Old Testament
1 Samuel 22:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Saul said to his servants who stood around him, "Listen now, you Benjamites! Will the son of Jesse give each of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds?"
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Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;
What 1 Samuel 22:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King Saul is addressing his loyal followers, the Benjamites, who are gathered around him. He is questioning their loyalty to David, the son of Jesse. Saul is essentially asking if David can provide them with the same rewards he can. He implies that David cannot offer them fields, vineyards, or positions of power like he can. This reflects Saul's growing paranoia and insecurity about David's rising popularity and potential to take the throne. Saul's words reveal his desperation to maintain control and loyalty among his supporters. He is trying to remind them of the benefits they receive from him, contrasting it with what David could provide. This moment highlights the tension between Saul and David, showcasing Saul's fear of losing his power and the loyalty of his people. It serves as a reminder of how fear can drive people to make desperate claims to hold onto what they have, even when it leads to conflict and division among friends and allies. The underlying message is about the importance of loyalty and the consequences of jealousy.
How to apply 1 Samuel 22:7 to your life
Consider the relationships in your life. Are you nurturing loyalty through trust and support, or are you driven by fear and jealousy? Reflect on how you can build stronger connections by focusing on collaboration rather than competition. Remember, true leadership inspires loyalty, not demands it through fear or manipulation. Choose to uplift others instead of tearing them down for your own security. “Be the leader who empowers others.”
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: Saul Kills the Priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22:6–23)
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David
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 22:7 reveal about Saul's character?
1 Samuel 22:7 highlights Saul's insecurity and paranoia regarding David's rising influence. By questioning the loyalty of his servants, he shows his desperation to maintain control and power. Saul's words reflect his fear of losing his position as king and his attempt to remind his followers of the rewards he provides, contrasting them with what David could offer. This moment underscores the themes of jealousy and fear that can drive leaders to make desperate claims.
How does this verse relate to the theme of loyalty?
In this verse, Saul appeals to the loyalty of his Benjamite followers by emphasizing the benefits they receive from him. He contrasts his ability to provide fields, vineyards, and leadership roles with David's supposed inability to do the same. This highlights the importance of loyalty in leadership and how fear can manipulate relationships. It serves as a reminder that true loyalty should be built on trust and mutual respect rather than fear or coercion.
What practical lessons can we learn from Saul's words in this verse?
Saul's words in 1 Samuel 22:7 teach us about the dangers of leading through fear and jealousy. Instead of fostering loyalty through manipulation, effective leaders should inspire trust and collaboration. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own relationships—are we nurturing connections through support, or are we driven by insecurity? The lesson is to uplift others and create an environment where loyalty is earned through respect and empowerment.
Why does Saul refer to David as 'the son of Jesse'?
Saul refers to David as 'the son of Jesse' to diminish David's status and emphasize his own authority as king. By using this phrase, Saul attempts to remind his followers that David is merely a commoner from a humble background, contrasting him with the royal power Saul represents. This language reflects Saul's attempt to undermine David's legitimacy and appeal to the loyalty of his followers by reinforcing his own position.
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