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1 Samuel 18:5-9

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

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. 6. And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. 7. And the women answered [one another] as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. 8. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed [but] thousands: and [what] can he have more but the kingdom? 9. And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

1 Samuel 18:5-9 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:5

Theological / Devotional

Went out whithersoever. Like Moses in the courts of Pharaoh, David received training in administrative affairs that was to stand him in good stead in years to come. He was placed in a position where he could see life from all its varied angles, and was given spiritual insight that he might distinguish between right and wrong. Like Daniel, David maintained his integrity in an environment not of his own choosing; nor did he fear contamination. God does not hesitate to place His servants in the very vortex of human selfishness, knowing that the darker the night, the brighter their light will shine forth.

David, who had been a dutiful son in the house of his father, Jesse, now proved his worth as a loyal ambassador for the king.

Set him over. Saul was true to his promise to honor the man willing to accept the challenge his own soldiers had declined. Though little more than a youth, David conducted himself with such commendable discretion that he was readily accepted by all. His excellent traits of character were obvious. This does not mean that he replaced Abner, who had been, and still was, captain of the armed forces.

By SdaBc