1 Samuel 18

1 Samuel 18:1

WAs knit] To wit, in a very neer and firm bond of love and friendship.

1 Samuel 18:2

took him] That is, retained him in his court.

that day] That is, wherein (as some think) Saul required Jesse to let David abide with him, Chap. 16. 22. making these words a regression to that history which is there intermitted.

go no more] That is, not (as some take it) to go to and fro between the court and his fathers house, as he is said to do, Chap. 17. 15.

1 Samuel 18:3

made a covenant] That is, of perpetuall friendship with David, after Saul had taken him to abide in the cout, which was begun at Davids first coming to play before him.

1 Samuel 18:4

his garments] That is, his arms or military garments. Others understand it of his courtly ornaments.

1 Samuel 18:5

went out] To wit, to do warlike exploits.

behaved] Heb. prospered.

1 Samuel 18:6

they came] That is, Saul, with his servants and souldiers, to wit, from some other fight, against the Philistines.

Philistine] Or, Philistines. Indefinitely, the singular number being put for the plurall: or, Goliath the Philistine at first, and afterwards the army in generall.

singing and dancing] So Exodus 15. Judg. 5. and 11. 34.

1 Samuel 18:7

answered] Singing interchangably by turns songs of triumph.

Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands] Chap. 21. 11. and 29. 5. Sir 47:6. q. d. Sauls valour deserveth much praise, but Davids ten times more

1 Samuel 18:8

displeased him] Hebr. was evil in his eyes. eyed David] That is, had a jealous and envious eye over him, v. 29.

1 Samuel 18:10

he prophesied] That is, being transported with rage and melancholique passion by the evill spirit, he behaved himself as one in an extasie or rapture. So 1 Kings 18:29.

played] That is, to quiet his spirit, and moderate his raging passions, as at other times, Chap. 16. 16.

1 Samuel 18:11

the javelin] To wit, at David.

he said] That is, he thought or intended with himself. So v. 17, 21.

1 Samuel 18:12

was afraid] To wit, as his corrivall, lest he should get the kingdom from him, because the souldiers and people loved him, and he prospered in all his undertakings.

1 Samuel 18:13

his captain] Not out of love, but hoping that he would one time or other be slain by his enemies, seeing that he was valiant and venturous. So v. 17, 25.

went out] That is, led them out into the field to fight, and brought them back, like a valiant commander.

1 Samuel 18:14

behaved] Or, prospered.

1 Samuel 18:15

afraid] See v. 12.

1 Samuel 18:17

said to David] Under pretence of love, seeking his ruine, because he durst not kill him himself, being so much beloved of all the people, he engageth him in desperate exploits, that he might be slain by his enemies.

valiant] Hebr. a son of valour.

Lords battells] That is, undertaken to maintain Gods glory against idolls and idolaters, and for Gods people.

Let not] That is, let me not kill him my self, but let the Philistines do it.

1 Samuel 18:18

Who am I] q. d. I am too mean and unworthy to be a kings son in law.

what is my life] That is, my state and condition of life.

1 Samuel 18:19

Adriel] The son of Barzillai the Ephraimite, who was born at Mehola, called Abel-mehola, Judg. 7. 22. and is therefore called a Meholathite, 2 Samuel 21:8.

pleased him] Hebr. was right in his eyes.

1 Samuel 18:21

Saul said] See v. 11.

a snare] So v. 25.

in the one] That is, of my two daughters, by marrying her.

1 Samuel 18:22

secretly] As of your selves, and not by my motion.

1 Samuel 18:23

a poor man] And therefore unable to give a dowry befitting a kings daughter: for in those dayes they gave dowries to their wives, and not, as now, received portions, Genesis 34:12. Exodus 22:16. Deuteronomy 22:29.

1 Samuel 18:24

On this manner] Hebr. according to these words.

1 Samuel 18:26

the dayes] That is, appointed by Saul, for the bringing in of the foreskins.

expired] Hebr. fulfilled.

1 Samuel 18:29

more afraid] Because God prospered him in all things, both in his victories, and also the love of his wife. See vers. 12.

1 Samuel 18:30

went forth] That is, to warre against the Israelites.

set by] Hebr. precious.