TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
David would go out, and no matter where Sha'ul sent him, he was successful. Sha'ul put him in charge of the fighting men; all the people thought it good, and so did Sha'ul's servants.
Berean Standard Bible
So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.
American Standard Version
And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and it was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
World English Bible Messianic
David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and it was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Dauid went out whithersoeuer Saul sent him, and behaued himselfe wisely: so that Saul set him ouer the men of warre, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Sauls seruants.
Young's Literal Translation
And David goeth out whithersoever Saul doth send him; he acted wisely, and Saul setteth him over the men of war, and it is good in the eyes of all the people, and also in the eyes of the servants of Saul.
In the KJVVerse 7,682 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 18 verses 1–5
1 ¶ And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.
3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
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.
David was anointed to the crown to take it out of Saul's hand, and over Jonathan's head, and yet here we find,
I. That Saul, who was now in possession of the crown, reposed a confidence in him, God so ordering it, that he might by his preferment at court be prepared for future service. Saul now took David home with him, and would not suffer him to return again to his retirement, Sa1 18:2. And David having signalized himself above the men of war, in taking up the challenge which they declined, Saul set him over the men of war (Sa1 18:5), not that he made him general (Abner was in that post), but perhaps captain of the life-guard; or, though he was youngest, he ordered him to have the precedency, in recompence of his great services. He employed him in the affairs of government; and David went out withersoever Saul sent him, showing himself as dutiful as he was bold and courageous. Those that hope to rule must first learn to obey. He had approved himself a dutiful son to Jesse his father, and now a dutiful servant to Saul his master; those that are good in one relation it is to be hoped will be so in another.
II. That Jonathan, who was heir to the crown, entered into covenant with him, God so ordering it, that David's way might be the clearer when his rival was his friend. 1. Jonathan conceived an extraordinary kindness and affection for him (Sa1 18:1): When he had made an end of speaking to Saul he fell perfectly in love with him. Whether it refers to his conference with Saul before the battle (Sa1 17:34, Sa1 17:37), or to that after (v. 51), in which it is probable much more was said than is there set down, is uncertain. But, in both, David expressed himself with so much prudence, modesty, and piety, such a felicity of expression, with so much boldness and yet so much sweetness, and all this so natural and unaffected, and the more surprising because of the disadvantages of his education and appearance, that the soul of Jonathan was immediately knit unto the soul of David. Jonathan had formerly set upon a Philistine army with the same faith and bravery with which David had now attacked a Philistine giant; so that there was between them a very near resemblance of affections, dispositions, and counsels, which made their spirits unite to easily, so quickly, so closely, that they seemed but as one soul in two bodies. None had so much reason to dislike David as Jonathan had, because he was to put him by the crown, yet none regards him more. Those that are governed in their love by principles of wisdom and grace will not suffer their affections to be alienated by any secular regards or considerations: the greater thoughts will swallow up and overrule the less. 2. He testified his love to David by a generous present he made him, Sa1 18:4. He was uneasy at seeing so great a soul, though lodged in so fair a body, yet disguised in the mean and despicable dress of a poor shepherd, and therefore takes care to put him speedily into the habit of a courtier (for he gave him a robe) and of a soldier, for he gave him, instead of his staff and sling, a sword and bow, and, instead of his shepherd's scrip, a girdle, either a belt or a sash; and, which made the present much more obliging, they were the same that he himself had worn, and (as a presage of what would follow) he stripped himself of them to dress David in them. Saul's would not fit him, but Jonathan's did. Their bodies were of a size, a circumstance which well agreed with the suitableness of their minds. When Saul put these marks of honour on David he put them off again, because he would first earn them and then wear them; but, now that he had given proofs of the spirit of a prince and a soldier, he was not ashamed to wear the habits of a prince and a soldier. David is seen in Jonathan's clothes, that all may take notice he is a Jonathan's second self. Our Lord Jesus has thus shown his love to us, that he stripped himself to clothe us, emptied himself to enrich us; nay, he did more than Jonathan, he clothed himself with our rags, whereas Jonathan did not put on David's. 3. He endeavored to perpetuate this friendship. So entirely satisfied were they in each other, even at the first interview, that they made a covenant with each other, Sa1 18:3. Their mutual affection was sincere; and he that bears an honest mind startles not at assurances. True love desires to be constant. Those who love Christ as their own souls will be willing to join themselves to him in an everlasting covenant.
