17 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines.
3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.
4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze.
6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders.
7 And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him.
8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me.
9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.”
10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.”
11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years.
13 The three oldest sons of Jesse had followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
14 David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul,
15 but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.
16 For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening.
17 And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers.
18 Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.
19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
20 And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry.
21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army.
22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers.
23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.
24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid.
25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.”
26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”
28 Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”
29 And David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word?”
30 Then he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before.
31 When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him.
32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”
34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock,
35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him.
36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.
37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”
38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail,
39 Then David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off.
40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.
41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him.
42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance.
43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.”
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head.
47 And that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.
48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.
49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.
51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron.
53 And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp.
54 Then David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.
55 As soon as Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.”
56 And the king said, “Inquire whose son the boy is.”
57 And as David returned from the striking down of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
58 And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”
The True Meaning of 1 Samuel 17
The book of 1 Samuel was written by the prophet Samuel, who played a crucial role in the transition from the era of judges to the establishment of the monarchy in ancient Israel. David and the mighty Philistine warrior Goliath have a famous encounter in this particular chapter.
This chapter sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the life of David, who would later become the greatest king of Israel. We will see how David’s unwavering faith and courage in the face of a seemingly insurmountable challenge would not only secure a victory for the Israelites but also foreshadow his rise to power and the fulfillment of God’s plan for his life.
Throughout this passage, we will find echoes of other biblical narratives, such as the story of Moses and the Exodus, where God’s people faced daunting adversaries but were ultimately delivered by the power of the Almighty. The events in this chapter will also lay the foundation for the ongoing conflict between David and the reigning king, Saul, as the young shepherd’s fame and influence grow.
1 Samuel 17:1-11
- 1 Samuel 17:1-11 breakdown:
- Verse 1: “Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah.”
- Verses 2-3: “Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.”
- Verses 4-7: “A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels; on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.”
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Verses 8-11: “Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, ‘Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.’ Then the Philistine said, ‘This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.’ On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.”
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We are introduced to the setup of a significant confrontation between the Israelites and the Philistines in these initial verses of 1 Samuel 17. The Philistines had gathered their forces for battle, encamped at Ephes Dammim, while the Israelites, under King Saul, positioned themselves in the Valley of Elah. This geographical positioning set the stage for a face-off which would have far-reaching consequences.
The emergence of Goliath on the scene is a pivotal moment. Described as a giant of immense stature and strength, clad in formidable armor, Goliath struck fear into the hearts of the Israelites. His challenge, a one-on-one combat to settle the conflict between the two nations, was bold and intimidating. The fact that no Israelite warrior dared to step up to face him speaks volumes about the fear and lack of faith among King Saul’s army.
The figure of Goliath embodies not just a physical threat but also a spiritual one. He represents the embodiment of arrogance, defiance, and intimidation. His challenge not only taunts the Israelites but also questions the power and sovereignty of their God. The response of Saul and his army, marked by dismay and terror, highlights their lack of trust in God’s deliverance and power to overcome such a formidable foe.
This passage showcases the theme of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. The faithlessness of Saul and his men stands in stark contrast to the courage and unwavering trust in God displayed by David later in the chapter. It underscores the importance of trusting in God’s strength rather than succumbing to fear in times of crisis. Goliath’s challenge sets the stage for the eventual triumph of faith and God’s power over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
It is worth noting that the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 is not just a tale of physical combat but a narrative rich in spiritual lessons. It teaches us about the importance of courage, faith, and reliance on God’s strength in the face of challenges. It serves as a reminder that God can work through unlikely individuals to bring about victory and deliverance, ultimately showcasing His glory and power in the most unexpected ways. This passage resonates with the overarching theme of God’s faithfulness and provision throughout history when considering it in the broader context of the Bible. Just as God empowered David to defeat Goliath, He continues to equip His people today to face their giants with trust and reliance on Him. The story of David and Goliath serves as a timeless reminder that no obstacle is too great for God to overcome and that victory belongs to the Lord.
