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1 Samuel 18:17,25
And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him…

1 Samuel 8:12
And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; andwill set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

1 Samuel 22:7
Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards,and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;

he went out

1 Samuel 18:16
But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.

Numbers 27:16,17
Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, …

2 Samuel 5:2
Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

and gave him command of a thousand men.
By giving David command of a thousand men, Saul is both promoting David and attempting to control him. This military appointment is significant, as it places David in a position of leadership and responsibility, further proving his capabilities and earning him respect among the people and the army. Historically, a "thousand" was a common military unit size in ancient Israel, indicating a substantial force under David's command. This move can be seen as a test of David's loyalty and skill, as well as a strategic decision by Saul to keep David occupied and potentially expose him to danger on the battlefield.

David led the troops out to battle and back,
David's leadership in battle demonstrates his military prowess and God's favor upon him. His success in leading the troops "out to battle and back" highlights his strategic acumen and ability to protect and guide his men effectively. This phrase underscores David's role as a warrior and leader, foreshadowing his future as a king who would lead Israel to numerous victories. The repeated success in battle further cements David's reputation among the people and soldiers, increasing Saul's jealousy and fear. This aspect of David's life can be seen as a type of Christ, who leads His people to spiritual victory and safety. David's ability to lead and return safely also reflects God's protection and blessing over his life, aligning with the biblical theme of divine providence and guidance for those who are chosen by God.

• “Therefore” ties the verse to Saul’s growing jealousy after the women’s song that “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7–9).

• Saul’s fear (1 Samuel 18:12) drives a calculated move: distance David from the royal court while masking the action as a promotion.

• Similar distancing is seen later when Saul hurls a spear (1 Samuel 19:9-10) and sends messengers to David’s house (1 Samuel 19:11); each step reveals the king’s intent to keep David at arm’s length.

• Yet even in exile from the palace, David remains inside God’s plan, echoing Joseph’s experience inGenesis 39:23—what looks like displacement becomes preparation.

• A “thousand” was a standard military unit (cf.1 Samuel 13:2). Saul’s assignment is both significant and strategic: high enough to seem like honor, low enough to limit David’s direct access to the throne.

• God turns this appointment into further training: David learns to lead, plan, and protect—skills later used when he commands “commanders of thousands and hundreds” (2 Samuel 18:1).

• The pattern fitsLuke 16:10—faithfulness in lesser responsibility opens doors to greater stewardship.

• Saul meant control; God meant promotion (Proverbs 21:1).

• “Went out and came in” is an idiom for successful leadership (Numbers 27:17). David not only fights but also brings the men home—evidence of wise, caring command (1 Samuel 18:14).

• Each sortie strengthens his reputation: “All Israel and Judah loved David, because he would lead them out to battle and back” (1 Samuel 18:16).

• The victories intensify Saul’s fear (1 Samuel 18:29) but solidify the people’s trust, anticipating the covenantal promise in2 Samuel 5:2, “You will shepherd My people Israel.”

• David’s example reminds believers that godly success includes both courage in conflict and responsibility for those we lead (John 10:3-4).

1 Samuel 18:13 records Saul’s attempt to sideline David by sending him away and limiting his influence. God turns the maneuver into a platform for growth: David receives real command, proves faithful, and deepens his bond with the nation. The verse highlights God’s sovereign ability to transform human schemes into stepping-stones for His chosen servant, urging us to trust His hand when circumstances seem imposed or unfair.

Parallel Commentaries ...