Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with David but had abandoned him.
I can’t imagine a worse situation to be in. Please be ever with me, Lord; don’t ever abandon me (2 Samuel 7:15).
So Saul sent him away and put him in command of a thousand men. David led his men in battle…
A demotion with respect to 1 Samuel 18:5? In any event, David devoted himself to accomplish the task at hand to the best of his abilities – just like Joseph did in his demotion (Genesis 39). May I respond accordingly, Father. But at the end of the day, to do what?
…David… was successful in all he did, because the Lord was with him.
Again, just like Joseph (Genesis 39:23). As for me, I see myself more like Job 29:1-3. Please remember Lord that I am no more enduring than grass (Isaiah 40:7).
Saul noticed David’s success and became even more afraid of him.
The hole inside him just keeps getting bigger. May I come to you with any holes I find within me, Father – and may I find success.
…everyone in Israel and Judah loved David because he was such a successful leader.
They loved him because he was doing what the wanted / getting the results they wanted. That would change one day (2 Samuel 15:13; Psalm 18:43). You simply can’t put your trust in others (John 2:23-25).