1 Samuel 18:16

16 But all of the troops of Israel and Judah loved David. That's because he led them in battle.

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 In everything he did, he was very successful. That's because the LORD was with him.

15 When Saul saw how successful David was, he became afraid of him.

16 But all of the troops of Israel and Judah loved David. That's because he led them in battle.

17 Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I'll give her to you to be your wife. Just serve me bravely and fight the LORD's battles." Saul said to himself, "I won't have to lift my hand to strike him down. The Philistines will do that!"

18 But David said to Saul, "Who am I? Is anyone in my whole family that important in Israel? Am I worthy to become the king's son-in-law?"