Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have credited David with ten thousands, and they have only credited me with thousands. What can he have more but the kingdom?”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. A thousand. These women were guilty of an indiscretion, through excess of zeal, as it is always displeasing for the sovereign to hear any of his subjects preferred before him. Saint John Chrysostom hom. i. de Saul.—The jealousy of Saul was the more excited, as he had been threatened with the loss of his kingdom, and perceived in David all the qualifications of a king. A malo principe tanquam successor timetur quisquis est dignior. Pliny in Traj.—But was David responsible for what was spoken in his praise? Calmet.—The Vat. Septuagint omit what follows till verse 12. “And Saul feared David, (13) and he removed,” and so forth The Alex. copy agrees with the Vulg. Bible.—Those who are proud, cannot bear the praises of others. Worthington.