1 Samuel 18:13

KJV

Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore Saul {H7586} removed {H5493} him from him, and made {H7760} him his captain {H8269} over a thousand {H505}; and he went out {H3318} and came in {H935} before {H6440} the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore Sha'ul put him at a distance from himself by making him commander over a thousand; his goings and comings became public knowledge.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back,

American Standard Version

Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:13 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Saul and David, detailing King Saul's calculated attempt to manage David's escalating popularity and the perceived threat he posed to Saul's reign. By removing David from his immediate presence and appointing him as a captain over a thousand, Saul intended to distance or even endanger David. Ironically, this strategic maneuver, born of jealousy and fear, inadvertently served God's sovereign purposes by elevating David's public profile, providing him with further opportunities to demonstrate his exceptional leadership and divine favor, thereby solidifying his standing among the people and unwittingly advancing his path to the throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture following David's monumental victory over Goliath, which catapulted him from obscurity to national hero. Immediately preceding this, the women of Israel celebrated David's triumph with a song proclaiming, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1-samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song of Praise")). This public acclamation ignited a consuming jealousy and deep-seated fear in Saul, who from that day forward viewed David with intense suspicion and malevolence ([1 Samuel 18:9](/1-samuel/18-9 "1 Samuel 18:9 - Saul's Jealousy Begins")). Prior to this, David had served intimately in Saul's court, first as a skilled musician who brought relief to Saul's tormented spirit ([1 Samuel 16:23](/1-samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David Soothes Saul")) and possibly as an armor-bearer. Saul's increasing paranoia, fueled by the stark realization that "the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul" ([1 Samuel 18:12](/1-samuel/18-12 "1 Samuel 18:12 - The Lord Was With David")), propelled him to seek methods of removing David from the royal court's direct influence and exposing him to mortal peril, thereby setting the stage for the seemingly advantageous, yet deeply malicious, action described in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, military prowess and effective leadership were paramount for a king's legitimacy and the nation's security, especially amidst constant threats from formidable adversaries like the Philistines. The title "captain over a thousand" (Hebrew: שַׂר־אֶלֶף, _sar-'elef_) represented a significant military rank, denoting command over a substantial unit of approximately one thousand soldiers. Such a position demanded not only proven courage and strategic acumen but also the trust and loyalty of the troops. The idiom "he went out and came in before the people" is a well-established Hebrew expression signifying active, public leadership, particularly in military and administrative spheres. It describes a leader who is fully engaged in the affairs of their people, leading them forth into battle or public service and returning successfully. Saul's appointment of David to this prominent role, while appearing to be a promotion, was a calculated stratagem to distance David from the inner court and place him in a high-risk position on the battlefield, covertly hoping for his demise or discredit.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it vividly portrays **Saul's escalating jealousy and profound insecurity**, demonstrating how unchecked envy and a loss of divine favor can corrupt a leader, leading to irrational, self-destructive, and ultimately futile decisions. Saul's actions stand in stark contrast to the qualities of a king after God's own heart ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1-samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - A Man After God's Own Heart")). Secondly, the verse underscores **David's divinely orchestrated rise and undeniable favor**. Despite Saul's malevolent intentions, God's sovereign plan for David continued to unfold, utilizing even Saul's attempts to sideline him as instruments to elevate his public standing and refine his character. David's remarkable success in this new, demanding role, as "the Lord was with him" ([1 Samuel 18:14](/1-samuel/18-14 "1 Samuel 18:14 - David's Success in His New Role")), further cemented his position in the hearts of the Israelite populace. Thirdly, the verse compellingly demonstrates **divine providence overriding human malice**. Even through the adversity and calculated schemes imposed by Saul, God orchestrates circumstances to advance His ultimate purposes for His chosen servant, revealing that no human machination can thwart God's ultimate design. This dynamic tension between human will and divine sovereignty is a recurring and central motif throughout the entire narrative of Saul and David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **removed (Hebrew, _çûwr'_ H5493):** This primitive root signifies a deliberate act of turning aside, departing, or taking away. In this context, it emphasizes Saul's intentional and decisive action to distance David from his immediate presence and the intimate setting of the royal court. It was not merely a bureaucratic reassignment but an act driven by a deep-seated desire to eliminate a perceived threat, reflecting Saul's growing discomfort, fear, and hostility towards David.
* **captain (Hebrew, _sar'_ H8269):** This noun denotes a head person of any rank or class, specifically a chief, ruler, or prince. Here, it refers to a high-ranking military officer. Coupled with "over a thousand" (H505, _ʼeleph_), it indicates a position of significant authority, leadership, and public visibility within the Israelite army. The profound irony lies in Saul's attempt to diminish David's influence by removing him from court, only to place him in a role that inherently grants him greater public exposure and opportunities for military success, thereby paradoxically increasing his popularity and stature.
