1 Samuel 18:28
And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֤רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַיֵּ֔דַע
and knew
H3045
וַיֵּ֔דַע
and knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 11
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בַּת
daughter
H1323
בַּת
daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
9 of 11
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Repeated failure of schemes against David would have been noticed by court observers. Saul's diminishing options reflected his spiritual bankruptcy. His own family's alignment with David isolated him increasingly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does seeing God's favor on others challenge your response - celebration or resentment?
- What does Saul's clear-eyed rejection of divine providence teach about the mystery of hardened hearts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him.
Saul's recognition that 'the LORD was with David' combines with awareness that 'Michal Saul's daughter loved him' - God's favor and human affection both attached to his rival. Each plan to destroy David strengthened David's position. Saul's spiritual sight was clear enough to see God's hand but not transformed enough to submit to it. Such awareness without submission characterizes hardened hearts.