Bible Strands
1 Samuel 18:14
and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David stands as a newly commissioned military commander under Saul, having just led troops in and out of battle after being given authority over a thousand men.
The words — The Hebrew מַשְׂכִּיל (maskîl) translates literally to "successful" or "prosperous," while the clause וַיהוָה עִמּוֹ (waYHWH immô) reads "and Yahweh was with him." The syntax places the cause of success directly after the observation of prosperity.
The thread — This pattern of divine presence producing success appears in Genesis 39:23 with Joseph, Joshua 6:27 with Joshua, and 1 Samuel 16:18 with David’s initial introduction.
Why it lands — The text states that David’s prosperity in all his ways resulted from Yahweh’s presence, requiring the reader to attribute leadership effectiveness to divine alignment rather than human capability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.
Cross-references
- Genesis 39:23 The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
- Joshua 6:27 So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.
- 1 Samuel 16:18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.”
- Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
- Genesis 39:2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.
- 1 Samuel 10:7 When these signs have come, do as the occasion demands, for God is with you.
- Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).
- Acts 18:10 For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”