* **went out and came in (Hebrew, _yâtsâ'_ H3318 and _bôwʼ'_ H935):** This is a crucial and well-known Hebrew idiom. It describes someone who is actively and consistently engaged in public life, particularly in roles of leadership such as military command, judicial administration, or general governance. The verb _yâtsâʼ_ (to go out) signifies leading forth, initiating action, or departing, often for battle. The verb _bôwʼ_ (to come in) signifies returning, entering, or completing a task, often victoriously. Together, they imply a leader who is continuously involved in leading their people, going forth to battle or on public duties, and returning successfully and honorably. For David, it signifies his visible, effective, and continuous leadership in military campaigns, which further cemented his reputation, the people's trust, and God's evident favor upon him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore Saul removed him from him":** The adverb "Therefore" directly links this action to Saul's preceding jealousy and fear, ignited by David's immense popularity. This clause reveals Saul's immediate, deliberate, and calculated response. Saul's intention was to physically distance David from the intimate setting of the royal court, where David's presence served as a constant, painful reminder of Saul's own diminishing favor and David's undeniable ascendancy. This act was fundamentally driven by Saul's deep insecurity, paranoia, and a desperate desire to control a perceived existential threat to his kingship.
* **"and made him his captain over a thousand":** This part of the verse details the specific action Saul took. While ostensibly a promotion to a prestigious military command, this appointment was, in reality, a strategic and malevolent maneuver. By placing David in command of a significant military unit, Saul harbored two primary objectives: first, to remove David from his immediate proximity and the public eye of the court; and second, to expose him to the inherent dangers of battle, with the implicit, sinister hope that David might be killed in action by the Philistines or discredited through military failure. This was a deceptive act, masking malicious intent behind an outward appearance of honor and trust.
* **"and he went out and came in before the people":** This final clause describes the unexpected, profound, and ultimately ironic outcome of Saul's ill-conceived plan. The idiom "went out and came in" signifies David's active, public, and consistently successful leadership in military and civic affairs. Far from diminishing David's influence or leading to his demise, this new, prominent role provided him with greater visibility and more frequent opportunities to demonstrate his courage, wisdom, and God's unwavering favor. David's consistent success in leading military campaigns, all conducted openly "before the people," only amplified his popularity and deepened the people's devotion to him, thereby completely subverting Saul's malicious intentions and inadvertently advancing God's plan for David.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Samuel 18:13 is rich with literary techniques that enhance its theological depth and dramatic tension. Foremost among these is **Irony**. Saul's attempt to neutralize the perceived threat of David by removing him from court and placing him in a dangerous military command ultimately backfires spectacularly. What was intended as a demotion, a means to expose David to peril, or even a death sentence, instead becomes the very platform for David's greater success, public affirmation, and solidified popularity among the people. This situation also functions as **Foreshadowing**, as David's increasing military success, his growing favor with the people, and his resilience despite Saul's persistent opposition strongly hint at his divinely ordained future role as king of Israel. The narrative further employs **Contrast** between Saul's declining mental and spiritual state, characterized by paranoia, irrational decisions, and a loss of God's favor, and David's increasing wisdom, consistent success, and unwavering favor with both God and the people. This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the divine hand at work in David's life, orchestrating his rise, versus Saul's self-inflicted decline due to his disobedience and jealousy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the absolute sovereignty of God over human plans and the ultimate futility of resisting His divine purposes. Saul's actions, though driven by human jealousy, fear, and a desire to thwart David's ascendancy, unwittingly became the very means through which God further elevated David and prepared him for the throne. This demonstrates a core biblical truth: God can and does use even the malicious intentions and actions of others to accomplish His perfect will, turning what appears to be a setback or a curse into an opportunity for advancement and blessing. It also highlights the stark contrast between leadership motivated by insecurity, self-preservation, and a lack of faith (Saul) and leadership characterized by integrity, courage, and a deep, unwavering reliance on God (David), ultimately revealing where true authority, blessing, and lasting success reside.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Our Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Samuel 18:13 offers profound insights into the complexities of human nature and the steadfastness of divine providence, providing timeless lessons for believers today. Saul's destructive jealousy serves as a potent and sobering warning against allowing envy, insecurity, and bitterness to take root and fester in our hearts, especially when others are celebrated, succeed more than us, or seem to receive favor we desire. Such unchecked emotions can lead to irrational, self-destructive decisions that ultimately harm ourselves, undermine our relationships, and hinder God's work through us. Conversely, David's exemplary response to adversity—continuing to serve faithfully, excel in his duties, and trust God's plan despite Saul's malicious intent—is a powerful example of spiritual maturity and reliance on divine sovereignty. It reminds us that even when faced with unfair treatment, unjust accusations, or schemes designed to hinder our progress, God can turn those very circumstances into opportunities for our growth, refinement, and the advancement of His greater purposes. We are called to "go out and come in" in our own spheres of influence, whether in our families, workplaces, churches, or communities, with integrity, courage, and a deep reliance on God, knowing that true success, lasting favor, and ultimate vindication come from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I perceive someone else's success, popularity, or favor as a threat to my own standing, security, or aspirations?**
* **In what specific ways might God be using difficult or adverse circumstances in my life, perhaps even those orchestrated by others' ill intentions, to refine my character, strengthen my faith, or advance His purposes?**
* **What does "going out and coming in" with integrity and reliance on God look like in my current responsibilities and relationships, and how can I more fully embrace this active, faithful leadership in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul appoint David as a captain if he feared him?**

