Thousands and ten thousands
is a standard word pair for very large numbers (see Deuteronomy 32:30; Deuteronomy 33:17; Micah 6:7; Psalm 91:7; Psalm 144:13). Both David and Saul were praised for the victory. Indeed, by mentioning Saul’s name first, he was given pride of place,1 if not at the very least equal footing with David.2 The song is thus not meant to humiliate Saul in any way. Rather, it serves as a celebration of his and David’s heroics.3 David’s success had made him an equal with Saul in the sight of the nation.4
7 And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”