1 Samuel 17:12-19
David is introduced in 1 Samuel 17:12-19, not yet the famous giant-slayer. The verses describe David as the youngest son of Jesse, who is sent by his father to bring provisions to his older brothers who are serving in Saul’s army. David’s role at this stage is that of a shepherd and errand boy, not a warrior. This juxtaposition of David against the seasoned soldiers sets the stage for the remarkable turn of events that are about to unfold.
This passage serves to highlight David’s humility and obedience. Despite not being a part of the army, he willingly accepts the task his father gives him and sets out early in the morning as instructed. David’s actions reflect his willingness to serve and his respect for authority, qualities that align with the biblical teachings on humility and submission. This teaches us the importance of being obedient and faithful in even the smallest of tasks, as God values a humble heart.
The mention of David being the youngest son also carries significance in the biblical context. Throughout the Bible, we see a pattern of God choosing the youngest or the unexpected to carry out His plans. David being the youngest son of Jesse and later chosen to be the king of Israel is just one example of this theme. This highlights God’s sovereignty in His choices and serves as a reminder that He looks at the heart rather than external appearances. This passage sets the stage for the encounter between David and Goliath, one of the most iconic stories in the Bible. It is through this seemingly ordinary errand that David is thrust into the forefront of a battle that will ultimately showcase his faith, courage, and reliance on God’s power. The events that follow in 1 Samuel 17, including David’s defeat of Goliath with just a sling and a stone, demonstrate the victory that comes from trusting in the Lord rather than in human strength or capabilities. 1 Samuel 17:12-19 introduces us to David in his early days, emphasizing his humility, obedience, and the providence of God in choosing unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes. This passage sets the stage for the extraordinary events that will unfold and serves as a testament to the power of faith and reliance on God in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
1 Samuel 17:20-30
David’s father Jesse sent him to check on his brothers who were serving in King Saul’s army, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:20-30. This passage sets the stage for one of the most well-known stories in the Bible – the battle between David and Goliath. David arrives at the battlefront just in time to witness Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior, challenging the Israelite army to a one-on-one battle. David’s older brothers, Eliab and Abinadab, are among the soldiers facing this intimidating threat. David expresses concern for the honor of the Lord and is perplexed by the fear and inaction of King Saul’s army in the face of Goliath’s challenge as he interacts with the soldiers. David’s youth and inexperience are evident as he questions why a reward has not been offered to the one who defeats Goliath and saves Israel from the Philistines. David’s inquiry into the situation reveals his genuine faith in God and his courage, characteristics that become central to the narrative as the story progresses.
This section of the passage highlights some important themes that run throughout the Bible. One of these themes is the contrast between human perspective and God’s perspective. While the soldiers and even David’s brothers saw Goliath as an insurmountable obstacle, David saw him as a mere mortal defying the living God. This stark difference in perspective illustrates the importance of faith and trusting in God’s power rather than relying solely on human strength and reasoning.
Furthermore, David’s willingness to step forward and face Goliath despite his youth and lack of battle experience speaks to the biblical theme of God using the weak and unlikely to accomplish great things. This parallels with other stories in the Bible where God chooses individuals who may seem unqualified by human standards to carry out His divine purposes. This narrative foreshadows the idea that God was preparing David for something greater and that His strength and presence were with David throughout the battle. God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events and using ordinary individuals to fulfill His plans, as this passage serves as a powerful reminder when considered in light of the broader biblical narrative. From the humble beginnings of a shepherd boy to the renowned king of Israel, David’s journey exemplifies God’s faithfulness and sovereignty in raising up leaders and overcoming seemingly impossible situations for the glory of His name.
1 Samuel 17:31-37
We witness a crucial moment in the biblical account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:31-37. This passage begins with David’s interaction with Saul when he offers to fight Goliath, the giant Philistine champion who had been taunting and challenging the Israelite army. David, a shepherd boy and the youngest of Jesse’s sons, demonstrates immense faith and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
When Saul hears of David’s willingness to confront Goliath, he tries to dissuade him by pointing out the vast difference in size and experience between them. Saul saw David as just a youth, likely untrained in warfare, while Goliath was a seasoned and formidable warrior. However, David’s response is significant as he recounts his past experiences as a shepherd. He explains how he had protected his father’s flock from danger, such as lions and bears, and how he relied on God’s strength and deliverance in those situations.
