1 Samuel 18:16

16 But ¹all Israel and Judah loved David, and he went out and came in before them.

1 Samuel 18:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 18:16

And all Israel and Judah loved David
The verb is singular, and denotes that everyone of them loved him in all the tribes of Israel, as well as in Judah his own tribe; in such general esteem was he, and so much had he got the hearts and affections of the people:

because he went out and came in before them;
the people, as in ( 1 Samuel 18:13 ) ; so the Septuagint version, in which, according to the Vatican copy, the verses ( 1 Samuel 18:17-19 ) are wanting.

1 Samuel 18:16 In-Context

14 David was prospering in all his ways for the LORD was with him.

15 When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly, he dreaded him.

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

17 Then Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife, only be a valiant man for me and fight the LORD'S battles." For Saul thought, "My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him."

18 But David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my life or my father's family in Israel, that I should be the king's son-in-law?"

Cross References

• 1. 1 Samuel 18:5