1 Samuel 18:16

16 But all Israel and Judah loved David because 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 And David behaved himself prudently in all his ways, and the LORD was with him.

15 Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved himself very prudently, he was afraid of him.

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

17 And Saul said to David, Behold I will give thee my elder daughter Merab to wife; only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD’s battles. For Saul said to himself, My hand shall not be against him, but the hand of the Philistines shall be against him.

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