Or, “was successful,” as the form of the Hebrew verb implies. The mistakes of men in power in dealing with their subordinates may easily be used by those subordinates as steppingstones to success if they wisely conduct themselves. David accepted his demotion—for such it seems to have been—in all humility, and in his new role won the admiration of all Israel. There were no recriminations, nor was there self-pity due to the unjust treatment. David remained the same bright, spiritual-minded soul he had always been. Greatly beloved by the Lord, he was, in spite of the wrath of the king, receiving just the training he needed before stepping into the responsibilities of leadership. God adapts the discipline of life to the peculiar needs of each individual who purposes to be true to duty.