1 Samuel 18:23
1 Samuel 18:23 in Multiple Translations
But 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.”
And Saul’s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king’s son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
And Saul’s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be the king’s son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
And Saul's servants said these things to David. And David said, Does it seem to you a small thing to be the king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man, of no great name?
Saul's servants spoke privately to David, but he replied, “Do you think it's nothing to become the king's son-in-law? I'm a poor man, and I'm not important.”
And Sauls seruantes spake these wordes in the eares of Dauid. And Dauid sayd, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a Kings sonne in lawe, seeing that I am a poore man and of small reputation?
And the servants of Saul speak in the ears of David these words, and David saith, 'Is it a light thing in your eyes to be son-in-law to the king — and I a poor man, and lightly esteemed?'
Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. David said, “Does it seem to you a light thing to be the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and little known?”
And Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
And the servants of Saul spoke all these words in the ears of David. And David said: Doth it seem to you a small matter to be the king’s son in law? But I am a poor man, and of small ability.
So they told that to David. But David said, “It would be a great honor [RHQ] to become the king’s son-in-law. But I do not think that I should do that, because I am only a poor and insignificant man.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 18:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֞וּ
עַבְדֵ֤י
שָׁאוּל֙
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
דָוִ֔ד
אֶת
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
דָּוִ֗ד
הַֽ/נְקַלָּ֤ה
בְ/עֵֽינֵי/כֶם֙
הִתְחַתֵּ֣ן
בַּ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
וְ/אָנֹכִ֖י
אִֽישׁ
רָ֥שׁ
וְ/נִקְלֶֽה
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֞וּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַבְדֵ֤י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd
דָוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֗ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
הַֽ/נְקַלָּ֤ה
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
Part | V-Niphal
בְ/עֵֽינֵי/כֶם֙
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
הִתְחַתֵּ֣ן
châthan
H2859
relative
V-Hithpael-Inf-a
בַּ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Conj | Pron
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
רָ֥שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
V-Qal
וְ/נִקְלֶֽה
qâlâh
H7034
to dishonor
Conj | V-Niphal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:23
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֞וּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עַבְדֵ֤י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
שָׁאוּל֙
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.
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
דָוִ֔ד
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דָּוִ֗ד
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.
הַֽ/נְקַלָּ֤ה
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
Part | V-Niphal
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
בְ/עֵֽינֵי/כֶם֙
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
הִתְחַתֵּ֣ן
châthan
H2859
"relative"
V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To be related by marriage means to become connected through wedding vows. In the Bible, this word describes the relationship between a husband and his wife's family, including his father-in-law and mother-in-law.
Definition: a son-in-law, a daughter's husband, wife's father, wife's mother, father-in-law, mother-in- law
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: join in affinity, father in law, make marriages, mother in law, son in law. See also: Genesis 34:9; Deuteronomy 7:3; Ezra 9:14.
בַּ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Conj | Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
רָ֥שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
וְ/נִקְלֶֽה
qâlâh
H7034
"to dishonor"
Conj | V-Niphal
It means to dishonor or treat with contempt, like the way David felt when he was despised by his brothers in 1 Samuel 17:28 or how God feels when people disobey him in Malachi 1:6.
Definition: 1) to disgrace, dishonour, be lightly esteemed, be dishonoured, be despised 1a) (Niphal) to be dishonoured, be despised, be lightly esteemed 1b) (Hiphil) to treat with contempt, dishonour, treat shamefully
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: base, contemn, despise, lightly esteem, set light, seem vile. See also: Deuteronomy 25:3; Proverbs 12:9; Isaiah 3:5.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 18:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:23
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:23
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:23
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:23
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.”
24And the servants told Saul what David had said. 25Saul 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:141 | I am lowly and despised, but I do not forget Your precepts. |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:20 | The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 9:15–16 | Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 9:21 | Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” |
| 5 | 1 John 3:1 | Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. |
| 6 | Proverbs 19:6–7 | Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver. All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found. |
1 Samuel 18:23 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 18:23, David shows humility when asked to marry King Saul's daughter, recognizing that being part of the royal family is a big deal, and this humility is something that God values, as seen in Proverbs 22:4. David's response also shows that he is aware of his own limitations and is not letting his recent successes go to his head. This is an important lesson for us, as we can learn to trust in God's plan for our lives and remain humble, even when given great opportunities, as taught in Jeremiah 9:23-24. By following David's example, we can cultivate humility and prioritize our relationship with God, just as David did in his response to King Saul's offer.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David respond with humility when asked to be the son-in-law of King Saul?
