Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
Saul feared David because he sensed that God had left him and was with David instead. Note this well: those truly great and to be reverenced have God with them. David's wise behavior only deepened Saul's fear, for wisdom commands respect where threats and hectoring earn only the contempt of the discerning. Saul foolishly removed him from court, thinking to weaken him, but gave David instead a chance to win the people's love.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Samuel 18:12-30
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways,.... Both in the court and in the camp, in whatsoever service he was employed; or "prospered" (u), as the word also signifies; for, generally speaking, those that behave wisely succeed well; in this he was a type of Christ, Isa 52:13; the reason of it follows: and the Lord was with him; from whom he had...
FEARS HIM FOR HIS GOOD SUCCESS. (Sa1 18:13-16) Therefore Saul removed him from him--sent him away from the court, where the principal persons, including his own son, were spellbound with admiration of the young and pious warrior. made him captain over a thousand--gave him a military commission, which was intended to be an honorable exile.