This response is fundamental as it shows David’s deep trust in God’s power and faithfulness. David recognizes that his victories over the lion and the bear were not due to his own strength but because God was with him. This display of faith lays the foundation for what is to come in David’s life, culminating in his eventual kingship over Israel.
This passage in 1 Samuel 17 emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God in the face of insurmountable challenges. David’s confidence does not come from his own abilities but from his trust in the Lord who had been faithful to him in the past. It serves as a potent reminder for believers to lean on God in times of difficulty and to remember that with God, all things are possible. God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through the most unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes are not just a tale of bravery and victory but also a testament in the story of David and Goliath. David’s victory over Goliath was not about his skill with a sling or his bravery in battle, but about God’s power working through him to deliver Israel from their enemies. This passage foreshadows David’s future role as the anointed king of Israel in the broader context of the Bible. Through this encounter with Goliath, David’s reputation as a warrior and a leader begins to take shape, setting the stage for his rise to prominence in Israel’s history. It also serves as a reminder that God often chooses the humble and the unlikely to accomplish His plans, as seen throughout the Bible with figures like Moses, Joseph, and Esther. 1 Samuel 17:31-37 captures a pivotal moment in the story of David and Goliath, illustrating themes of faith, courage, and God’s sovereignty. It highlights the importance of trusting in God’s strength rather than relying on our own abilities, and it sets the stage for David’s eventual rise to kingship. This passage continues to inspire believers to face their giants with unwavering faith in the God who fights for His people.
1 Samuel 17:38-47
We witness the iconic battle between David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:38-47, a story that has been celebrated for its themes of faith, courage, and the triumph of the underdog. This particular passage marks the climax of the conflict, where David, a young shepherd boy, steps up to face the mighty Philistine warrior Goliath, who was towering over him with his intimidating stature and armor.
The text begins with King Saul preparing David for battle by offering his own armor, which David declines, opting instead for what he knows best, his shepherd’s staff, his sling, and five smooth stones from the brook. This decision is crucial as it underscores David’s trust in God rather than relying on human strength or weaponry. This act serves as a reminder that God equips us uniquely for the battles we face, and sometimes our own skills and experiences are more valuable than borrowed armor. David responds with unwavering faith in the Lord as he proclaims, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). This statement reveals David’s deep faith in God’s power and protection, emphasizing that true victory comes not through human strength but through reliance on the divine.
When David defeats Goliath with a single stone from his sling, the victory is not credited to David’s skill or prowess but to God’s intervention. This narrative illustrates that God can work through the most unexpected individuals to achieve His purposes, showcasing His sovereignty and the importance of trusting in His plans, even when they seem improbable or unconventional.
The story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 serves as a powerful reminder that God is greater than any challenge or adversary we may face. It encourages us to exhibit faith like David, to trust in God’s strength rather than our own, and to step forward boldly in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, knowing that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). The victory of David over Goliath not only inspires us to confront our fears with courage and faith but also affirms the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the fulfillment of divine providence in the most remarkable of circumstances.
1 Samuel 17:48-54
We witness a crucial moment in the famous story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:48-54. This section details the climax of the riveting encounter between David, a young shepherd boy chosen by God, and Goliath, the imposing Philistine warrior. David runs quickly towards the giant, showing great courage and faith in God as Goliath advances towards him with contempt and arrogance. Armed only with a sling and stones, David hurls a stone at Goliath, striking him in the forehead, causing the giant to fall facedown on the ground.
This moment showcases the power of faith, courage, and the intervention of God in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. It emphasizes that God can use the weak and unexpected to overcome the mighty and seemingly unbeatable forces in our lives. David’s victory over Goliath serves as a reminder that with God on our side, we can triumph over any challenge or enemy that comes our way.
