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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 16:21 When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/16-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/09_1Sa_16_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 16:21 - David Serves Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/16-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/16-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/16-20.htm" title="1 Samuel 16:20">◄</a> 1 Samuel 16:21 <a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm" title="1 Samuel 16:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David came to Saul and attended him; and <i>Saul</i> greatly loved him, and he became his armor bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then David came to Saul and attended him, and Saul loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then David came to Saul and stood before him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then David came to Saul and attended him. Saul loved him greatly and [later] David became his armor bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armorbearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />David went to Saul and started working for him. Saul liked him so much that he put David in charge of carrying his weapons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />David came to Saul and served him. Saul loved him very much and made David his armorbearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much and chose him as the man to carry his weapons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David went to Saul and began to serve him. Saul loved him very much, and he became his armor bearer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />David came to Saul and stood before him. Saul liked him a great deal, and he became his armor bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />David came to Saul, and stood before him. He loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armor-bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />David came to Saul and stood before him. He loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And David comes to Saul, and stands before him, and he loves him greatly; and he is a bearer of his weapons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And David cometh in unto Saul, and standeth before him, and he loveth him greatly; and he is a bearer of his weapons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will come to Saul, and stand before him: and he will love him greatly; and he will be to him lifting up the arms.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him exceedingly, and made him his armourbearer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And David went to Saul, and stood before him. And he loved him exceedingly, and he made him his armor bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thus David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul became very fond of him and made him his armor-bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And David came to Saul, and entered his service. Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And David came to Saul, and stood before him; and he loved him greatly; and he became his armorbearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David came to Shaul and stood before him, and he loved him greatly, and he was Armor Bearer for him<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And David came to Saul, and stood before him; and he loved him greatly; and he became his armour-bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And David went in to Saul, and stood before him; and he loved him greatly; and he became his armour-bearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/16-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=4594" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/16.htm">David Serves Saul</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat, and sent them to Saul with his son David. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">When David</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">and entered his service,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: way·ye·’ĕ·hā·ḇê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">Saul admired him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">greatly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and David became</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">his</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: nō·śê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">armor-bearer.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: ḵê·lîm (N-mp) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus."></a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">1 Samuel 18:1-5</a></span><br />After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">1 Samuel 17:55-58</a></span><br />As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.” / “Find out whose son this young man is!” said the king. / So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">1 Samuel 19:4-7</a></span><br />Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. / He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” / Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1-4</a></span><br />Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” / “Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!” / But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">1 Samuel 22:14</a></span><br />Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a></span><br />Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">2 Samuel 7:8</a></span><br />Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-2.htm">1 Chronicles 11:2</a></span><br />Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/17-7.htm">1 Chronicles 17:7</a></span><br />Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Psalm 78:70-72</a></span><br />He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Acts 13:22</a></span><br />After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-4</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-9</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">Philippians 2:19-22</a></span><br />Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing. / I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs. / For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-24</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.</p><p class="hdg">stood before him</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">Genesis 41:46</a></b></br> And Joseph <i>was</i> thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/1-38.htm">Deuteronomy 1:38</a></b></br> <i>But</i> Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/10-8.htm">Deuteronomy 10:8</a></b></br> At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.</p><p class="hdg">loved him</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/62-9.htm">Psalm 62:9</a></b></br> Surely men of low degree <i>are</i> vanity, <i>and</i> men of high degree <i>are</i> a lie: to be laid in the balance, they <i>are</i> altogether <i>lighter</i> than vanity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/118-9.htm">Psalm 118:9</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/146-3.htm">Psalm 146:3</a></b></br> Put not your trust in princes, <i>nor</i> in the son of man, in whom <i>there is</i> no help.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Armor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Armorbearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Armor-Bearer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm">Armor-Bearers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Armourbearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Armour-Bearer</a> <a href="/ruth/4-16.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/judges/14-20.htm">Attended</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Bearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-2.htm">Care</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-20.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-6.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-20.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-41.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-52.htm">Service</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-9.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-2.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Weapons</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-5.htm">Armor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Armorbearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Armor-Bearer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm">Armor-Bearers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Armourbearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Armour-Bearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-54.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Attended</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-7.htm">Bearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-22.htm">Care</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-22.