Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834], at sacred-texts.com
1 Kings (1 Samuel) Chapter 18
Was knit with the soul of David - The same forcible phrase occurs of Jacob's love for Benjamin (marginal reference). Jonathan's truly heroic character is shown in this generous love of David, and admiration of his great deed.
The Philistine - Rather as in the margin. The allusion is not to Goliath, but to one of the expeditions referred to in Sa1 18:5.
Singing and dancing - Women used to dance to the sound of the timbrel, and to sing as they danced and played.
(instruments of music The word means, an instrument like the triangle, or with three cords.
As they played - Or danced with vocal and instrumental music (see Jdg 16:25 note).
What can he have ... - Rather, "There is only the kingdom left for him." Compare for the same sentiment, Kg1 2:22. "A kingdom (says Camden) brooketh no companion, and majesty more heavily taketh injuries to heart."
He prophesied - This, as the effect of the evil spirit coming upon him, is singular as regards Saul, but is borne out by what we read in Kg1 22:22. (Compare Act 16:16-18; Act 19:15; Jo1 4:1-3). It is impossible to give the sense of "raving" to the word "prophesied," as though a merely natural state of frenzy were intended. The "prophesying" here was as directly the effect of the coming of the evil spirit upon Saul, as the "prophesying" in Sa1 10:10 was the effect of the Spirit of God coming upon him. At the same time it is quite true that "madness" and "prophesyings" were considered as near akin (see Jer 29:26; Kg2 9:11).
Saul had not hitherto fulfilled the promise of which David had heard (marginal reference); nor was it unnatural that Saul should delay to do so, until the shepherd's boy had risen to a higher rank.
What is my life - i. e., condition, or means of living (Pro 27:27 margin).
Adriel the Meholathite - The five sons of this marriage perished by the hands of the Gibeonites (marginal reference), where we learn further that the name of Adriel's father, or ancestor, was Barzillai. His birth-place was Meholah, probably the same as Abel-Meholah. (See Kg1 19:16 note).
The thing pleased him - It partly relieved him from the charge of breaking his faith.
In the one of the twain - Some prefer "the second time" Job 33:14. The first contract had been broken by giving Merab to Adriel.
A poor man and lightly esteemed - Compare Psa 119:141. Poor, and therefore unable to pay a sufficient dowry. See Sa1 18:25.
An hundred foreskins - This is merely another expression of the spirit which led to the constant application of the epithet uncircumcised to the Philistines Sa1 14:6.
The days were not expired - David was so rapid in his attack upon the Philistines that he was able to bring the required dowry within the time, and to receive his wife (Michal), before the time had expired within which he was to receive Merab.