The Marriage Plot (Part 1)

In yesterday’s study, we observed King Saul’s first, tentative steps to get rid of David, of whom he has become insanely jealous. But his attempt to move David out of the public eye and possibly get him killed in battle by transferring him to a small military unit backfired, and David received even more public adulation.

Now Saul hatches another plot against David. He had issued a public promise to give one of his daughters— presumably the eldest, Merab—to the man who killed Goliath (17:25). He has not yet made good on this promise to David, perhaps because David is still so youthful. But now, perhaps goaded by David’s high standing in the esteem of the people, Saul offers to allow the marriage to proceed. However, he does not give Merab to David for past services rendered, as he should. Rather, he craftily attaches a condition: ” ‘Only be valiant for me, and fight the Lord’s battles.’ ” He is asking David to press Israel’s war against the Philistines. But the king’s pious-sounding words conceal a devious intent—he is hopeful that David, in his desire to be used of God to deliver Israel, will be struck down in battle. Thus, Saul will be rid of him and no one will know of his jealousy of Jesse’s son. Saul simply cannot understand that God is with David to preserve him, give him success, and bring him to the throne.

When the king finally broaches the subject of marriage, David reacts with humility—he is amazed by the honor that is being extended to him. But the honor is followed by a great affront. Despite David’s protestations, it appears a betrothal is set, but at the last minute, Saul gives Merab to another man. Matthew Henry sees this move by Saul as a deliberate attempt to provoke David. “He … thought David’s resentment of it would break out in some indecency or other, in word or deed, which might give him an advantage against him to take him off by the course of law,” he writes. But David continues to behave wisely (18:5) and endures this affront, too.

Thus, the characters of these two men come into even sharper contrast. Saul is malevolent, devious, and ungodly, while David is humble, longsuffering, and godly. The author of 1 Samuel is helping his readers to see the character qualities of God’s choice for the kingship, qualities that will point to the Anointed One to come.