1 Samuel 18:16
But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
But all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
But all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה
and Judah
H3063
וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה
and Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
3 of 11
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֛וּא
H1931
ה֛וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
8 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יוֹצֵ֥א
because he went out
H3318
יוֹצֵ֥א
because he went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
The distinction between 'Israel' (northern tribes) and 'Judah' (southern) anticipates later division. David's ability to unite both reveals his broad appeal. Military leaders who led personally rather than commanding from safety earned exceptional devotion from ancient armies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does leading through personal presence and shared risk build genuine loyalty?
- What does David's servant-leadership foreshadow about Christ's approach to His people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
The contrast is stark: Saul feared while 'all Israel and Judah loved' ('ahav). The Hebrew emphasizes totality - both northern tribes (Israel) and David's own tribe (Judah) united in affection for him. The reason given is simple: 'he went out and came in before them.' David led from the front, sharing the dangers his men faced. Leadership through presence rather than pronouncement earned genuine loyalty. This foreshadows the Good Shepherd who goes before His sheep, ultimately laying down His life for them. David's popularity grew not through self-promotion but through faithful service.