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.

Cross-reference

In 1 Samuel 18:14, the reason for David's success is revealed: the Lord was with him — explaining the success in 18:5.

In 1 Samuel 18:15, Saul's fear is the direct consequence of David's success from 18:5 — cause and effect.

In 1 Samuel 18:30, David's repeated success and growing fame echo the initial success in 18:5 — a pattern of divine favor.

In 1 Samuel 18:16, the narrative reinforces David's widespread love by all Israel and Judah, echoing his acceptance from verse 5.

1 Samuel 14:52 Historical context

1 Samuel 14:52 explains Saul's practice of recruiting valiant men — which directly leads to David being set over the men of war here.

In Genesis 39:2, Joseph prospers because the LORD is with him — the same divine favor behind David's wise behavior and acceptance here.

Genesis 39:3 shows Joseph's master recognizing God's favor — just as Saul and his servants recognized David's success and wisdom.

In Genesis 39:23, even in prison Joseph prospers because God is with him — echoing David's prosperity in Saul's service.

Acts 7:10 Parallel

Acts 7:10 recounts God giving Joseph favor and wisdom before Pharaoh — a parallel to David's wisdom and favor before Saul.

In 2 Kings 18:7, Hezekiah's success mirrors David's: 'the LORD was with him; he prospered whithersoever he went forth'.

2 Samuel 19:9 Related theme

In 2 Samuel 19:9, the people later recall David as their deliverer from enemies, showing his lasting reputation as a military leader established here.