Most likely Saul gave David a high rank in his army only after he returned to Gibeah and threw his spear at him. This was done before, or as he sent David away on various campaigns against the Philistines (1 Samuel 18:12–19). The appointment of David as a commander of an army unit (1 Samuel 18:13) was met with universal approval from his advisors and the people as a whole. It was seen by them as a reward for David’s victory over Goliath.
5 David allait et réussissait partout où l'envoyait Saül; il fut mis par Saül à la tête des gens de guerre, et il plaisait à tout le peuple, même aux serviteurs de Saül.