1 Samuel 17:1–58

17:4 The strategy the Philistines adopt in this encounter was not common among Semitic peoples. They send a “champion” (lit., a “man of in-between”), Goliath of Gath, to challenge a representative from the Israelite troops to engage in individual combat (cf. 2 Sam. 2:14–15). The contest between the two men will determine the outcome for their respective nations.

Goliath had a massive physique. “Six cubits and a span” is equivalent to a height of more than 9 feet 9 inches (3 m), though often the lower figure of “four cubits and a span” (6 ft. 9 in./2 m) found in the Septuagint and 4QSam^a is preferred. Even so he would have towered over the Israelites. (See also comment on 2 Sam. 21:19.)

17:5–7 The detailed catalog of Goliath’s superior equipment pictures him as a formidable opponent. A “helmet of bronze” was not typically Philistine and may have been imported from elsewhere. His “coat of mail” would have consisted of overlapping pieces of metal tied together with leather thongs as body armor. Weighing 5,000 shekels—over 120 pounds (55 kg)—it would have impeded easy movement. “Bronze armor on his legs” consisted of greaves covering the front of his lower leg. His “javelin” was a small spear designed for throwing, strapped to his back because his hands held his other two weapons, a sword (vv. 45, 51) and a spear, designed for being thrust at an enemy rather than being thrown. “A weaver’s beam,” the shaft of the loom, emphasizes its thickness, and it was tipped with “six hundred shekels of iron,” 14.5 pounds (6.6 kg). A large rectangular shield designed to protect the whole body was carried before him.

17:8–9 From the no-man’s-land between the two armies, Goliath calls out to the Israelites drawn up in battle array and proposes an alternative to open conflict. “Am I not a Philistine?” is literally “Am I not the Philistine?”—the individual chosen to represent the others. He also disparages his opponents by not granting them a national identity and by calling them “servants” (the word may also mean “slaves”) of Saul, a king whom both sides probably recognize as no longer exhibiting his earlier valor (cf. 14:48).

Goliath has to explain the unfamiliar procedure of representative combat. The people of the losing champion will become “servants/slaves” to the other side. In the end the Philistines do not adhere to this proposal but rather flee (17:51–52).

17:10 “And the Philistine said” indicates that he pauses for the Israelites to respond (cf. v. 37). Then, pointing to himself, Goliath declares “I defy” (vv. 25, 26, 36, 45; see also 2 Sam. 21:21; 23:9; the cognate noun “reproach” also occurs in 17:26), in an attitude of insolent contempt because no champion is forthcoming—not even Saul, who is renowned for his height. Such taunting is a well-known technique to obtain a psychological advantage over an opponent. But Goliath is mocking an opponent far greater than he realizes.

17:11 Meanwhile Saul is a broken man, out of touch with the Lord. He and “all Israel,” the soldiers in his army, succumb to the Philistine’s bluster because they judge by “outward appearance” (16:7). They accept Goliath’s premise that physical force is all that counts in determining the outcome—and it is all on Goliath’s side. While no one deserts their positions, it seems even Jonathan and Abner are infected with the king’s defeatism and can see no way out of the impasse. No mention is made of seeking God’s assistance in prayer or of remembering the divine promise regarding the giants of Canaan (Deut. 9:1–3).

17:12 A crack of light is introduced into the fraught situation with the introduction of David, whose background is again given. “Ephrathite” refers to the Judahite clan that settled in Bethlehem (1:1). Jesse’s eight sons have already been mentioned (16:10), but there is the additional information that Jesse is “already old”—and so excused from military service—and “advanced in years” (lit., “coming among men”), an unusual expression that might also mean “distinguished among men.”

17:13–14 Jesse’s three oldest sons (already named in 16:6–13) are serving in the army. Again we are told that “David was the youngest” of Jesse’s eight sons.

