1 Samuel 18:8
ESV
And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?"
NIV
Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?"
NASB
Then Saul became very angry, for this lyric displeased him; and he said, 'They have given David credit for ten thousands, but to me they have given credit for only thousands! Now what more can he have but the kingdom?'
CSB
Saul was furious and resented this song. "They credited tens of thousands to David," he complained, "but they only credited me with thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?"
NLT
This made Saul very angry. 'What’s this?' he said. 'They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!'
KJV
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
NKJV
Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”
What does 1 Samuel 18:8 mean?
Some leaders, especially kings, are always on the lookout for threats to their power and popularity. Those who are insecure are especially sensitive to hints that another person may be more loved or respected than they are.The women celebrating victory over the Philistines call out: Saul has killed thousands and David tens of thousands (1 Samuel 18:7). Such phrases were likely a standard structure in songs of celebration. They honor both people mentioned. The poetic use of "thousands and tens of thousands" to indicate non-specific large numbers was also common. It may be that the second person mentioned is being honored slightly above the first, but both are being hailed as the heroes of the battle.
Saul could have chosen to interpret the song that way. He can decide that the people are still singing his name but are also understandably excited about the young man who killed the imposing Philistine champion. He can enjoy the moment for what it is. After all, he can take credit for bringing this champion into his service.
But Saul remembers Samuel's warning: "The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you" (1 Samuel 15:28). This seems to be the first moment when Saul realizes that David may be that "neighbor." He decides to watch to see if David will take advantage of his newfound popularity (2 Samuel 18:9).
