1 Samuel 18:19
1 Samuel 18:19 Meaning and Explanation
“But 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When the time comes, Saul gives Merab not to David but to another man, Adriel.
What Does 1 Samuel 18:19 Mean?
The promised marriage never happens. When Merab should have been given to David, Saul instead marries her to Adriel of Meholah. Whether from fresh suspicion or simple faithlessness, the king breaks his word.
Saul's broken promise reveals how little his oaths are worth, in sharp contrast to the covenant-keeping love of Jonathan and of God. David is slighted, yet he loses nothing he needs, for his standing does not depend on Saul's favor. God's plans for him are not bound to the king's honesty.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 18:19
What does 1 Samuel 18:19 mean?
When the time comes, Saul gives Merab not to David but to another man, Adriel.