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm">Service</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-54.htm">Weapons</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">Samuel sent by God, under pretense of a sacrifice, comes to Bethlehem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/16-6.htm">His human judgment is reproved</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">He anoints David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/16-15.htm">Saul sends for David to quiet his evil spirit</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When David came to Saul</b><br>David's introduction to Saul marks a significant turning point in his life. This event occurs after Samuel anoints David as the future king of Israel, though Saul remains the reigning king. David's journey to Saul's court is orchestrated by divine providence, setting the stage for his future leadership. The context of David's arrival is crucial, as it follows Saul's rejection by God due to disobedience, and the Spirit of the Lord departing from Saul. This transition highlights the beginning of David's rise and Saul's decline.<p><b>and entered his service</b><br>David's entry into Saul's service is a fulfillment of God's plan, as David is positioned to learn about leadership and governance firsthand. Serving in the royal court provides David with invaluable experience and insight into the workings of the kingdom. This service also places David in a position to influence and eventually lead Israel. The cultural context of the time would have seen such service as an honor, and it reflects David's humility and willingness to serve even under a king who has lost God's favor.<p><b>Saul loved him very much</b><br>Saul's initial affection for David is significant, as it demonstrates David's ability to win favor and trust. This love is likely due to David's musical talent, which soothes Saul's troubled spirit, as well as David's character and demeanor. The phrase also foreshadows the complex relationship between Saul and David, which will evolve from love to jealousy and enmity. This dynamic is a poignant reminder of the volatile nature of human relationships and the impact of sin and disobedience.<p><b>and David became his armor-bearer</b><br>The role of an armor-bearer was one of great trust and responsibility, as it involved close proximity to the king in times of battle. This position signifies David's growing importance in Saul's court and his rising status. It also symbolizes David's future role as a warrior king, prefiguring his leadership in battles for Israel. Theologically, David as an armor-bearer can be seen as a type of Christ, who bears the burdens of humanity and fights on behalf of His people. This role also foreshadows David's eventual leadership and the fulfillment of God's promise to establish his kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his heart after God and his musical talent.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who was chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience. He struggled with a troubled spirit.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/armor-bearer.htm">Armor-bearer</a></b><br>A trusted position in ancient military contexts, responsible for carrying the armor and weapons of a warrior, indicating a close and trusted relationship.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/service_to_saul.htm">Service to Saul</a></b><br>David's entry into Saul's service marks the beginning of his rise to prominence and his complex relationship with Saul.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/admiration.htm">Admiration</a></b><br>Saul's initial admiration for David highlights the favor David found in the eyes of others, a recurring theme in his life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_preparation.htm">God's Preparation</a></b><br>David's role as an armor-bearer was part of God's preparation for his future leadership. God often places us in roles that prepare us for His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_small_things.htm">Faithfulness in Small Things</a></b><br>David's faithfulness in serving Saul, even when he was not yet king, teaches us the importance of being faithful in small tasks before God entrusts us with greater responsibilities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_favor.htm">The Power of Favor</a></b><br>David found favor in Saul's eyes, illustrating how God can grant us favor with others to fulfill His plans. We should seek to live in a way that honors God and earns the respect of others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/complex_relationships.htm">Complex Relationships</a></b><br>David's relationship with Saul was complex, involving both admiration and conflict. This teaches us about navigating difficult relationships with grace and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_gifts_in_service.htm">Spiritual Gifts in Service</a></b><br>David's musical talent was used to serve Saul and soothe his troubled spirit. We should use our spiritual gifts to serve others and bring glory to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_an_armor_bearer's_role.htm">What role did an armor bearer serve in battle?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_david_anointed_again_in_2_samuel.htm">In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_elhanan_kill_goliath,_not_david.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:19, how could Elhanan have killed Goliath when David is credited with that feat in 1 Samuel 17?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_david_allow_saul's_heirs'_execution.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:5-6, why does David permit the execution of Saul's descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent's wrongdoing?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">And he became his armour-bearer.</span>--But probably only for a very short time. David returned, we should conclude, to Samuel, whose pupil and friend we know he was. The seer was watching over the young man with a view to his lofty destiny. Saul apparently, from his question in <a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm" title="And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.">1Samuel 17:55</a>, "Whose son is this youth?" had forgotten all about him. There is no "note of time," so we are not able to determine how long a period had elapsed between the events narrated in this chapter and the combat with the Philistines told in 1 Samuel 17. It is, however, likely that the king's malady, which was making rapid progress in this period of his reign, had already obscured his once powerful mind; his memory for the past was likely enough to have been treacherous.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 21-23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">David came to Saul, and stood before him.</span> The latter phrase means, "became one of his regular attendants." This, and his being appointed one of Saul's armour bearers, happened only after the lapse of some time. The armour bearer, like the esquire in the middle ages, had to carry his lord's lance, and sword, and shield, and was always a tried soldier, and one whom the king trusted. It was apparently after the combat with Goliath that Saul sent to Jesse, and asked that David might be always with him; and until his jealousy burst forth David was very dear to him, and his music exercised a soothing influence upon his melancholy. At first, probably, these fits of insanity came upon Saul only at distant intervals, but afterwards more frequently, and with such loss of self-control that he more than once tried to murder David, and even Jonathan, his own son. We have, then, here a summary of the relations of Saul to David until the unfortunate day when the king heard the women ascribe to the youthful soldier the higher honor (<a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">1 Samuel 18:7</a>); and thenceforward these friendly feelings gave way to a growing dislike which deprived Saul of a faithful servant, and finally cost him his crown and life on Mount Gilboa. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/16-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֔וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and entered his service,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul admired</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּאֱהָבֵ֣הֽוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye·’ĕ·hā·ḇê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him greatly,</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and David became</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיְהִי־</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his armor-bearer.</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹשֵׂ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(nō·śê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/16-21.htm">1 Samuel 16:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/16-21.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 16:21 David came to Saul and stood before (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/16-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 16:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 16:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 16:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 16:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>