How does David's success in 1 Samuel 18:5 demonstrate God's favor upon him? The immediate context • Saul has just recruited David full-time after the victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 18:2). • Jonathan’s covenant friendship (18:3-4) foreshadows royal succession. • Verse 5 summarizes David’s early military career: “So David marched out with whatever mission Saul sent him to, and he prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and of Saul’s officers as well.” Marks of God’s favor in David’s success 1. Supernatural prosperity – The verb translated “prospered” (ʾāskîl) carries the sense of acting wisely and achieving success. Scripture attributes true wisdom to the Spirit’s work (Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5). – David’s victories echo the Lord’s promise to Joshua: “Then you will prosper and succeed in all you do” (Joshua 1:8). The identical blessing now rests on David, confirming divine backing. 2. Swift promotion – Saul makes David commander “over the men of war.” Such rapid elevation—from armor-bearer (16:21) to senior officer—signals that God is opening doors no man could naturally open (Revelation 3:7-8). – Psalm 75:6-7 reminds us that “promotion comes… from God.” David’s experience illustrates that truth. 3. Universal approval – David’s leadership “was pleasing in the sight of all the people and of Saul’s officers.” God can create favor even in hostile environments (Genesis 39:21 with Joseph; Acts 2:47 with the early church). – The widespread acclaim fulfills Samuel’s prophecy that Israel would recognize the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 16:1, 12-13). 4. Continuity of the Spirit’s anointing – The Spirit had rushed upon David at his anointing (16:13). Verse 14 later notes, “The LORD was with David and made him prosper.” The narrative links every success back to that Spirit-empowerment. – 2 Samuel 7:8-9 looks back on this season: “I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies before you.” The covenant memory traces victory to God alone. Why this matters for readers today • God’s favor is recognizable—evident results, open doors, and godly reputation. • Favor is rooted in calling and anointing, not self-promotion (1 Colossians 1:26-31). • The same Lord who empowered David still equips His people for their assignments (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Peter 1:3). |
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