1 Samuel 18:5

1 Samuel 18:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.

King James Version KJV

¶ And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

American Standard Version ASV

And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and it was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And David went wherever Saul sent him, and did wisely: and Saul put him at the head of his men of war, and this was pleasing to all the people as well as to Saul's servants.

Free Bible Version FBV

David was successful in doing everything Saul asked him to do, so Saul made him an officer in the army. This pleased everyone, including Saul's other officers.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Dauid went out whithersoeuer Saul sent him, and behaued himselfe wisely: so that Saul set him ouer the men of warre, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Sauls seruants.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David goeth out whithersoever Saul doth send him; he acted wisely, and Saul setteth him over the men of war, and it is good in the eyes of all the people, and also in the eyes of the servants of Saul.

World English Bible WEB

David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely; and Saul set him over the men of war. It was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And David went out to whatsoever business Saul sent him, and he behaved himself prudently: and Saul set him over the soldiers, and he was acceptable in the eyes of all the people, and especially in the eyes of Saul’s servants.

Translation for Translators T4T

David went wherever Saul sent him. And whatever Saul told him to do, David did it very successfully. As a result, Saul appointed David to be a commander in the army. All the officers and other men in the army ◄approved of/were very pleased with► that.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 18:5

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 18:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּצֵ֨א דָוִ֜ד בְּ/כֹל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁלָחֶ֤/נּוּ שָׁאוּל֙ יַשְׂכִּ֔יל וַ/יְשִׂמֵ֣/הוּ שָׁא֔וּל עַ֖ל אַנְשֵׁ֣י הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה וַ/יִּיטַב֙ בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י כָל הָ/עָ֔ם וְ/גַ֕ם בְּ/עֵינֵ֖י עַבְדֵ֥י שָׁאֽוּל

וַ/יֵּצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

בְּ/כֹל֩ kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִשְׁלָחֶ֤/נּוּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

יַשְׂכִּ֔יל sâkal H7919 be prudent V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

וַ/יְשִׂמֵ֣/הוּ sûwm H7760 to set Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

אַנְשֵׁ֣י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Art | N-fs

וַ/יִּיטַב֙ yâṭab H3190 be good Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

וְ/גַ֕ם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

בְּ/עֵינֵ֖י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

עַבְדֵ֥י ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

שָׁאֽוּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 18:5

וַ/יֵּצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

דָוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

בְּ/כֹל֩ kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יִשְׁלָחֶ֤/נּוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

יַשְׂכִּ֔יל sâkal H7919 "be prudent" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.

Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.

וַ/יְשִׂמֵ֣/הוּ sûwm H7760 "to set" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אַנְשֵׁ֣י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Art | N-fs

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

וַ/יִּיטַב֙ yâṭab H3190 "be good" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

וְ/גַ֕ם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

בְּ/עֵינֵ֖י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַבְדֵ֥י ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

שָׁאֽוּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 18:5

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Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:5 Summary
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Context — Saul Envies David

3Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

5So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.

6As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. 7And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 18:30	Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed.
2	1 Samuel 18:14–15	and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him.
3	Colossians 4:5	Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
4	Ephesians 5:17	Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
5	Acts 7:10	and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.
6	1 Samuel 13:2	He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home.
7	Matthew 10:16	Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
8	Psalms 1:3	He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.
9	Genesis 39:23	The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
10	Genesis 39:2–3	And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,

1 Samuel 18:5 Summary

This verse, 1 Samuel 18:5, tells us that David was very successful in everything King Saul sent him to do, and as a result, Saul put him in charge of the army. This was well-liked by everyone, including Saul's officers, because David was a good leader and trusted in God. Just like David, we can trust God to help us succeed in the things He has called us to do, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 4:13. By following God's guidance and being faithful, we can be a blessing to others and bring joy to those around us, just as David did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul set David over the men of war?

Saul set David over the men of war because David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:5, demonstrating David's competence and faithfulness, similar to the qualities of a good leader described in Deuteronomy 1:13 and Exodus 18:21.

What does it mean that this was pleasing in the sight of all the people and of Saul's officers as well?

