A Backhanded Gift

And 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. —1 Samuel 18:17

Saul could be cunning when he felt it necessary.

He still desired to rid himself of David yet must avoid another violent attack upon the young man. This presented a problem, for David was beloved by the people, and Saul feared his own subjects. Saul’s first move was to separate himself from David’s association, removing the appearance of any plot to kill him by promoting him to be “captain over a thousand” (1 Samuel 18:13). But by depriving himself of David’s music and removing his visible presence beside the king at public events, Saul made life harder for himself.

“David accepted his demotion—for such it seems to have been—in all humility, and in his new role won the admiration of all Israel. There were no recriminations, nor was there self-pity due to the unjust treatment. David remained the same bright, spiritual-minded soul he had always been. Greatly beloved by the Lord, he was, in spite of the wrath of the king, receiving just the training he needed before stepping into the responsibilities of leadership. God adapts the discipline of life to the peculiar needs of each individual who purposes to be true to duty.” Next, Saul skillfully positioned David to be killed. If the Philistines should slay him on the field of battle, people could hardly blame Saul for his death. Saul promised his oldest daughter Merab would be David’s bride if he fought valiantly. The promise of marriage to the king’s daughter had already been made to anyone who might slay Goliath (1 Samuel 17:25).

Apparently, Saul had not fulfilled that promise, for the princess Merab was still single. Saul had no intention of honoring this promise either.

David was likewise reluctant to accept a betrothal.

David responded by saying, “Who am I? and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?” (1 Samuel 18:18).

Saul was offended! How dare David refuse marriage to his daughter! Saul voided the offer, and Merab was married to another.

“A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked” (Psalm 37:16).