David’s defeat of Goliath is not just a physical victory but a spiritual one as well. It symbolizes the triumph of God’s chosen one over the forces of evil and the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. This event also marks a significant turning point in David’s life as he transitions from being a shepherd boy to a hero and future king of Israel. It foreshadows David’s eventual rise to power and positions him as a central figure in the history of Israel.
Throughout the Bible, we see similar themes of God using the weak to confound the strong. God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong, as written in 1 Corinthians 1:27.” This verse echoes the timeless message demonstrated in David’s victory over Goliath – that it is not through human strength or wisdom, but through God’s power and providence that true victory is achieved.
David’s triumph over Goliath also serves as a lesson in humility and reliance on God. Despite his youth and lack of experience in battle, David does not boast in his own abilities but attributes his victory to God’s guidance and help. This humility and faith in God’s strength are qualities that set David apart and make him a beloved figure in biblical history. 1 Samuel 17:48-54 illustrates themes of faith, courage, divine intervention, and the triumph of the underdog in the story of David and Goliath. It provides valuable lessons for believers today, reminding us to trust in God’s power, remain humble in our victories, and face our challenges with unwavering faith.
1 Samuel 17:55-58
Saul asked Abner, commander of the army, “Whose son is that young man?” as he watched David going out to meet the Philistine in 1 Samuel 17:55-58. Abner replied that he did not know, saying, “As surely as you live, Your Majesty.”‘ The king said, ‘Find out whose son this young man is. Abner took David, who was still holding the Philistine’s head, and brought him before Saul as soon as David returned from killing the Philistine. ‘Whose son are you, young man?’ Saul asked him. David said, ‘I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.’”
This passage takes place after David, a young shepherd boy, defeats Goliath, the champion of the Philistine army, with just a sling and a stone. Saul, the king of Israel, inquires about David’s identity after witnessing this remarkable victory. Saul’s lack of recognition of David is significant because, at this point, David was not yet a well-known figure in the kingdom. However, this victory over Goliath would mark the beginning of David’s rise to prominence and eventually lead to him becoming the king of Israel.
Saul’s inquiry into David’s lineage and David’s humble response that he is the son of Jesse of Bethlehem is a pivotal moment in David’s story. Despite his extraordinary feat of bravery and faith in God, David remains humble and acknowledges his roots as the son of a simple shepherd. This aspect of David’s character, his humility and faithfulness to his family, is a recurring theme throughout his life and reign as king.
This passage also highlights the contrast between Saul and David. Saul, as the current king of Israel, should have been more aware of the people in his kingdom, especially someone as remarkable as David. However, his ignorance of David reflects his detachment from the spiritual guidance and favor of God. David, a young shepherd boy chosen by God to be the next king of Israel, demonstrates courage, faith, and humility, qualities that would define his legacy as a man after God’s own heart in contrast.
The story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known narratives in the Bible, emphasizing the themes of faith, courage, and God’s deliverance. David’s victory over the giant not only secured a military triumph for Israel but also served as a reminder that God’s power is far greater than any human strength or weaponry. This event foreshadows David’s future as a warrior and king who would lead Israel to many victories under God’s guidance. This passage serves as a crucial moment in the larger narrative of David’s life, showcasing his faith, humility, and God’s favor upon him. It also contrasts the qualities of a king chosen by man, like Saul, with those of a king chosen by God, like David. The story of David and Goliath continues to inspire believers to trust in God’s power, step out in faith, and remain humble in the face of success and recognition.
After 1 Samuel 17
David, a young shepherd, faced the giant Goliath with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones, showcasing his faith and courage. Despite the odds stacked against him, David trusted in the Lord to deliver him and emerged victorious, showing us that with God on our side, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. We must remember that our own battles may seem daunting at times, but we must have faith that God will equip us with the strength and courage we need to face them as we reflect on David’s inspiring story. Just as David stepped out in faith to confront Goliath, let us also step out boldly in our own lives, knowing that God is always with us, ready to guide and protect us. We should hold fast to our faith and trust in the Lord, for He is our rock and our salvation, leading us into the next chapter of our journey with Him.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.