1 Samuel 18:26
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּגִּ֨דוּ
told
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֨דוּ
told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָר֙
these words
H1697
הַדָּבָר֙
these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וַיִּשַׁ֤ר
it pleased
H3474
וַיִּשַׁ֤ר
it pleased
Strong's:
H3474
Word #:
7 of 15
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
הַדָּבָר֙
these words
H1697
הַדָּבָר֙
these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
9 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
לְהִתְחַתֵּ֖ן
son in law
H2859
לְהִתְחַתֵּ֖ן
son in law
Strong's:
H2859
Word #:
11 of 15
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Time limits on bride-price completion were common, preventing indefinite delay. The deadline intensified the danger by requiring rapid military action. David's acceptance bound him to attempt the mission regardless of its risks.
Questions for Reflection
- How does faith transform your perception of seemingly impossible challenges?
- What does David's eager acceptance of dangerous tasks reveal about his confidence in God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And 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.
David's pleasure at the arrangement - even knowing its dangerous requirement - reveals his confidence in God's protection. The phrase 'the days were not expired' indicates a deadline for completing the bride-price, adding urgency to an already dangerous mission. David's positive response may reflect genuine desire to marry Michal, recognition of the political advantage, or confidence that God would preserve him as He had against Goliath. What Saul designed as an impossible death trap, David received as an achievable challenge. Faith transforms perspective on impossible circumstances.