1 Samuel 18

1 Samuel 18

Pink - AT the close of 1 Samuel 18 there is a striking word recorded which supplies a most blessed line in the typical picture that was furnished by the man after God’s own heart. There we read, “David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by”—the marginal reading is still more suggestive: “so that his name was precious.” What a lovely foreshadowing was this of Him whose “Name” is “as ointment pouted forth” (Song of Solomon 1:3)! Yes, both to His Father and to His people the name of Christ is “much set by.” He has “obtained a more excellent name” than angels bear (Heb. 1:4); yea, He has been given “a name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). “Precious” beyond description is that Name unto His own: they plead it in prayer (John 14:13); they make it their “strong tower” (Prov. 18:10). John Butler - THE PERFORMANCE OF DAVID 1 Samuel 18:30 from Analytical Bible Expositor - 26 volumes David’s performance is again noted after this incident (cp. 1 Samuel 18:5, 14, 15). 1. The Essentialness of his Performance (1 Samuel 18:30) “The Philistines went forth” (1 Samuel 18:30). David’s slaying of two hundred Philistines for their foreskins would provoke Philistia to war. Afflict the enemy and he will counterattack. This attack would call upon David to fight the Philistines and show how essential he was to the army of Israel. 2. The Excellence of his Performance (1 Samuel 18:30) “After they went forth … David behaved himself … wisely” (1 Samuel 18:30). Countering the Philistine attack showed David’s excellent performance as a soldier and citizen. 3. The Excelling of his Performance (1 Samuel 18:30) “Behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul” (1 Samuel 18:30). Yet Saul disliked David greatly. Saul was an enemy of the best soldiers in his army. Earlier he tried to kill Jonathan who had gallantly started the rout of the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:44). A poor relationship with God will lead to a poor relationship with all that is good. 4. The Esteem of his Performance (1 Samuel 18:30) “His name was much set by” (1 Samuel 18:30). Much to the consternation of Saul, David was highly esteemed by the Israelites because of his performance. He was very valuable (“much set by” means precious) to his nation.