1 Samuel 18:5 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.

◄ 1 Samuel 18:5 ►

New International Version
Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well.

New Living Translation
Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.

English Standard Version
And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

Berean Standard Bible
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 Bible
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.

New King James Version
So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved 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.

New American Standard Bible
And David went into battle wherever Saul sent him, and always achieved success; so Saul put him in charge of the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

NASB 1995
So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

NASB 1977
So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

Legacy Standard Bible
So David went out wherever Saul sent him and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the eyes of all the people and also in the eyes of Saul’s servants.

Amplified Bible
So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and he acted wisely and prospered; and Saul appointed him over the men of war. And it pleased all the people and also Saul’s servants.

Christian Standard Bible
David marched out with the army and was successful in everything Saul sent him to do. Saul put him in command of the fighting men, which pleased all the people and Saul’s servants as well.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David marched out with the army and was successful in everything Saul sent him to do. Saul put him in command of the soldiers, which pleased all the people and Saul’s servants as well.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
David was a success in everything that Saul sent him to do, and Saul made him a high officer in his army. That pleased everyone, including Saul's other officers.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David was successful wherever Saul sent him. Saul put him in charge of the fighting men. This pleased all the people, including Saul's officials.

Good News Translation
David was successful in all the missions on which Saul sent him, and so Saul made him an officer in his army. This pleased all of Saul's officers and men.

International Standard Version
David went out and was successful everywhere Saul sent him, and Saul put him in charge of the troops. This pleased the entire army, as well as Saul's officials.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
On every mission on which Saul sent him, David achieved success. So Saul appointed him over the men of war. This pleased not only all the army, but also Saul's servants.

New Heart English Bible
Then Saul set him over the men of war, and David went out, succeeding wherever Saul sent him. And it was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And David goes out wherever Saul sends him; he acted wisely, and Saul sets 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.

Young's Literal Translation
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.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will go forth in all which Saul will send him, and he will be prudent: and Saul will set him over the men of war, and he will be good in the eyes of all the people, and also in the eyes of the servants of Saul.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Also, David went out to do everything whatsoever that Saul sent him to do, and he conducted himself prudently. And Saul set him over men of war. And he was acceptable in the eyes of the entire people, and most of all in the sight of the servants of Saul.

New American Bible
David then carried out successfully every mission on which Saul sent him. So Saul put him in charge of his soldiers; this met with the approval of the whole army, even Saul’s officers.

New Revised Standard Version
David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him; as a result, Saul set him over the army. And all the people, even the servants of Saul, approved.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And David went out wherever Saul sent him and was victorious; so that Saul appointed him over the men of war, and he found favor in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David was going out wherever Shaul was sending him and he was conquering, and Shaul appointed him over the warrior men, and he was pleasing in the eyes of the people, also in the eyes of the Servants of Shaul

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And David went out; whithersoever Saul sent him, he had good success; 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.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Saul Envies David
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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 16:21-22
When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. / Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

1 Samuel 17:55-58
As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.” / “Find out whose son this young man is!” said the king. / So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul. ...

1 Samuel 19:8
When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.

1 Samuel 23:5
Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.

1 Samuel 25:28
Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live.

2 Samuel 5:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

2 Samuel 8:6
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

2 Samuel 8:14
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

2 Kings 14:10
You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?”

1 Chronicles 11:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

1 Chronicles 18:13
He placed garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

Psalm 18:32-34
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear. / He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights. / He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Psalm 78:72
So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

Proverbs 3:4
Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

Treasury of Scripture

And David went out wherever 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.

behaved.