17:15 Unlike his brothers in the army, “David went back and forth from Saul.” It is improbable that an armor-bearer of the king would have been given leave during time of war to tend sheep. This suggests the narrative of chapter 16 is compressed. David’s going to and from Saul’s court occurs while he is still a musician and reflects the situation in 16:21a. Then follows the encounter with Goliath, and in its aftermath 18:2 describes the same event as does 16:22, with David permanently attached to Saul’s entourage. So David is not at court when war breaks out and, being just under the age of twenty—at which he would become eligible for army service—remains at home to help his aged father in his brothers’ absence.

17:16 “Forty days” may be used for an unspecified length of time well in excess of a month. During this period David has not been present in the camp when twice every day Goliath has issued his defiant challenge (v. 10).

17:17–18 The narrative resumes with Jesse directing David to “carry . . . quickly” (lit., “run”) provisions to his brothers in the army. Grain, probably wheat or barley, plucked before full maturity and roasted is a delicacy needing no further preparation in the field. An ephah amounts to half a bushel (10–20 kg), so a large sack is sent along with ten loaves. David is also to take ten large round cheeses to the “commander of their thousand,” a military unit (cf. comment on 4:2), and to make inquiry as to his brothers’ well-being (Hb. shalom; cf. 10:4). The “token” to be brought back may be an official receipt for provisions or a more general “assurance” (NIV) that they are safe and well.

17:19 Israel’s army (including “they,” that is, David’s brothers) is still in the Valley of Elah (v. 2). They are “fighting with the Philistines,” except no actual engagement with the enemy has yet occurred.

17:20–21 If it is Goliath’s morning harangue that David hears (v. 23), he must have risen very early to cover the 14 miles (22 km) to get there. To expose the falsity of Eliab’s subsequent accusations (v. 28), it is emphasized that David has carried out his father’s directions, leaving the sheep in charge of a “keeper” (cf. v. 22) to watch over them.

When David arrives at the “encampment”—a guarded circle with a barrier around it—the Israelite army is going through their daily routine of drawing up in formal array and shouting their battle cry. The Philistines behave in a similar fashion, and the two armies face each other (lit., “rank to meet rank”) across the stream running through the valley.

17:22 The “keeper of the baggage,” the quartermaster in charge of the stores, would not be lined up with the other troops. After David has safely deposited the supplies, he again runs (cf. v. 17), decisively and full of energy, to the battle lines. When he “greeted his brothers,” he fulfilled the remit of verse 18.

17:23 As David is talking to them, there suddenly (“behold”) emerges from the Philistine ranks their champion, who is formally introduced (cf. v. 4). He again roars his daily challenge (cf. v. 16), but this time the situation is different: “And David heard him.”

17:24 As usual, Goliath’s appearance intimidates the Israelites, who flee, abandoning the valley floor and withdrawing to their camp utterly demoralized.

17:25 The story is now carried forward mainly through the use of dialogue between David and, successively, the troops (vv. 25–27), Eliab (vv. 28–30), Saul (vv. 31–39), and Goliath (vv. 43–47).

“And the men of Israel said” introduces snatches of conversation David overhears as the troops talk dejectedly to one another about Goliath. They recognize that he is defying (cf. comment on 17:10) Israel, but this does not rouse them to action; nor does Saul’s offer of financial and social inducements. “Make his father’s house free in Israel” would involve exemption from taxation and other royal demands such as conscription into the army—perhaps even receipt of a state allowance.

17:26 David is surprised that no one has taken up Saul’s offer and is indignant at Goliath’s conduct. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” is equivalent to “Who does he think he is?” with “this” expressing derision. David is not prepared to accept this outsider’s interpretation of events—to do so would be to accept defeat. “Uncircumcised” (cf. 14:6) sees through Goliath’s posturing by analyzing the situation in covenantal terms. “Reproach” and “defy” (cf. 17:10) come from the same root, viewing Goliath’s conduct as a slur to be removed because it is aimed ultimately not at Israel’s army but at their “living God” (Josh. 3:10), whose reality and power must be reckoned with. David’s challenging tone and persistent probing of the matter indicate that he is prepared to act on his beliefs.

