David’s swift victories won the hearts of the people and advanced God’s plan to raise up a shepherd-king for His people.
“The women sang as they played, and said, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.’” (v.7) In this passage, the Israelite women celebrate a great military victory by expressing praise in song. Occurring around 1010 BC, shortly after David defeated the Philistine giant Goliath, these words emphasize the contrast between King Saul and the rising popularity of David. The women’s joyful proclamation acknowledges Saul’s achievements, but it also reveals how David’s success surpasses even the king’s. This comparison stirs deep jealousy in Saul’s heart (1 Samuel 18:8-9) and foreshadows the bitter rivalry that unfolds between these two men.
David, who was from the tribe of Judah, had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to become Israel’s next king (1 Samuel 16:13). Although not yet publicly enthroned, David’s divinely blessed victories began to shine in the eyes of the people. In the culture of that day, singing and dancing were common ways to welcome triumphant warriors returning from battle, and the women from various cities in Israel joined in celebratory music to honor their heroes. Their exuberant chant, however, sowed seeds of resentment in Saul, who had been reigning since about 1050 BC as Israel’s first monarch.
This public acclamation also hints at David’s foreshadowed kingship. David is part of the genealogical line that leads to Jesus Christ, the “Son of David,” who receives ultimate praise and worship in the New Testament (Matthew 21:9). The stark contrast in the lyrics—Saul’s “thousands” versus David’s “ten thousands”—underscores God’s favor on David, preparing the way for his reign and establishing the precedent for Israel’s hope in a future King who would deliver them forever.
Set to dark mode
1 Samuel 18:7 meaning
“The women sang as they played, and said, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.’” (v.7) In this passage, the Israelite women celebrate a great military victory by expressing praise in song. Occurring around 1010 BC, shortly after David defeated the Philistine giant Goliath, these words emphasize the contrast between King Saul and the rising popularity of David. The women’s joyful proclamation acknowledges Saul’s achievements, but it also reveals how David’s success surpasses even the king’s. This comparison stirs deep jealousy in Saul’s heart (1 Samuel 18:8-9) and foreshadows the bitter rivalry that unfolds between these two men.
David, who was from the tribe of Judah, had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to become Israel’s next king (1 Samuel 16:13). Although not yet publicly enthroned, David’s divinely blessed victories began to shine in the eyes of the people. In the culture of that day, singing and dancing were common ways to welcome triumphant warriors returning from battle, and the women from various cities in Israel joined in celebratory music to honor their heroes. Their exuberant chant, however, sowed seeds of resentment in Saul, who had been reigning since about 1050 BC as Israel’s first monarch.
This public acclamation also hints at David’s foreshadowed kingship. David is part of the genealogical line that leads to Jesus Christ, the “Son of David,” who receives ultimate praise and worship in the New Testament (Matthew 21:9). The stark contrast in the lyrics—Saul’s “thousands” versus David’s “ten thousands”—underscores God’s favor on David, preparing the way for his reign and establishing the precedent for Israel’s hope in a future King who would deliver them forever.