David went out wherever Saul sent him, [and] behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and it was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.
This verse has no chronological connection whatever with the verses preceding or following it.  "It covers a great deal of time."[2]  Also, the events of  1 Samuel 18:1-4 probably took place at the end of this period of time, and not prior to it.  Jonathan's soul being knit with David's was mentioned first, and out of sequence, because the sacred author wished to emphasize it.