David went out, upon military expeditions, of which that word is oft used. Set him over the men of war; gave him some considerable command in his army, though not the supreme.
Related Commentaries of 1 Samuel 18:5
1 Samuel 18:5
5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.