17:27 “The people” (the soldiers) reply in discouraged, possibly even shamefaced, tones. They affirm the truth of their report but do not rise in any way to David’s challenge.

17:28 In his second conversation David encounters the opposition of his eldest brother, Eliab, who is clearly incensed by a younger sibling’s getting above his place by asking questions about his elders’ business. This is no doubt intensified by lingering jealousy over Samuel’s rejection of him and acceptance of David instead (cf. Joseph’s brothers; Gen. 37:4–36). But the dominant factor is probably self-justification. David’s expression of faith inevitably critiques those who do not share it and are uneasy in conscience over their own inactivity.

Eliab accuses David of deserting his flocks, disparagingly referring to them as “those few sheep in the wilderness.” With all the hauteur an elder brother could muster Eliab says, “I know,” and, ignoring the evidence to the contrary, charges David with “presumption” (elsewhere translated “pride”). He alleges that David has just come on a sightseeing jaunt, and he no doubt thinks his public rebuke has put David in his place.

17:29 It is a tribute to David’s character that he does not respond in kind to Eliab’s bitter and ill-informed words. “What have I done now?” is equivalent to stating, “I have done nothing wrong.” “Now” makes it seem that Eliab has often treated David this way—because of memories of Samuel’s visit? “Was it not but a word?” is equivalent to, “I only asked a question.” It seems that his low-key reply leaves Eliab unable to respond.

17:30 David is not deterred by his brother’s remarks but meekly turns away from him and continues to assess the perception of the soldiers regarding the challenge they are facing.

17:31 What David is saying becomes known generally, and before long it is reported to Saul that an audacious young man is in the camp who seems ready to take on Goliath. When Saul summons him, David has his third conversation of the day.

17:32 Already used to being at court, David maintains his undaunted outlook, but as one “prudent in speech” (16:18) he speaks circumspectly. Though “Let no man’s heart fail because of him” is a general exhortation, it obliquely reflects on Saul’s personal lack of nerve. Acknowledging the king’s status by referring to himself as “your servant,” David offers to fight “this Philistine” whom he disdains to name.

17:33 Saul dismisses David’s proposal as preposterous on account of his age. “Youth” is an imprecise term (cf. 2:13), but David is probably nineteen: not quite eligible for army service, and certainly without military experience. On the other hand, Goliath has been a “man of war from his youth.” Saul is assessing the situation in terms of outward probabilities and attempting to dissuade David from acting in terms of his faith. Indeed, only royal endorsement would accredit David as Israel’s champion.

17:34–36 David rebuts Saul’s argument by pointing out how he has handled himself in dangerous situations. As a shepherd he has on a number of occasions acted with decision and bravery to protect his father’s flocks when they have been attacked by lions or bears, which were common at that time. Whenever one of them seized a lamb, David would pursue it and force it to give up its prey. If the animal attacked him, he seized its mane (thinking of a lion), struck it, and killed it. David’s experience in coping singlehandedly with savage animals puts into perspective the challenge of “this uncircumcised Philistine” who has presumed to defy the “armies of the living God” (repeating his assertion from 17:26). He could not expect an end different from that of one of the animals David has slain.

17:37 The initial “And David said” implies that he pauses to give the king an opportunity to respond. When no reply is forthcoming, David continues his presentation by focusing on his confidence in the Lord. He who has delivered him in the past from the paw (lit., “hand”) of wild animals will do so also “from the hand of this Philistine.” This is not the presumption of youth or an unfounded self-confidence but an expression of faith in the God who is able to act regardless of how a human eye assesses a situation.