This indicates that David's success and leadership were widely recognized and appreciated, much like the respect given to Joseph in Genesis 39:4, and it reflects the principle that a leader's integrity and effectiveness can earn them the trust and admiration of others, as seen in Proverbs 22:1.

How does David's success in battle relate to his faith in God?

David's success in battle, as described in 1 Samuel 18:5, is a testament to his faith in God, as he trusted in God's power and provision, much like in 1 Samuel 17:37, where David says, 'The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.'

What can we learn from David's experience about leadership and responsibility?

From David's experience, we can learn that leadership and responsibility are not just about personal achievement, but also about serving others and trusting in God's guidance, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:5 and supported by principles in Joshua 1:7-8 and Matthew 20:26-28.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I can trust God for success and provision, just like David did in battle?
How can I, like David, demonstrate faithfulness and competence in my responsibilities, whether at work, home, or in my community?
What does it mean for me to 'prosper in everything' that God has called me to do, and how can I align my actions and decisions with His will, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:5 and Jeremiah 29:11?
In what ways can I, like David, be a blessing to those around me, whether through my work, my relationships, or my service to others, and how can I prioritize building others up, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11?

Gill's Exposition on 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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 18:5

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:5

David went out, upon military expeditions, of which that word is oft used. Set him over the men of war; gave him some considerable command in his army, though not the supreme.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:5

1 Samuel 18:5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, [and] behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’ s servants.Ver. 5. And behaved himself wisely.] Or, Prospered, Virtute duce, comite fortuna. God will come, with a cornucopia in his hand, unto such as behave themselves wisely in a perfect way. And Saul set him over the men of war.] Made him captain of his guard. Abner was general of the army. And he was accepted in the sight of all the people.]. Virtue is very amiable and attractive. Aρετη quasi αιρετη: Aγαθον quasi αγαστον.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:5

(5) And he was accepted.—The historian here calls especial attention to the strange power David was able to acquire over the hearts of men. It was not only over Saul and his great son that he rapidly won influence, but in the case of his colleagues at the Court and in the army, all of whom he was rapidly outstripping in the race for honour and distinction, he seems to have disarmed all jealousy. His rapid rise to high position was evidently looked upon with general favour. This is still farther enlarged upon in the next and following verses.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:5

Verse 5. Set him over the men of war] Made him generalissimo; or what we would call field marshal.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 18:5

5. David went out &c] David was appointed to some post of command, and “went out” upon military expeditions. In these “he behaved himself wisely”—the word combines the ideas of prudence and consequent success: and in spite of this sudden promotion, which might naturally have excited the jealousy of the courtiers, won their good-will. This verse anticipates, and describes summarily facts which are mentioned again in 1 Samuel 18:13-16 in their proper place.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:5

DAVID’S HONOURS AND SAUL’S , 1 Samuel 18:5-9.After the battle, and after the covenant between Jonathan and David, the latter was advanced to great honour in the kingdom.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 18:5

	Sermon	Description
	David Behaved Himself Wisely by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of behaving wisely as exemplified by David in 1 Samuel. The repeated phrase highlights the importance of divine prudence and the necessity of
	Faithfulness in Spite of Our Failures by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the theme of God's faithfulness despite our failures, using the life of David as an example. Despite being anointed and chosen by God, David faced trials
	God Is Still Faithful by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite David's moment of unfaithfulness when he sought refuge in Gath, God remained faithful to His promises and purpose for David's life. Anointed
	Letter 128. by James Bourne	James Bourne writes a heartfelt letter to Mrs. Tims, encouraging her to persevere in her faith despite challenges and doubts. He emphasizes the importance of seeking Christ's love
	Youth Ministry by Voddie Baucham	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose and plan of the College and Careers ministry. Their purpose is to see unbelieving students become committed followers of Jesus Chr
	Is It Ok to Have a Beer as a Christian? by Bob Jennings	This sermon discusses the balance between being 'all things to all men' and maintaining biblical principles, particularly in the context of engaging in activities like pub theology
	Joshua (Part 4) by Richard Sipley	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about how his congregation built an education building in Miami in just nine months, without incurring any debt. He emphasizes t