (ḇit·tî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> A daughter Merab. מֵרַב֙ (mê·raḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4764.htm">Strong's 4764: </a> Merab I will give her אֶתֶּן־ (’et·ten-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set to you לְךָ֣ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> in marriage. לְאִשָּׁ֔ה (lə·’iš·šāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female Only אַ֚ךְ (’aḵ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> A particle of affirmation, surely be הֱיֵה־ (hĕ·yêh-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be valiant חַ֔יִל (ḥa·yil) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2428.htm">Strong's 2428: </a> A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength for me לִּ֣י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and fight וְהִלָּחֵ֖ם (wə·hil·lā·ḥêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle the LORD's יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel battles.” מִלְחֲמ֣וֹת (mil·ḥă·mō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war But Saul וְשָׁא֣וּל (wə·šā·’ūl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites was thinking, אָמַ֗ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “I need not raise תְּהִ֤י (tə·hî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be my hand יָדִי֙ (yā·ḏî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand against him; בּ֔וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> let the hand יַד־ (yaḏ-) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand of the Philistines פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia be וּתְהִי־ (ū·ṯə·hî-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be against him.” ב֖וֹ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 18:17 Saul said to David Behold my elder (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/18-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/18-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 18:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 18:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>