1 Samuel 18:14,15,30
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him…

Genesis 39:2,3,23
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian…

Psalm 1:3
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

wisely

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Ephesians 5:17
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

the men of war

1 Samuel 13:2
Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

1 Samuel 14:52
And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.

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1 Samuel 18

1. Jonathan befriends David
5. Saul envies his praise
10. seeks to kill him in his fury
12. fears him for his good success
17. offers him his daughters for snare
23. David persuaded to be the king's son-in-law,
25. gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal's dowry
28. Saul's hatred and David's glory increase

Berean Study Bible

So David marched out
The phrase "marched out" indicates David's active participation and willingness to serve. The Hebrew root for "marched" is "yatsa," which means to go forth or to come out. This action signifies David's readiness and obedience to fulfill his duties. Historically, this reflects the role of a servant leader, one who is not only chosen by God but also actively engages in the tasks set before him. David's willingness to march out is a testament to his character and faithfulness.

and was successful in everything
The word "successful" comes from the Hebrew "sakal," which means to be prudent, to have insight, or to prosper. David's success is not merely a result of his own abilities but is indicative of God's favor upon him. In the biblical context, success is often linked with divine blessing and guidance. David's success in everything he undertakes is a reflection of his alignment with God's will and purpose.

Saul sent him to do
The phrase "Saul sent him" highlights the authority and responsibility given to David by King Saul. The Hebrew word "shalach" means to send or to commission. This indicates that David was entrusted with significant tasks and missions. Saul's decision to send David underscores the trust and reliance placed upon him, despite the underlying tension that would later develop between them.

and Saul put him in charge of the men of war
"Put him in charge" translates from the Hebrew "natan," meaning to give or to appoint. This appointment signifies a significant elevation in David's status and responsibility. Being in charge of the "men of war" indicates a leadership role over the military forces, a position of great honor and influence. This reflects David's growing reputation and the recognition of his leadership abilities.

And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people
The phrase "pleasing in the sight" suggests approval and favor from the community. The Hebrew word "yatab" means to be good or pleasing. David's actions and leadership were not only effective but also resonated positively with the people. This communal approval is crucial in establishing David's legitimacy and support among the Israelites.

and Saul’s officers as well
The inclusion of "Saul’s officers" indicates that David's favor extended beyond the general populace to those in positions of authority. The Hebrew term "ebed" refers to servants or officers, suggesting that even those who served under Saul recognized and appreciated David's capabilities. This widespread approval sets the stage for David's eventual rise to kingship, as he gains the respect and loyalty of both the people and the military leaders.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - David went out. I.e. went on military expeditions (comp. ver. 30). As the verb has thus a technical signification, it makes a complete sense, and the verse should be translated, "And David went forth (i.e. on warlike enterprises); whithersoever Saul sent him he prospered, and Saul set him over the men of war." These expeditions were not upon a very large scale; for it is not until ver. 13 that we read of David being made "captain over a thousand." Still, even while only a centurion in rank, yet, as being in constant attendance upon the king, he would often temporarily have the command of larger bodies of men, or would go on campaigns as one of the king's officers. As it is mentioned that his promotion caused no envy because of his great merits, it follows that it was rapid enough to have given occasion to ill will under ordinary circumstances. Behaved himself wisely. This is the primary meaning of the verb; but as success is the result of wise conduct, it constantly signifies to prosper. This verse is a summary of events which may have occupied a very considerable space of time. It was only gradually that David's fame became so great as to rouse all the worst feelings in Saul's mind. SAUL'S HATRED OF DAVID (vers. 6-16).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So David
דָוִ֜ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

marched out
וַיֵּצֵ֨א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

[and] prospered
יַשְׂכִּ֔יל (yaś·kîl)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent

in everything
בְּכֹל֩ (bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Saul
שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

sent him to do,
יִשְׁלָחֶ֤נּוּ (yiš·lā·ḥen·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

and Saul
שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

set him
וַיְשִׂמֵ֣הוּ (way·śi·mê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

over
עַ֖ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the men
אַנְשֵׁ֣י (’an·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

of war.
הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

And this was pleasing
וַיִּיטַב֙ (way·yî·ṭaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

in the sight
בְּעֵינֵ֣י (bə·‘ê·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of all
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the people
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and of Saul's
שָׁאֽוּל׃ (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

officers
עַבְדֵ֥י (‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

as well.
וְגַ֕ם (wə·ḡam)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

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OT History: 1 Samuel 18:5 David went out wherever Saul sent him (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)