1 Samuel 18:5
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. 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.
David went out wherever Saul sent him, carrying out every order with wisdom and faithfulness. Saul set him over the men of war, placing him in charge of military affairs and giving him leadership of important enterprises. That promotion to military leadership came through the influence of the people acting in his favor.
He was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants, winning their love, confidence, and affection. That favor extended into the royal household itself, where he also gained affection. His important responsibilities did not take away his modesty.
God's blessing was evident in his life at this time. His position at court prepared him for future leadership by helping him gain the confidence of the nation. Yet his very ability to win the people's love and confidence stirred Saul to hate him and to fear that he would take his place as king. The hardships arising from Saul's hostility in this period taught him to depend wholly on God.