David’s humility in negotiating his marriage to Saul’s daughter illustrates his heart to honor God rather than pursue power.
Then the servants of Saul reported to him according to these words, saying, “Thus and so has David spoken.” (v.24) This verse is set right in the middle of the unfolding tension between King Saul and his young champion, David. Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed around 1050 BC, and he reigned in locations such as Gibeah, which was situated in the tribal territory of Benjamin. David, who would later become the second king of Israel (reigning approximately 1010-970 BC), had gained Saul’s favor by defeating the Philistine giant Goliath. Here, Saul’s servants act as messengers, relaying David’s response concerning a proposed marital arrangement, which would tie him closer to the royal household. Their report highlights both David’s humility and Saul’s efforts to manipulate the situation.
By recording that “Thus and so has David spoken,” (v.24) the biblical writer reveals how seriously Saul and his servants were taking David’s words. David’s rise to prominence worried Saul, who feared losing his kingdom and his favor with the people. When Saul’s servants delivered David’s words, they likely conveyed David’s view that he was unworthy of marrying into the royal family. This hints at David’s humble spirit, a characteristic that sets him apart throughout Scripture. David’s willing submission and reliance on God would become even more evident in later chapters (1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 26) when he chose to spare Saul’s life rather than seize the throne by force.
The account of David’s humble stance foreshadows Jesus’ own humility, which is later affirmed in the New Testament—for instance, in Philippians 2:5-8. God often chooses seemingly insignificant individuals to fulfill His greater plan, and David’s words here remind us that genuine humility can pave the way to leadership under divine guidance. Even in brief interactions, like the servants’ report, Scripture lays the groundwork for David’s role as a type of the Messiah (John 7:42), whose line Jesus would emerge from to be the ultimate King.
Set to dark mode
1 Samuel 18:24 meaning
Then the servants of Saul reported to him according to these words, saying, “Thus and so has David spoken.” (v.24) This verse is set right in the middle of the unfolding tension between King Saul and his young champion, David. Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed around 1050 BC, and he reigned in locations such as Gibeah, which was situated in the tribal territory of Benjamin. David, who would later become the second king of Israel (reigning approximately 1010-970 BC), had gained Saul’s favor by defeating the Philistine giant Goliath. Here, Saul’s servants act as messengers, relaying David’s response concerning a proposed marital arrangement, which would tie him closer to the royal household. Their report highlights both David’s humility and Saul’s efforts to manipulate the situation.
By recording that “Thus and so has David spoken,” (v.24) the biblical writer reveals how seriously Saul and his servants were taking David’s words. David’s rise to prominence worried Saul, who feared losing his kingdom and his favor with the people. When Saul’s servants delivered David’s words, they likely conveyed David’s view that he was unworthy of marrying into the royal family. This hints at David’s humble spirit, a characteristic that sets him apart throughout Scripture. David’s willing submission and reliance on God would become even more evident in later chapters (1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 26) when he chose to spare Saul’s life rather than seize the throne by force.
The account of David’s humble stance foreshadows Jesus’ own humility, which is later affirmed in the New Testament—for instance, in Philippians 2:5-8. God often chooses seemingly insignificant individuals to fulfill His greater plan, and David’s words here remind us that genuine humility can pave the way to leadership under divine guidance. Even in brief interactions, like the servants’ report, Scripture lays the groundwork for David’s role as a type of the Messiah (John 7:42), whose line Jesus would emerge from to be the ultimate King.