1 Samuel 18:17

Be thou valiant for me. Here two distinct personalities stand forth in sharp contrast, the cunning duplicity of Saul against the simplicity and straightforward conduct of David. Not only did Saul’s conscience trouble him, but secretly he was also afraid of the people, who loved David and were vocal in their expressions of loyalty to him. Jealous of every word of praise favoring the youth, Saul resorted to double-dealing — the stock in trade of selfish men — open flattery, and secret plotting. At first David seems to have been unaware of the snares set for him. He accepted both promotion and demotion in the same spirit of cooperative humility. His heart being pure before God, he was concerned only with the efficient discharge of every task assigned him, and calmly indifferent to personal danger.

Let not mine hand. Saul was not ready, yet, to take David’s life directly. He hoped to accomplish his purpose indirectly, in order to avoid the ill will of the people.