New conditions

Saul attempted to kill David with a spear, but it ended in failure. Next, he thought of sending David to the battlefield so that he would be killed by the Philistines (incidentally, this was the method David himself later used to murder Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband). (1) Saul promised David his daughter Merab in marriage if he fought bravely against the Philistines. This promise should have already been fulfilled, as Saul had promised his daughter to the one who killed Goliath. However, Saul is now adding new conditions. (2) David probably was aware of Saul’s scheme, yet he accepted the king’s offer with great humility. (3) David fulfilled the promise and earned the right to marry Merab, but once again Saul broke his promise. He gave Merab to a man named Adriel the Meholathite. (4) This was a great insult to David. Saul’s pledge was well known among the people, so Saul likely received disapprovals from the public for his dishonesty.

Saul’s contradicting personalities

Once, Saul had attempted to kill his son Jonathan for breaking a vow he had made (ref. 1 Samuel 14). Thus, Saul was known to be strict about vows. However, in today’s passage, he easily breaks his public pledge, humiliating David. Being strict on others but lenient on oneself is Saul’s true nature. This also is a common weakness all humans have. Blessed are those who place their trust, not in man, but in God. David was one such believer. Therefore, he could endure any insult or disappointment. “For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in faithfulness” (Psalm 33:4). Today, let us also walk in trust in the faithful God, who never breaks His promises.