David finds himself increasingly favored by God and beloved by those around him, creating tension that foreshadows his ascent to kingship.
Saul had already been established as Israel’s first king around 1050-1010 BC, ruling over the territory of Israel and residing in places such as Gibeah. Yet in 1 Samuel 18:28, the text tells us, “When Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him,” (v.28). By this point, David had been secretly anointed by the prophet Samuel and had proven himself in battle against Goliath, drawing the people's favor. This verse reveals the moment when Saul recognizes that God’s hand is at work in David’s life in a special way—an observation that will later fuel Saul’s jealousy and fear (1 Samuel 18:9).
Saul’s own daughter, Michal, is here noted to have loved David, highlighting how David, though still young, builds loyal relationships even within the royal family. The verse underscores that Saul not only perceives the divine presence uplifting David, but also realizes that an emotional bond has formed between his daughter and the future king. Such awareness contributes to Saul’s growing conflict over David, since he is forced to face David’s divine favor and personal popularity within his own household. Over time, this leads to multiple attempts on David’s life, further displaying Saul’s spiritual decline in contrast with David’s rising anointing from the LORD.
This verse shows Saul’s resigned recognition of David’s divine favor and his daughter’s love for him, foreshadowing deeper turmoil and the eventual transfer of Israel’s leadership from Saul to David.
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1 Samuel 18:28 meaning
Saul had already been established as Israel’s first king around 1050-1010 BC, ruling over the territory of Israel and residing in places such as Gibeah. Yet in 1 Samuel 18:28, the text tells us, “When Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him,” (v.28). By this point, David had been secretly anointed by the prophet Samuel and had proven himself in battle against Goliath, drawing the people's favor. This verse reveals the moment when Saul recognizes that God’s hand is at work in David’s life in a special way—an observation that will later fuel Saul’s jealousy and fear (1 Samuel 18:9).
Saul’s own daughter, Michal, is here noted to have loved David, highlighting how David, though still young, builds loyal relationships even within the royal family. The verse underscores that Saul not only perceives the divine presence uplifting David, but also realizes that an emotional bond has formed between his daughter and the future king. Such awareness contributes to Saul’s growing conflict over David, since he is forced to face David’s divine favor and personal popularity within his own household. Over time, this leads to multiple attempts on David’s life, further displaying Saul’s spiritual decline in contrast with David’s rising anointing from the LORD.
This verse shows Saul’s resigned recognition of David’s divine favor and his daughter’s love for him, foreshadowing deeper turmoil and the eventual transfer of Israel’s leadership from Saul to David.