18:30 Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, [that] {o} David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
(o) That is, David had better success against the Philistines than Saul's men.
18:30 Went forth - To war against the Israelites, being provoked by their former losses, and especially by that act of David's.
18:12-30 For a long time David was kept in continual apprehension of falling by the hand of Saul, yet he persevered in meek and respectful behaviour towards his persecutor. How uncommon is such prudence and discretion, especially under insults and provocations! Let us inquire if we imitate this part of the exemplary character before us. Are we behaving wisely in all our ways? Is there no sinful omission, no rashness of spirit, nothing wrong in our conduct? Opposition and perverseness in others, will not excuse wrong tempers in us, but should increase our care, and attention to the duties of our station. Consider Him that endured contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be weary and faint in your minds, Heb 12:3. If David magnified the honour of being son-in-law to king Saul, how should we magnify the honour of being sons to the King of kings!