Answer: Saul's decision to appoint David as a captain over a thousand was a complex and deeply misguided strategy born out of his escalating jealousy, paranoia, and the loss of God's favor. He had two primary, albeit contradictory, motivations. First, by giving David a military command, Saul could physically remove him from the immediate proximity of the royal court. David's constant presence was a painful reminder to Saul of his own diminishing authority and God's departure from him, and Saul desperately wanted to get him out of his sight and mind. Second, and more sinisterly, Saul hoped that by placing David in a high-risk military position, David would either be killed in battle by the Philistines or discredited through failure, thus eliminating him as a rival. This was a common tactic in ancient warfare to remove perceived threats. However, Saul's plan backfired spectacularly, as David's consistent success in this role only further endeared him to the people and highlighted God's unwavering favor upon him, as explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 18:14](/1-samuel/18-14 "1 Samuel 18:14 - David's Success").

**What is the significance of "he went out and came in before the people"?**

Answer: The phrase "he went out and came in before the people" (יָצָא וּבָא לִפְנֵי הָעָם, _yatsa u'va lifney ha'am_) is a highly significant Hebrew idiom that conveys active, public, and consistently successful leadership. It describes someone who is fully engaged in leading their people, particularly in military campaigns, administrative duties, or judicial matters. For David, it means he was continuously leading troops into battle, engaging in public duties, and returning victorious or having successfully completed his tasks. This idiom emphasizes several key aspects:
1. **Public Visibility:** David's actions were not hidden or behind closed doors, but performed openly "before the people," which significantly increased his renown and public trust.
2. **Active and Engaged Leadership:** He was not a passive figure but actively involved in the responsibilities of his command, demonstrating initiative and courage.
3. **Consistent Success and Effectiveness:** The repeated "went out and came in" implies a pattern of effective leadership and favorable outcomes, demonstrating God's blessing upon his endeavors.
This continuous, visible success, contrary to Saul's hopes, further solidified David's popularity and powerfully demonstrated God's unwavering presence with him, contrasting sharply with Saul's own declining leadership and God's departure from him. Other biblical examples of this idiom signifying leadership include [Numbers 27:17](/numbers/27-17 "Numbers 27:17 - Joshua's Leadership") concerning Joshua and [Deuteronomy 31:2](/deuteronomy/31-2 "Deuteronomy 31:2 - Moses' Farewell and Joshua's Commission").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's rise despite Saul's opposition serves as a profound Old Testament type, pointing with remarkable clarity to the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Like David, who was chosen and anointed by God but subsequently rejected, persecuted, and sought after by the reigning authority, Jesus was the true King, God's anointed Messiah, yet He was rejected by the religious and political powers of His day who failed to recognize His divine authority ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Just as Saul's consuming jealousy led him to attempt to sideline and eliminate David, the chief priests and Pharisees were filled with envy and sought to destroy Jesus, recognizing His growing popularity and the existential threat He posed to their established authority ([Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate's Understanding of Envy")). Yet, God's sovereign and immutable plan for His Son could not be thwarted by any human malice or scheme. Jesus' "going out and coming in" was not in military campaigns, but in His public ministry, demonstrating perfect wisdom, unparalleled power, and divine authority as He taught, healed, and performed miracles "before the people" ([Luke 4:14-15](/luke/4-14 "Luke 4:14-15 - Jesus' Ministry Begins in Galilee")). Ultimately, Jesus "went out" to the cross, enduring the ultimate rejection, suffering, and death, yet God "came in" through His glorious resurrection and triumphant ascension, exalting Him to the highest place, a name above every name ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He is the true Captain of our salvation, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who leads His people to eternal victory, and through Him alone, God's redemptive purposes for humanity are eternally and gloriously fulfilled ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - The Captain of Our Salvation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 5:2

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

Psalms 121:8

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

1 Samuel 18:25

And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 8:12

And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and [will set them] to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

1 Samuel 18:16

But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.

1 Samuel 18:17

And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.

Numbers 27:16

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,