David recognized his humble origins and the significance of being part of the royal family, as seen in his response to Saul's servants in 1 Samuel 18:23, and this humility is a characteristic that God values, as stated in Proverbs 22:4.
What does David's statement 'I am a poor man and lightly esteemed' reveal about his character?
David's statement shows that he was aware of his lowly position and did not let his recent successes and recognition go to his head, demonstrating a humility similar to that of the Psalmist in Psalms 131:1, who recognized his own limitations and relied on God.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of David's life and his relationship with King Saul?
This verse is part of a larger narrative in which King Saul is trying to manipulate David and use him for his own purposes, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:21, but David remains humble and cautious, ultimately trusting in God's plan for his life, as expressed in Psalms 37:3-7.
What can we learn from David's response about how to handle situations where we are offered power or prestige?
David's response teaches us to remain humble and recognize our own limitations, even when offered great opportunities or recognition, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as taught in Romans 11:36 and Jeremiah 9:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when given a great opportunity or offered a position of power, and what can I learn from David's example in 1 Samuel 18:23?
- In what ways can I cultivate humility in my own life, and how can I apply the principles seen in David's response to my own circumstances?
- How can I trust in God's plan for my life, even when faced with uncertainty or manipulation, as David did in his relationship with King Saul?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize my relationship with God and remain grounded in humility, as David did in the face of Saul's offer?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 18:23
And Saul's servants spake these words in the ears of David,.... Those before related, which Saul commanded them to speak, which they delivered exactly according to their orders, with an audible
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:23
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:23
And therefore neither have estate nor credit to give (according to the manner, ,17) a dowry suitable to her quality.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:23
1 Samuel 18:23 And Saul’ s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you [a] light [thing] to be a king’ s son in law, seeing that I [am] a poor man, and lightly esteemed?Ver. 23. Seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed.] Poverty is vilified and slighted: Pauper ubique iacet. Arrian hath observed that in a tragedy there is no place for a poor man, but only to dance. In Epictet.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:23
(23) I am a poor man.—David dwells upon this fact of his utter inability to give the expected costly offering for the princess. He evidently attributes to his poverty and his successful rival’s wealth his former disappointment in the case of Merab. And lightly esteemed.—David looked upon himself as a mere successful soldier of fortune among the wealthy chiefs who surrounded Saul. His father—though, no doubt, “head man” or sheik in tiny Bethlehem—was, compared with the elders of Israel who formed the Court of Saul, a poor man.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:23
23. a poor man] And therefore unable to offer the “dowry,” or price such as it was usual for the suitor to pay to the father of the bride, either in money (Genesis 34:12) or in service (Genesis 29:20). The same custom prevailed among the ancient Greeks (Hom. Il. XVI. 178; Od. VIII. 318), Babylonians, and Assyrians, and still survives in the East. Tacitus notices it as a peculiarity of the Germans, that “it is not the wife who offers a dowry to her husband, but the husband to his wife” (Germ. c. 18).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 18:23
A poor man and lightly esteemed - Compare Psalms 119:141. Poor, and therefore unable to pay a sufficient dowry. See 1 Samuel 18:25.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:23
23. I am a poor man — And therefore unable to pay such a dowry as the daughter of the king deserves. In the East the dowry paid to the father of a bride was proportioned to her rank.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Pride and Strife by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of understanding and experiencing the love of Christ. He emphasizes the need to share this love with others as witnesses |
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Released Now From the Bondage of Depression by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the coming of the Holy Ghost and the importance of recognizing its presence. The sermon emphasizes the love and grace of God, and the need |
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Learning How to Be Ordinary by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pressure that society puts on individuals to be successful and extraordinary. He gives examples of parents pushing their children to exce |
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Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 8 by Bakht Singh | This sermon emphasizes the unity and familial bond among believers as children of God, highlighting the eternal hope of being reunited in heaven. It challenges listeners to recogni |
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The Mightiest Weapon God Can Have at His Disposal by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith accompanied by works. He quotes from the book of Matthew, where Jesus teaches that a good tree will produce good fru |
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Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of being a child of God and highlights the divine intervention that occurs in the process of new birth. The common misconcep |
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Holl-03 Anatomy of Conversion by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges of preaching the word of God in a hostile and prejudiced world. He shares a personal story of a pastor who was feeling discou |