III. That both court and country agree to bless him. It is but seldom that they agree in their favourites; yet David was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also (which was strange) in the sight of Saul's servants, Sa1 18:5. The former cordially loved him, the latter could not for shame but caress and compliment him. And it was certainly a great instance of the power of God's grace in David that he was able to bear all this respect and honour flowing in upon him on a sudden without being lifted up above measure. Those that climb so fast have need of good heads and good hearts. It is more difficult to know how to abound than how to be abased.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And David went out to all, etc. Whether the people of the Jews wished to believe in Christ or to oppose Him, whether to make Him king or to crucify Him, He, coeternal with the Father's wisdom, always acted prudently, both by greatly rewarding the pious and by patiently enduring the impious. And the same people placed Him over the men of spiritual war, in some namely by believing and confessing that He alone helps those fighting for the salvation of souls to be able to conquer. In others, however, by exclaiming that He was guilty of death, by which death, finally accepted according to the will of the impious, having overcome the author of death, He grants us too the example of waging war and triumphing together with Him.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And he was accepted in the eyes of all the people, etc. The Lord was accepted by all who had those eyes, of which He Himself speaks: Blessed are the eyes that see what you see (Matthew XIII). Especially in the pure heart of the apostles, who by a special providence were commanded to serve by preaching the salvation of the Jews. For whomever the Lord was not accepted by, such are not to be considered as having open eyes; but to be of those of whom it is said: Leave them alone, they are blind guides of the blind (Matthew XV).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Following his monumental victory over Goliath, 1 Samuel 18:5 details David's swift and remarkable ascent within King Saul's administration and among the people of Israel. The verse highlights David's consistent wisdom and effectiveness in all his military assignments, leading Saul to appoint him over the men of war. This appointment, coupled with David's universally acclaimed character and success, resulted in widespread acceptance and admiration from all segments of society, including Saul's own household, setting the stage for his burgeoning influence and the dramatic shift in Saul's disposition from favor to intense jealousy.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows David's decisive triumph over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, an event that dramatically propelled him from the obscurity of a shepherd boy into national prominence. Prior to this, David had been introduced to Saul's court as a skilled musician and armor-bearer, as recounted in 1 Samuel 16:21. The narrative then describes the deep, covenantal bond formed between David and Jonathan, Saul's son, marked by Jonathan's symbolic giving of his princely attire in 1 Samuel 18:1-4. Verse 5, therefore, marks the practical manifestation of David's newfound status and the initial, overwhelmingly positive reception of his leadership, transitioning him from a personal attendant to a public military commander. This immediate success and popularity, however, also serve as a crucial literary pivot, directly foreshadowing the burgeoning jealousy of Saul that dominates the subsequent chapters of 1 Samuel, leading to a tragic decline for the king.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, military leadership was paramount, especially given the constant threat from surrounding nations like the Philistines. Kings were expected to be successful military commanders, and the ability to lead troops effectively was a key measure of their rule and divine favor. Saul, though initially chosen for his physical stature and military prowess, had recently fallen out of divine favor due to his disobedience, particularly in the war against the Amalekites, as detailed in 1 Samuel 15. The people's desire for a strong, victorious leader was intense. David's immediate and consistent success in military campaigns, therefore, filled a critical void and resonated deeply with the populace. The concept of "wisdom" (Hebrew: sakal) in this context extends beyond mere intelligence; it signifies practical discernment, prudence, and the ability to act effectively, often implying a divine enablement that leads to prosperity and success in all endeavors. A leader who "behaved wisely" was seen as blessed by God and capable of bringing victory and stability to the nation.
