1 Samuel 18:5

5 David was successful wherever Saul sent him. Saul put him in charge of the fighting men. This pleased all the people, including Saul's officials.

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 So Jonathan made a pledge of mutual loyalty with David because he loved him as much as [he loved] himself.

4 Jonathan took off the coat he had on and gave it to David along with his battle tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

5 David was successful wherever Saul sent him. Saul put him in charge of the fighting men. This pleased all the people, including Saul's officials.

6 As they arrived, David was returning from a campaign against the Philistines. Women from all of Israel's cities came to meet King Saul. They sang and danced, accompanied by tambourines, joyful music, and triangles.

7 The women who were celebrating sang, "Saul has defeated thousands but David tens of thousands!"