region it was the custom to acknowledge obedience and subjection with a present. 16:21–22 David came to Saul and entered his service, (lit., “stood before him”).18 Servants always stood in the presence of the king, so standing before the king became a metaphor for royal service. Saul liked him (lit., “loved him”) very much.19 Eventually he promoted him to become one of his armor-bearers. The position was one of honor and responsibility. How long David served the king in this way is not stated. By