1 Samuel 18:2

2 From that point forward, Saul kept David in his service and wouldn't allow him to return to his father's household.

1 Samuel 18:2 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 18:2

And Saul took him that day
Not only into his favour, and into his service, but into his court; even on that very day he slew the Philistine, or however as soon as it could be done:

and would let him go no more home to his father's house;
as he used to do before; when he only served as a musician to him, then he was only at court when Saul was in a melancholy disposition, and wanted him, and so was going and returning, and in the intervals kept his father's sheep, ( 1 Samuel 17:15 ) ; but now he would not suffer him to attend such business any longer, since he was not only to become a courtier, and be made a prince or noble, but to marry his daughter, according to the declaration he had made, with respect to any man that should kill Goliath.

1 Samuel 18:2 In-Context

1 As soon as David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan's life became bound up with David's life, and Jonathan loved David as much as himself.

2 From that point forward, Saul kept David in his service and wouldn't allow him to return to his father's household.

3 And Jonathan and David made a covenant together because Jonathan loved David as much as himself.

4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his armor, as well as his sword, his bow, and his belt.

5 David went out and was successful in every mission Saul sent him to do. So Saul placed him in charge of the soldiers, and this pleased all the troops as well as Saul's servants.

Footnotes

• [a]. MT lacks in his service.