1 Samuel 18:30
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
Original Language Analysis
צֵאתָ֗ם
they went forth
H3318
צֵאתָ֗ם
they went forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
of the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
3 of 14
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וַיְהִ֣י׀
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י׀
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִדֵּ֣י
and it came to pass after
H1767
מִדֵּ֣י
and it came to pass after
Strong's:
H1767
Word #:
5 of 14
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
צֵאתָ֗ם
they went forth
H3318
צֵאתָ֗ם
they went forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
שָׂכַ֤ל
behaved himself more wisely
H7919
שָׂכַ֤ל
behaved himself more wisely
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
7 of 14
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
מִכֹּל֙
H3605
מִכֹּל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וַיִּיקַ֥ר
set by
H3365
וַיִּיקַ֥ר
set by
Strong's:
H3365
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, apparently, to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) valuable; causatively, to make rare (figuratively, to inhibit)
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:5And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.2 Samuel 11:1And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Philistine military activity was cyclical, with princes leading campaigns during favorable seasons. David's success against these ongoing threats built his reputation among both military personnel and common people. The contrast between David's rising star and Saul's declining effectiveness became increasingly obvious.
Questions for Reflection
- How has opposition in your life become the very means of your growth and preparation?
- What does David's continued excellence despite danger teach about faithfulness under pressure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
Chapter 18 concludes with David's reputation ascending while Saul's enmity deepens. The Philistine princes' campaigns provided context for David's continued military success. His wisdom (sakal) exceeded 'all the servants of Saul' - a comparative superlative emphasizing his exceptional ability. The phrase 'his name was much set by' (yaqar, precious/honored) indicates his reputation became increasingly valuable. Every circumstance that should have destroyed David - Saul's schemes, dangerous missions, court intrigue - instead elevated him. God was systematically preparing His chosen king through the very opposition meant to eliminate him.