1 Samuel 16:20
1 Samuel 16:20 in Multiple Translations
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.
And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
And Jesse took five cakes of bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them to Saul by David.
So Jesse loaded a donkey with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.
And Ishai tooke an asse laden with breade and a flagon of wine and a kidde, and sent them by the hand of Dauid his sonne vnto Saul.
And Jesse taketh an ass, [with] bread, and a bottle of wine, and one kid of the goats, and sendeth by the hand of David his son unto Saul.
Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a container of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by David his son to Saul.
And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son to Saul.
And Isai took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid of the flock, and sent them by the hand of David his son to Saul.
So after they went to Jesse and told him that, he agreed. He got a young goat, a container of wine, a donkey on which he put some loaves of bread, and gave them to David to take to Saul as a present.
So Jesse got a donkey, and he put lots of food on it. He also put some wine in leather bags on the donkey. He said to his son, “Go to the big boss’s place, and take this donkey and a little goat with you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 16:20
BAB
Word Study
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1 Samuel 16:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
יִשַׁ֜י
חֲמ֥וֹר
לֶ֨חֶם֙
וְ/נֹ֣אד
יַ֔יִן
וּ/גְדִ֥י
עִזִּ֖ים
אֶחָ֑ד
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֛ח
בְּ/יַד
דָּוִ֥ד
בְּנ֖/וֹ
אֶל
שָׁאֽוּל
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִשַׁ֜י
Yishay
H3448
Jesse
N-proper
חֲמ֥וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
N-cs
לֶ֨חֶם֙
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
וְ/נֹ֣אד
nôʼd
H4997
wineskin
Conj | N-ms
יַ֔יִן
yayin
H3196
wine
N-ms
וּ/גְדִ֥י
gᵉdîy
H1423
kid
Conj | N-ms
עִזִּ֖ים
ʻêz
H5795
goat
N-fp
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֛ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
דָּוִ֥ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בְּנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שָׁאֽוּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 16:20
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
יִשַׁ֜י
Yishay
H3448
"Jesse"
N-proper
Jesse was the father of King David and a member of the tribe of Judah, and his name means 'I possess', showing his importance in the family and community.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Obed (H5744); father of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J) Also named: Iessai (Ἰεσσαί "Jesse" G2421) § Jesse = "I possess" son of Boaz and the father of king David
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Jesse. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 72:20.
חֲמ֥וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
לֶ֨חֶם֙
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וְ/נֹ֣אד
nôʼd
H4997
"wineskin"
Conj | N-ms
A 'nô''d' is a container made of skin or leather, used to hold liquids like wine or water. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'bottle' or 'wineskin', and is used to describe a common household item in ancient times.
Definition: skin, bottle, skin-bottle
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bottle. See also: Joshua 9:4; 1 Samuel 16:20; Psalms 56:9.
יַ֔יִן
yayin
H3196
"wine"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
וּ/גְדִ֥י
gᵉdîy
H1423
"kid"
Conj | N-ms
A young goat, often referred to as a kid, is a juvenile goat in the Bible. This word is used to describe a goat that is still young and developing. It appears in various contexts, including biblical descriptions of animals.
Definition: kid, young male goat
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: kid. See also: Genesis 27:9; Judges 6:19; Isaiah 11:6.
עִזִּ֖ים
ʻêz
H5795
"goat"
N-fp
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 27:27.
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֛ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
דָּוִ֥ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בְּנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שָׁאֽוּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 16:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 16:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 16:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 16:20
Context — David Serves Saul
18One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.”
19So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.”
20And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat and sent them to Saul with his son David.
21When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. 22Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 10:27 | But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:16 | A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 17:18 | Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them. |
| 4 | Genesis 43:11 | Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 25:18 | Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 16:1–2 | When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.” |
1 Samuel 16:20 Summary
[In this verse, Jesse is showing respect and kindness to King Saul by sending his son David with some gifts, including bread, wine, and a young goat. This act of hospitality and generosity is a great example for us to follow, as seen in Matthew 25:34-40, where Jesus teaches us to serve and care for others. By sending David to serve Saul, Jesse is also demonstrating trust in God's plan and sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7. Just like Jesse, we can trust in God's goodness and provision, even when we don't understand what's happening, and serve others with humility and kindness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesse send a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat with David to Saul?
Jesse sent these gifts as a gesture of respect and hospitality, as was the custom in those times, similar to the gifts sent by the people of Israel to the priests and Levites in Deuteronomy 12:17-18 and Deuteronomy 18:3-4.
What can we learn from Jesse's response to Saul's request for David?
Jesse's response shows obedience and trust in God's plan, as seen in his willingness to send David to serve Saul, demonstrating faith in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the bigger picture of David's life and calling?
This verse marks the beginning of David's journey to serve King Saul, which ultimately led to his own kingship, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:13 and fulfilled in 2 Samuel 2:4.
What role does Jesse play in this verse, and what can we learn from his example?
