1 Samuel 18:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But all Israel {H3478} and Judah {H3063} loved {H157} David {H1732}, because he went out {H3318} and came in {H935} before {H6440} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But all Isra'el and Y'hudah loved David, because they knew about all his campaigns.

Berean Standard Bible

But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back.

American Standard Version

But all Israel and Judah loved David; for he went out and came in before them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:16 vividly portrays the profound and widespread affection David garnered from the unified populace of Israel and Judah, standing in stark contrast to King Saul's escalating isolation and jealousy. This verse underscores David's remarkable popularity, a direct result of his consistent, visible, and effective leadership in both military campaigns and public affairs, which deeply resonated with the people and solidified his standing as a beloved national hero in the aftermath of his victory over Goliath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal narrative arc in 1 Samuel, immediately following David's epochal triumph over Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath") and his subsequent integration into Saul's royal court. Chapters 17 and 18 meticulously chart David's meteoric ascent from a humble shepherd to a celebrated national hero and military commander, while simultaneously detailing the precipitous and tragic decline of King Saul. The preceding verses ([1 Samuel 18:5-15](/1_samuel/18-5-15 "1 Samuel 18:5-15 - David's Success and Saul's Jealousy")) meticulously document David's consistent success in various military endeavors, his prudent and wise conduct, and the undeniable favor of the Lord upon him, all of which cumulatively contribute to his burgeoning popularity. The verse directly precedes Saul's intensifying jealousy, which reaches a fever pitch as he overhears the women's celebratory songs praising David ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song of David")) and witnesses David's continued prosperity and the people's unwavering love. Consequently, [1 Samuel 18:16](/1_samuel/18-16 "1 Samuel 18:16 - Israel and Judah Loved David") functions as a critical narrative bridge, providing the foundational explanation for Saul's burgeoning animosity: David's undeniable and widespread favor with the entire populace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly within the nascent monarchy of Israel, military prowess, courageous leadership, and visible engagement were paramount virtues, especially given the persistent existential threats from formidable adversaries like the Philistines. A leader who consistently "went out and came in" was not merely performing a duty but embodying an ideal of active, accessible, and responsible governance. This idiomatic expression encapsulated comprehensive public engagement, encompassing military expeditions, judicial administration, and general public affairs. The people's deep affection for David transcended superficial admiration; it was a profound appreciation for a leader who consistently delivered decisive victories and visibly participated in their daily lives and national struggles. This dynamic contrasts sharply with the later portrayal of King Saul, who became increasingly withdrawn, erratic, and detached from his people. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "all Israel and Judah" signifies a unified national sentiment, indicating that David's appeal successfully transcended the inherent tribal divisions that often plagued early Israelite society, a crucial factor in establishing a cohesive kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully emphasizes the intertwined themes of **Divine Favor and Human Popularity**. While the text explicitly states the people's love for David, this widespread human affection is deeply rooted in God's manifest blessing upon him, as explicitly noted earlier in [1 Samuel 18:12](/1_samuel/18-12 "1 Samuel 18:12 - The Lord was with David"). David's consistent success, wise conduct, and humble demeanor, all empowered by God's presence, naturally cultivated public admiration and loyalty. Another prominent theme is **Accessible and Engaged Leadership**. The idiom "went out and came in" profoundly highlights David's hands-on, visible, and participatory approach to leadership, which fostered deep trust and genuine affection among the people. This stands in stark contrast to Saul's increasingly isolated, paranoid, and ultimately ineffective rule, thereby establishing the overarching theme of **Contrasting Leadership Styles and Divine Rejection**. David's divinely orchestrated rise is inextricably linked to Saul's spiritual and political decline, forming a central and compelling narrative thread throughout the entire book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of David and Fall of Saul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Loved (Hebrew, _ʼâhab_ - H157):** This verb signifies a deep, genuine affection and loyalty, extending far beyond mere admiration. It denotes a strong emotional bond and a profound commitment to the object of that love. In this context, it conveys the people's profound attachment to David, recognizing him not merely as a military hero but as someone they truly cherished, supported, and felt a deep connection with, a sentiment that would prove instrumental in his eventual ascent to the throne.
* **Went out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ_ - H3318):** As part of the idiom "went out and came in," this specific verb denotes active departure for public duties, particularly military campaigns or administrative functions. It signifies David's proactive engagement, his willingness to lead from the front, and his constant presence in the public eye, especially in dangerous or demanding situations.
* **Came in (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_ - H935):** Complementing "went out," this verb signifies returning from public duties, completing a task, or entering into the public sphere for administrative or judicial matters. Together with "went out," it forms a comprehensive picture of continuous, accessible, and visible leadership, demonstrating David's constant involvement in the nation's affairs, both in times of war and peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But all Israel and Judah loved David":** This opening clause emphatically establishes the widespread and profound affection for David across the entire Israelite kingdom, encompassing both the northern tribes (Israel) and the southern tribe (Judah). The phrase "all Israel and Judah" underscores the comprehensive nature of his popularity, indicating that his appeal transcended traditional tribal loyalties and fostered a unified national sentiment. This universal love is a powerful testament to David's character, his remarkable military successes, and the undeniable divine favor that rested upon him.
* **"because he went out and came in before them":** This crucial phrase provides the explicit reason for the people's deep affection. It highlights David's active, visible, and consistent leadership, encapsulated in a well-known Hebrew idiom. David was not a remote or detached ruler who remained secluded in his palace; rather, he was perpetually involved in the daily affairs and military campaigns of the nation. This idiom signifies his constant accessibility, his tangible presence in their midst, and his effective leadership in all public matters, which earned him their unwavering trust, profound respect, and enduring affection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs **Idiom** through the phrase "went out and came in" (Hebrew: _yāṣā' ū-ṿā'_), which is a concise and powerful way to convey David's full and constant involvement in public life and leadership, particularly in military and administrative duties. This idiomatic expression functions as a **Metonymy**, where the specific actions of "going out and coming in" stand for the broader concept of active, engaged, and visible leadership. The verse implicitly utilizes **Contrast**, setting David's widespread popularity and accessible leadership against the backdrop of Saul's increasing isolation, paranoia, and envy, a central thematic tension that permeates the surrounding narrative. Furthermore, the simple, declarative statement of the people's universal love carries a poignant sense of **Irony**, as this very popularity, which should have been a source of strength and unity for Saul's kingdom, tragically becomes the primary catalyst for his destructive jealousy and, ultimately, his downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 18:16 profoundly illustrates the principle that genuine, God-ordained leadership is often characterized by humble service, visible engagement, and a deep connection with the people, thereby earning not just respect but profound affection. David's widespread popularity was not a result of political manipulation or self-promotion but an organic outflow of his righteous character, his God-given abilities, and the Lord's unmistakable presence with him. This verse powerfully underscores the divine hand in raising up and affirming leaders, demonstrating that God can utilize both extraordinary feats (such as defeating Goliath) and consistent, faithful service to establish His chosen instruments for His purposes. The people's deep love for David serves as a divine affirmation of his suitability for leadership, even as it simultaneously illuminates the spiritual and moral decline of King Saul, who increasingly prioritized personal glory and insecure power over the welfare of his people and obedience to God.

