1 Samuel 18:16 net — But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he was the one leading them out to battle and back.

NET Bible

"But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he was the one leading them out to battle and back."

— 1 Samuel 18:16, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 18:16 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 18 — Context

13

Saul removed David from his presence and made him a commanding officer. David led the army out to battle and back.

14

Now David achieved success in all he did, for the LORD was with him.

15

When Saul saw how very successful he was, he was afraid of him.

16

But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he was the one leading them out to battle and back.

17

Then Saul said to David,“Here’s my oldest daughter, Merab. I want to give her to you in marriage. Only be a brave warrior for me and fight the battles of the LORD.”For Saul thought,“There’s no need for me to raise my hand against him. Let it be the hand of the Philistines!”

18

David said to Saul,“Who am I? Who are my relatives or the clan of my father in Israel that I should become the king’s son-in-law?”

19

When the time came for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David, she instead was given in marriage to Adriel, who was from Meholah.

1 Samuel 18:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 18:16 say?
1 Samuel 18:16 in the NET Bible reads: “But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he was the one leading them out to battle and back.”
Where is 1 Samuel 18:16 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 18:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 18, verse 16.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 18:16.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 18:16 in?
1 Samuel 18:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 18:16?
1 Samuel 18:16 reads (NET): “But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he was the one leading them out to battle and back.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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