And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Samuel 18:14
What does 1 Samuel 18:14 mean?
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1 Samuel 18:14
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It's easy to read this and think David was just naturally gifted and lucky. But notice the phrasing: "David had success in all his undertakings." This wasn't just a few lucky breaks; it was a consistent pattern, directly attributed to the cause: "for the LORD was with him." His success wasn't his own doing; it was the tangible evidence of God's presence and favor in every single thing he did.
And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes right after Saul, increasingly jealous of David's success and the people's adoration, tries to have him killed by sending him into battle. David, through God's favor, not only survives but gains even greater glory, making Saul even more fearful and resentful. This success isn't just random luck; it's presented as a direct result of God's presence and blessing on David's life and actions.
We all want to succeed, right? David was known for his victories, but the Bible gives us a surprising reason why.
The verse is clear: David's success wasn't just about his skill or charisma. It was because 'the LORD was with him.' This wasn't a passive presence, but an active, empowering force. Think of it as God's favor and active participation in David's life and endeavors. His success in 'all his undertakings' points to a consistent blessing that stemmed directly from this divine connection.
David faced a lot of 'undertakings.' What does it really mean for God to be with us in all of them?
The Bible doesn't define 'success' solely by winning battles or gaining fame, though David certainly did that. When it says 'David had success in all his undertakings,' it implies faithfulness and fruitfulness in whatever God called him to do. This could mean courageously facing Goliath, wisely leading people, or even enduring hardship with integrity. Success, in God's economy, is often about honoring Him in the task at hand, regardless of the outcome we might expect.
Understand the original words
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śākal · Hebrew Verb
The concept of divine blessing resulting in wisdom, effectiveness, and prospering in one's responsibilities. It is not mere luck, but the tangible evidence of God's favor and presence upon an individual.
This verse captures a pivotal moment where David's rising prominence, marked by success in his endeavors, is directly attributed to God's presence, even as he navigates the perilous jealousy of King Saul.
c. 1080 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a significant shift from the period of judges to monarchy. This sets the stage for future tensions.
c. 1070 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel, under God's direction, secretly anoints David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel, even while Saul is still reigning.
c. 1065 BC
David Slays Goliath
A young David, armed with faith and a sling, defeats the Philistine champion Goliath, gaining immense popularity and becoming a national hero.
c. 1060 BC— this verse
Saul's Jealousy Grows
As David's military successes mount and the people praise him over Saul, the king becomes consumed by envy and seeks to kill David.
c. 1055 BC
David Flees Saul
David is forced to flee from Saul's murderous intent, living as a fugitive in the wilderness, leading a band of loyal followers.
This passage echoes the same theme, highlighting that success and courage come when the Lord is with us and we follow His commands.
Psalm 1:1-3This Psalm beautifully illustrates the prosperity and fruitfulness of those who delight in the Lord's law, mirroring David's success rooted in God's presence.
Proverbs 3:5-6This proverb offers a timeless principle: trusting in the Lord and acknowledging Him in all our ways is the key to Him making our paths straight and successful, just as He did for David.
John 15:5Jesus teaches that apart from Him, we can do nothing, but with Him, we bear fruit. This reflects David's ability to succeed because the Lord was truly with him.
It's easy to read this and think David was just naturally gifted and lucky. But notice the phrasing: "David had success in all his undertakings." This wasn't just a few lucky breaks; it was a consistent pattern, directly attributed to the cause: "for the LORD was with him." His success wasn't his own doing; it was the tangible evidence of God's presence and favor in every single thing he did.
This verse comes right after Saul, increasingly jealous of David's success and the people's adoration, tries to have him killed by sending him into battle. David, through God's favor, not only survives but gains even greater glory, making Saul even more fearful and resentful. This success isn't just random luck; it's presented as a direct result of God's presence and blessing on David's life and actions.
This verse comes right after Saul, increasingly jealous of David's success and the people's adoration, tries to have him killed by sending him into battle. David, through God's favor, not only survives but gains even greater glory, making Saul even more fearful and resentful. This success isn't just random luck; it's presented as a direct result of God's presence and blessing on David's life and actions.
"And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him." — It's easy to read this and think David was just naturally gifted and lucky. But notice the phrasing: "David had success in all his undertakings." This wasn't just a few lucky breaks; it was a consi…
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Last reviewed October 2026