1 Samuel 18:17 · KJV

"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."

King James Version

Passage Context

¹⁵Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.

¹⁶But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.

¹⁷And 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.

¹⁸And David said unto Saul, 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?

¹⁹But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.

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Reflection Questions

How does the idea of fighting for a cause resonate with you?

What does being valiant mean for you in your life?

When have you felt pressure to prove yourself to others?

Life Application

courage

Embrace opportunities to stand up for what you believe in, even when it's challenging.

leadership

Consider how you can support and uplift those around you in their battles.

People in This Verse

DavidBoth

The second king of Israel, known for his leadership, poetry, and a heart for God. He is a central figure in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

First appearance: 1 Samuel 16:1

SaulOT

Saul was the first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected for disobedience. His life serves as a cautionary tale about pride and the consequences of turning away from God.

First appearance: 1 Samuel 9:1

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