1 Samuel 18:24
And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּגִּ֜דוּ
told
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֜דוּ
told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כַּדְּבָרִ֥ים
On this manner
H1697
כַּדְּבָרִ֥ים
On this manner
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Royal courts functioned as information networks where servants observed and reported. Such reports could be used for advancement or accusation. David's consistent character meant his reported words supported rather than undermined his reputation.
Questions for Reflection
- How would your words change if you knew they would be reported to those in authority?
- What does David's consistency between public and private speech model for integrity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David.
The servants faithfully report David's humble response back to Saul. This brief verse functions as narrative transition, but its presence highlights the court's communication structure. Every word David spoke reached the king. Such transparency left David no private space - his humility was observed and reported. For David, this was protection; for Saul, it was intelligence gathering. The same transparency that would later make David vulnerable to Saul's schemes here demonstrated his consistent character. Those who speak the same in public and private have nothing to fear from reported conversations.