And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law.

1 SAMUEL 18:22KJV
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1 Samuel 18:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 18:22 mean?

1 Samuel 18:22 describes how King Saul instructed his servants to approach David in private and tell him that the king was pleased with him, that all the king’s servants loved him, and that he should now become the king’s son-in-law. Saul is trying to persuade David to marry into his family by making it seem like everyone supports this idea.

In this scene, Saul is speaking to his own servants, giving them a secret task to talk to David. The situation is tense because, although Saul’s words sound friendly, earlier verses show Saul has hidden motives and is jealous of David. The verse shows Saul using indirect communication and flattery to influence David’s decisions about marrying Saul’s daughter.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 18:22

  • "Commune" (דָּבַר, dabar): This word means "to speak" or "to talk." Here, it emphasizes that Saul wants his servants to have a private conversation with David, not just deliver a message.
  • "Secretly" (לָּט, lat): This word means "in secret" or "privately." Saul is not being open about his intentions, which hints at his underlying scheme.
  • "Delight" (חָפֵץ, chaphets): This word means "to take pleasure in" or "to desire." Saul wants David to believe the king genuinely likes him, even though Saul’s real feelings are more complicated.
  • "Love" (אָהַב, ahav): This word means "to love" or "to have affection for." Saul’s servants are to tell David that everyone in the royal court cares for him, adding to the pressure for David to accept Saul’s offer.

Why 1 Samuel 18:22 matters

  • This verse reveals Saul’s manipulative tactics, showing that his outward friendliness toward David is not sincere but part of a larger plan.
  • The emphasis on secrecy and persuasion helps explain the tension between Saul and David that runs through this chapter and the chapters that follow.
  • Understanding Saul’s motives here clarifies why David’s rise in Saul’s court is so fraught with danger and suspicion, setting the stage for later conflicts.

Where else these words appear

“secretly” Hebrew H3909 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
  • Exodus 8:7 And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.
  • Ruth 3:7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

“law” Hebrew H2859 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
  • Exodus 18:14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
  • Judges 4:11 Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.

“delight” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
  • Song of Solomon 2:7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.