John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him , etc.] About any business whatsoever, especially about martial affairs, for which he was abundantly qualified: [and] behaved himself wisely ; in the management of them, using great prudence and discretion, and so failed not of success, and of recommending himself; the Targum renders it “prospering”; he was prosperous and successful in whatsoever he engaged, for the Lord was with him, and blessed him: and Saul set him over the men of war ; that is, of some of them, gave him the command of a troop; for Abner was captain or general of the army, and continued so: and he was accepted in the sight of all the people ; of all the people in the land in general, of all that knew or heard of him; being looked upon as a wise, valiant, and successful commander, and which gained him the esteem and affection of the people: and also in the sight of Saul’s servants ; which was very much, and a rare thing, for servants are too apt to envy such as are rising in their credit and reputation; though this must not be understood of all, without exception; but of the generality of them; nor is the word “all” used of them, as is of the people; for some of them took the part of Saul afterwards against David, and were secretly his enemies, (see 1 Samuel 18:22-26).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - The friendship of David and Jonathan was the effect of Divine grace which produces in true believers one heart and one soul, and cause them to love each other. This union of souls is from partaking in the Spirit of Christ. Where God unites hearts, carnal matters are too wea to separate them. Those who love Christ as their own souls, will be willing to join themselves to him in an everlasting covenant. It wa certainly a great proof of the power of God's grace in David, that he was able to bear all this respect and honour, without being lifted u above measure.
Original Hebrew ויצא3318 דוד1732 בכל3605 אשׁר834 ישׁלחנו7971 שׁאול7586 ישׂכיל7919 וישׂמהו7760 שׁאול7586 על5921 אנשׁי582 המלחמה4421 וייטב3190 בעיני5869 כל3605 העם5971 וגם1571 בעיני5869 עבדי5650 שׁאול׃7586