Key Themes: The verse encapsulates several pivotal themes that run throughout the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Central is the theme of Divine Favor and Providence, as David's rapid ascent and universal acceptance are clearly presented as a result of God's hand upon him, marking him as the chosen successor to Saul. This is contrasted with Saul's declining favor and eventual rejection, highlighting God's sovereign choice in leadership, as seen earlier in 1 Samuel 16:7. Another key theme is David's Godly Wisdom and Obedience, which is portrayed not just as shrewdness but as a divinely inspired conduct that leads to success, even in dangerous assignments. This wisdom is a hallmark of David's early career, distinguishing him from Saul's impulsive and disobedient actions. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of Leadership and Popular Acclaim, demonstrating David's natural charisma and ability to garner widespread support, which would ultimately contribute to Saul's intense jealousy and the tragic unraveling of his reign, as detailed in 1 Samuel 18:8-9.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Foreshadowing is prominent, as David's universal acceptance and rising influence subtly hint at his eventual kingship, while simultaneously foreshadowing the intense jealousy and paranoia that will consume Saul, leading to his downfall. There is also an element of Juxtaposition, subtly contrasting David's increasing favor and success with Saul's declining authority and spiritual state, which has been evident since 1 Samuel 15. The phrase "behaved himself wisely" serves as a Motif that will recur in David's narrative, consistently linking his success to his prudent and God-guided actions. Furthermore, the almost redundant emphasis on "all the people" and "Saul's servants" creates a sense of Hyperbole or Emphasis, underscoring the truly pervasive nature of David's acceptance and popularity, which would have been deeply unsettling to a king already struggling with insecurity and a sense of divine abandonment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 18:5 beautifully illustrates the principle of divine favor and the outworking of God's sovereign plan. David's "wisdom" and subsequent success are not merely products of his innate skill but are clearly presented as an enablement from the Lord, demonstrating that true leadership and effectiveness are rooted in God's presence and guidance. This verse highlights how God raises up and prepares His chosen instruments, often through humble obedience and faithful service in seemingly small tasks. David's widespread acceptance underscores God's ability to turn the hearts of people towards His chosen one, even before his full anointing as king. This initial period of favor serves as a stark contrast to Saul's increasingly erratic behavior and declining popularity, emphasizing God's transfer of blessing and authority from a disobedient king to one "after His own heart."
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's early career, as encapsulated in 1 Samuel 18:5, offers profound lessons for believers today. His consistent "wise" behavior, rooted in obedience and divine enablement, demonstrates that true effectiveness and influence stem not merely from human talent or ambition, but from a life lived in humble submission to God's will. David's willingness to go "whithersoever Saul sent him" reminds us of the value of faithfulness in every assignment, no matter how mundane or dangerous. It is in these moments of diligent service that character is forged and God's favor is often manifested, opening doors to greater responsibilities and impact. His universal acceptance serves as a powerful reminder that a life of integrity, wisdom, and God-honoring conduct can earn respect and influence even among those who may not share our faith or allegiances. We are called to cultivate a similar wisdom, seeking God's guidance in all our endeavors, trusting that He will make our paths straight and grant us favor as we faithfully serve Him and others, reflecting His light in our spheres of influence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "behaved himself wisely" truly mean in the context of David's actions?
Answer: The phrase "behaved himself wisely" (Hebrew: śāḵal) signifies much more than mere intelligence or shrewdness. It encapsulates a practical, discerning wisdom that leads to successful outcomes. In the biblical sense, this wisdom is often seen as a gift or enablement from God, allowing an individual to navigate complex situations, make sound judgments, and act effectively. For David, it meant that in every military mission Saul sent him on, he acted with prudence, skill, and God-given insight, resulting in consistent victories and favorable results. It suggests that his success was not just due to his own abilities, but to the Lord's hand guiding and prospering his endeavors, distinguishing him as a leader who operated under divine favor, much like Joseph (Genesis 39:2-3) or Daniel (Daniel 1:17).
Why was David "accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants"?
Answer: David's widespread acceptance stemmed from a combination of factors, primarily his demonstrated competence, his character, and the clear favor of God upon him. His victory over Goliath had already made him a national hero, but his consistent success in subsequent military campaigns under Saul's command solidified his reputation as a capable and effective leader. Beyond his military prowess, David's character—marked by humility, obedience, and a spirit of service—would have made him endearing. The fact that he was accepted even by Saul's own servants suggests that his integrity and conduct were evident even within the king's inner circle, where political maneuvering and jealousy might have been common. This universal acceptance highlights David's genuine appeal and the undeniable presence of God's blessing, which drew people to him and affirmed his leadership potential, a stark contrast to Saul's declining popularity, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:7-9.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 18:5, while detailing David's early success, points forward to the ultimate Son of David, Jesus Christ. David's "wise" behavior and universal acceptance find their perfect fulfillment in Jesus. Unlike David, who merely "behaved wisely," Jesus is wisdom incarnate, the very "power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). He perfectly fulfilled every mission His Father sent Him on, demonstrating perfect obedience even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). While David was set over "men of war," Christ is the true commander, the King of kings and Lord of lords, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" (Matthew 28:18). Though David was "accepted" by all the people and even Saul's servants, Jesus, though rejected by many of His own (John 1:11), is ultimately the one who is "accepted" and exalted by God, with every knee bowing and every tongue confessing His Lordship (Philippians 2:9-11). David's temporary favor and wisdom merely foreshadow the eternal wisdom, perfect obedience, and universal reign of the Messiah, who truly takes away the sin of the world and establishes an everlasting kingdom.