1 Samuel 18:24
ESV
And the servants of Saul told him, "Thus and so did David speak."
NIV
When Saul’s servants told him what David had said,
NASB
Then Saul’s servants reported to him, saying, 'These are the words David spoke.'
CSB
The servants reported back to Saul, "These are the words David spoke."
NLT
When Saul’s men reported this back to the king,
KJV
And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David.
NKJV
And the servants of Saul told him, saying, “In this manner David spoke.”
What does 1 Samuel 18:24 mean?
King Saul has known David for a while. The two met shortly after God took the Holy Spirit from Saul and gave him an evil spirit of torment. David's lyre-playing calmed Saul's mind when nothing else could. But Saul didn't really know David. He certainly didn't suspect that a shepherd boy could use skills honed protecting a to kill a giant Philistine warrior (1 Samuel 17).When the army returned from battle, the crowd praised David more than Saul. In that moment, it seems Saul realized David was the one who would replace him (1 Samuel 15:28–29). But Saul can't comprehend the idea that David would never rebel against his king. Saul clearly had no idea what motivated David to take on Goliath. Whatever happens, it won't be because of David's schemes.
In his state of rage, jealousy, and spiritual darkness, Saul only sees David as a threat that needs to die. The only feasible way Saul sees this happening is if the Philistines kill David in battle. To force cooperation (1 Samuel 17:25, 50), Saul plans to marry David to his daughter. Then he can send David into battle after battle until the Philistines kill him.
But David is too humble to marry into the king's family. Even when Saul sends his servants to tell David they approve of the marriage, David declines (1 Samuel 18:17–22). The servants return to Saul defeated. But Saul will not give up. He plots a way to send David into battle immediately, while still using his daughter as bait. He can encourage David to prove his worth in combat, so he feels worthy to marry Michal. With luck, Saul hopes there will be no wedding, at all (1 Samuel 18:25).
