1 Samuel 16:18

one of the servants The word here used for "servants" literally means "young men" (Vulg. pueri), as it is rendered in 1 Samuel 14:1, and probably refers to military attendants: that used in 1 Samuel 16:15 literally means "slaves" (Vulg. servi), and includes the servants in general.

a mighty valiant man, &c. David had proved his courage while still tending his sheep. See 1 Samuel 17:32-36. "A man of war" describes his capacity and promise rather than actual warlike experience.

prudent in matters Rather, "skilled in word," eloquent. Possibly he had already composed psalms, but of those which have come down to us only Psalms 8 can be referred to this period, and even that is probably somewhat later. Psalms 19, 23,, 29, describing the phenomena of nature, doubtless contain recollections of his shepherd life.

the Lord is with him See note on 1 Samuel 3:19.