1 Samuel 18:21
And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
Original Language Analysis
אֶתְּנֶ֤נָּה
I will give
H5414
אֶתְּנֶ֤נָּה
I will give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וּתְהִי
H1961
וּתְהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ
him her that she may be a snare
H4170
לְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ
him her that she may be a snare
Strong's:
H4170
Word #:
7 of 19
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
וּתְהִי
H1961
וּתְהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יַד
to him and that the hand
H3027
יַד
to him and that the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
of the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
11 of 19
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
בִּשְׁתַּ֛יִם
in the one of the twain
H8147
בִּשְׁתַּ֛יִם
in the one of the twain
Strong's:
H8147
Word #:
16 of 19
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:17And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.Jeremiah 9:8Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.Exodus 10:7And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?1 Samuel 18:26And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.
Historical Context
Using daughters as political pawns was common ancient practice. 'Snare' language appears in Proverbs describing seductive women who destroy men. Saul's plan inverted normal protective instincts, weaponizing family relationships for murderous purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious or family structures be corrupted into instruments of harm?
- What does Saul's scheming reveal about the depths to which jealousy can drive a person?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
The narrator reveals Saul's inner thoughts: Michal as 'snare' (moqesh) and the Philistines as executioners. The phrase 'in the one of the twain' offers David a second opportunity at royal marriage after Merab's denial. Yet every word conceals murderous intent. Saul's scheme exposes how corrupt hearts can use family bonds and religious ceremony as weapons. The father who should protect his daughter plans to use her as bait; the king who should defend his servant designs his death. Yet God turns snares into salvation repeatedly in David's story.