1 Samuel 18:5

5 David was successful in all the missions on which Saul sent him, and so Saul made him an officer in his army. This pleased all of Saul's officers and men.

1 Samuel 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 18:5

And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him
About any business whatsoever, especially about martial affairs, for which he was abundantly qualified:

[and] behaved himself wisely;
in the management of them, using great prudence and discretion, and so failed not of success, and of recommending himself; the Targum renders it "prospering"; he was prosperous and successful in whatsoever he engaged, for the Lord was with him, and blessed him:

and Saul set him over the men of war;
that is, of some of them, gave him the command of a troop; for Abner was captain or general of the army, and continued so:

and he was accepted in the sight of all the people;
of all the people in the land in general, of all that knew or heard of him; being looked upon as a wise, valiant, and successful commander, and which gained him the esteem and affection of the people:

and also in the sight of Saul's servants;
which was very much, and a rare thing, for servants are too apt to envy such as are rising in their credit and reputation; though this must not be understood of all, without exception; but of the generality of them; nor is the word "all" used of them, as is of the people; for some of them took the part of Saul afterwards against David, and were secretly his enemies, see ( 1 Samuel 18:22-26 ) .

1 Samuel 18:5 In-Context

3 Jonathan swore eternal friendship with David because of his deep affection for him.
4 He took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, together with his armor and also his sword, bow, and belt.
5 David was successful in all the missions on which Saul sent him, and so Saul made him an officer in his army. This pleased all of Saul's officers and men.
6 As David was returning after killing Goliath and as the soldiers were coming back home, women from every town in Israel came out to meet King Saul. They were singing joyful songs, dancing, and playing tambourines and lyres.
7 In their celebration the women sang, "Saul has killed thousands, but David tens of thousands."
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.