Jesse plays the role of a faithful father, entrusting his son to God's plan, and we can learn from his example of surrender and trust, as seen in his willingness to let go of David, similar to Abraham's trust in God's plan for Isaac in Genesis 22:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate respect and hospitality to those in authority over me, just like Jesse did with Saul?
- How can I, like Jesse, trust in God's sovereignty and timing when faced with uncertain circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender and trust in God's plan, just like Jesse did with David?
- In what ways can I, like David, be obedient and faithful in serving others, even if it's not in a position of leadership or prominence?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:20
And Jesse took an ass [laden] with bread,.... Laden with a load of bread, as the Targum; with as much as it could carry, or was used to carry; the Septuagint version is, an omer of bread, which was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:20
And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. Jesse took an ass ... and sent them ... unto Saul - as a token of homage and respect.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
This present, though in our times it would seem contemptible, yet was very agreeable to the usage of those times, and to the condition of Jesse, which was but mean in the world. And it seems to have been the custom of those times, as it is yet in the eastern countries (when they made their appearance before princes or great persons, to bring a present: see 43:25,26, and elsewhere); to which civil custom that religious precept seems consonant, . None shall appear before me empty. And he might send it, partly as a testimony of his respect to his sovereign, and partly to gain David favour and acceptance with him, being sensible that he was going into a place and state of hazard; but knowing Saul’ s furious temper, he durst not refuse to send him; and he sent him the more willingly, because this seemed a most likely means to accomplish God’ s promise of the kingdom, and to prepare him for it.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
1 Samuel 16:20 And Jesse took an ass [laden] with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent [them] by David his son unto Saul.Ver. 20. And Jesse took an ass laden with bread.] Great men love and look for presents, whereby men testify their respects unto them. Reges Parthos non potest quisquam salutare sine munere, saith Seneca. And sent them by David.] Whom he might well have feared to send to Saul; but he trusteth God with him, submitting to his good pleasure and providence. Epist. xvii.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
(20) And Jesse took an ass.—It was and is ever customary in the East to acknowledge obedience and subjection with a present. Jesse, the sheik of Bethlehem, would thus be expected on sending his son to the court of Saul to acknowledge his sovereign by some token of homage. The nature of Jesse’s gifts shows how simple and primitive were the customs of the Hebrew people at that time.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
Verse 20. Took an ass laden with bread] He must send a present to Saul to introduce his son, and this was probably the best he had. Dr. Warburton pleads still farther on the propriety of his rectification of the chronology in this place. David had at this time vanquished the Philistine, was become a favourite with the people, had excited Saul's jealousy, and retired to shun its effects. In the interim Saul was seized with the disorder in question, and is recommended by his servants to try the effects of music. They were acquainted with David's skill on the harp, and likewise with Saul's bad disposition towards him; the point was delicate, it required to be managed with address, and therefore they recommend David in this artful manner: "As you must have one constantly in attendance, both in court and on your military expeditions; to be always at hand on occasion, the son of Jesse will become both stations well; he will strengthen your camp and adorn your court, for he is a tried soldier and of a graceful presence. You have nothing to fear from his ambition, for you saw with what prudence he went into voluntary banishment when his popularity had incurred your displeasure." Accordingly Saul is prevailed on, David is sent for, and succeeds with his music; this dissipates all former umbrage, and, as one who is ever to be in attendance, he is made Saul's armour-bearer. This sunshine still continued till his great successes awakened Saul's jealousy afresh, and then the lifted javelin was to strike off all obligations. Thus we see what light is thrown upon the whole history by the supposition of an anticipation in the latter part of this chapter; an anticipation the most natural, proper, and necessary, for the purpose of the historian.
Thus reasons Bishop Warburton, and with very considerable plausibility, though the intelligent reader may still have his doubts.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 16:20
20. And Jesse took, &c.] Cp. 1 Samuel 10:4; 1 Samuel 10:27. The character of the presents offered to the King shews the simplicity of the manners of the age. They were “the natural produce of the well known vines, and corn-fields, and pastures of Bethlehem.”
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:20
20. An ass laden with bread… wine… kid — See note on 1 Samuel 9:7. The Hebrew is, literally, an ass of bread, and some have thought it to be the name of a weight or measure, but the English version conveys the better meaning.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 16:20
| Sermon | Description | |
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Abominable Apostasy by Scott Hynds | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bringing souls to King Jesus as the only thing of eternal value. The scripture passage discussed is 1 Samuel 16:20-21, wher |
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(Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal |
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From the Banishment of Archelaus to the Departure of the Jews From Babylon by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous life of King Agrippa, detailing his financial troubles, debts, and his escape from Rome to Judea. Agrippa's friendship with Tiberius Caesar |
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The Peaceable Fruit by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee explores the transformative journey of Jacob, illustrating how God's discipline reshaped him from a self-serving schemer into a loving and mature individual. Through e |
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A Little Honey Sweet - Gen. 43:11 by Bernard Fell | Bernard Fell preaches on the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 43:11, highlighting the act of kindness and love shown by the sons of Jacob when they carried down a pres |
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(2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and how he found refreshment in the midst of trials. Despite being a fugitive on the run, David was able to find comfort |