* [Numbers 27:17](/numbers/27-17 "Numbers 27:17 - Joshua's Leadership Mandate")
* [Deuteronomy 31:2](/deuteronomy/31-2 "Deuteronomy 31:2 - Moses' Farewell and Leadership Transition")
* [Acts 2:46-47](/acts/2-46-47 "Acts 2:46-47 - The Early Church's Favor with the People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's story in 1 Samuel 18:16 offers a profound and enduring model for leadership, applicable across all spheres of life, whether in the church, community, workplace, or family. His widespread popularity was not a manufactured image; it was the authentic fruit of his genuine engagement, humble service, and consistent presence among the people. He was truly "among" them, leading by example, actively sharing in their struggles, and celebrating their victories. This type of leadership cultivates deep trust, unwavering loyalty, and willing cooperation, far beyond mere positional authority or coerced compliance. For us today, this narrative challenges us to consider that true influence and lasting respect are often earned through consistent presence, humble and sacrificial service, and a genuine willingness to be actively involved in the lives of those we are called to lead or serve. It encourages us to move beyond a focus on titles or positions and instead cultivate relational authority, demonstrating authentic care, competence, and integrity in our respective spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to "go out and come in" before others, demonstrating active and visible leadership or humble service?**
* **How does David's popularity, rooted in his authentic actions and presence, challenge contemporary notions of leadership that often prioritize image, charisma, or self-promotion over substance?**
* **What does it truly mean to genuinely "love" those you lead or serve, and how might that love practically manifest in your daily interactions and decisions?**
* **How can we intentionally cultivate a spirit of humble engagement, consistent presence, and sacrificial service in our own lives, mirroring the impactful example set by David?**

### FAQ
**What does the phrase "went out and came in before them" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "went out and came in before them" (Hebrew: _yāṣā' ū-ṿā'_) is a deeply significant and common biblical idiom signifying active, visible, and comprehensive leadership. It conveys that David was fully and continuously engaged in all public affairs, particularly military campaigns and civil administration. He was not a distant or detached leader who remained secluded; instead, he was consistently present, leading from the front in battles, participating actively in community life, and remaining accessible to the people. This idiom powerfully communicates his dynamic involvement, his transparency, and his hands-on approach to leadership, which was a primary reason for the widespread love and profound trust he garnered from "all Israel and Judah." This active, participatory presence stands in stark contrast to the increasingly isolated and withdrawn nature of Saul's later reign, thereby highlighting David's effective, beloved, and God-honoring approach to governance, much like Moses describes Joshua's divinely appointed role in [Numbers 27:17](/numbers/27-17 "Numbers 27:17 - Joshua's Leadership").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The widespread love and universal acceptance David received in [1 Samuel 18:16](/1_samuel/18-16 "1 Samuel 18:16 - Israel and Judah Loved David"), stemming from his humble service, victorious leadership, and constant presence, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "Son of David," Jesus Christ. While David's popularity was earthly and temporal, Christ's appeal is eternal, spiritual, and universal. Jesus, the true King and Good Shepherd, "went out and came in" among humanity in the most profound and intimate way imaginable: by taking on human flesh and dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He did not lead from a distant palace but walked the dusty roads of Galilee and Judea, healing the sick, teaching the lost, comforting the marginalized, and ministering tirelessly to the spiritual and physical needs of humanity. His ultimate act of "going out" was to the cross, where He sacrificially laid down His life as the atoning Lamb for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). And His triumphant "coming in" was His glorious resurrection from the dead and His ascension to the right hand of God, where He now eternally intercedes for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). Just as David was loved for delivering Israel from their earthly enemies, Jesus is supremely loved by His followers because He delivers us from the eternal enemies of sin and death, establishing an everlasting kingdom where He is eternally "before us" as our compassionate Good Shepherd, our High Priest, and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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

1 Samuel 18:5

And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, [and] behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.

1 Kings 3:7

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.

Luke 19:48

And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

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.

Numbers 27:17

Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

Luke 20:19

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.