It is difficult to be certain what Saul is thinking. If David did achieve anything against all odds, then one problem would be solved. If, as Saul expects, David were to fail, his attempt could be played down as the rash venture of a youngster. Possibly Saul, despite himself, is impressed by the courage and conviction of the young man standing before him. So, by saying “Go,” Saul recognizes David as the champion representing the nation. “The Lord be with you!” are conventional words of blessing, but here there is unconscious irony because Saul’s wish is precisely the reality undergirding David’s conduct (16:18).

17:38 Having overcome Saul’s objections, David next must counter an even bigger obstacle—Saul’s attempt to improve his chances. By giving David his armor, helmet, coat of mail, and sword, Saul is openly endorsing David and genuinely seeking to bolster his prospects. There is no suggestion that David looks comically out of place wearing the gear of the tall king; thus David must already be fully grown. But there are ironic overtones to Saul’s dressing David in his royal armor, as if transferring kingship to him.

17:39 David “tried in vain to go” (lit., “began to walk”) but can only move clumsily and is obviously unable to fight. So he politely declines Saul’s offer on the grounds that he has never worn such equipment before. This is David’s second victory of the day: he is not going to face Goliath with equipment dictated by the Philistine’s perception of the encounter.

17:40 But David knows he needs something with which to fight. He has with him his shepherd’s staff used for herding animals, as well as his sling. Just as God used David’s skills as a lyrist (16:23), so he employs his shepherd’s proficiency with a sling—a leather cradle with two long thongs on either side. When it is swung over the head and one of the thongs released, a projectile in the cradle is propelled at speeds in excess of 60 mph (97 kmph).² Ancient armies used slings as very effective long-range weapons (cf. Judg. 20:16). A stone missile could easily be hurled with formidable accuracy well over 220 yards (200 m). David does not intend to engage in close combat with the giant, and so, as he comes to the “brook” in the middle of the valley, he quickly selects as suitable missiles “five smooth stones” of similar shape and size—probably egg-shaped, about one inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and weighing about two ounces (57 g). David puts them in his “shepherd’s pouch,” the knapsack he ordinarily carries, and approaches Goliath.

17:41 Goliath “moved forward and came near” in a somewhat ponderous movement, weighed down as he is by his equipment. His shield-bearer (v. 7) precedes him in his slow advance and is not mentioned again.

17:42 The repetitive “looked and saw” pictures Goliath as initially unsure he is seeing correctly. When he sees his opponent is not a veteran warrior, Goliath “disdains” David and pokes fun at him as an unserious challenger.

17:43 As the two men draw closer, David’s fourth conversation of the day begins when the Philistine sees that David is carrying not a spear or a sword but a stick—fit only for throwing at a troublesome dog. Goliath feels insulted and so vastly underrates the threat he faces. Did he not see David’s sling, or does he contemptuously dismiss it also?

“And the Philistine cursed David by his gods” brings to the forefront the spiritual dimension of the confrontation. Goliath calls on his gods to destroy David, but in this very act he draws down on himself the Lord’s reprisal (Gen. 12:3).

17:44 Goliath threatens to kill David if he comes any closer and to leave his corpse as carrion for wild animals (cf. Deut. 28:26). Not receiving a proper burial is a dire fate (1 Sam. 31:8–13; 2 Sam. 21:9–10; Ps. 79:2–3).

17:45 David’s response to Goliath’s bluster is the theological center of the passage. He acknowledges that Goliath is equipped with all that human ingenuity could devise for fighting, but David dismisses his challenge because he himself bears a more potent power at his disposal. He comes “in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel.” This full rendering of the title of God (see 1:3) makes clear who Goliath’s true adversary is. Israel’s God is the one whom Goliath has “defied” (17:10), and his insult will be avenged.

17:46–47 On this very day, David declares, the Lord will act on his behalf by delivering Goliath into his hands. With three first-person verbs, David sets out his personal program of action. Not only will he slay Goliath, he will also cut off his head and then rout the Philistine army and leave their corpses exposed—the very fate Goliath threatened David with. But most significantly of all, David’s goal is not personal victory but advancement of the Lord’s cause. The assembled forces, both Philistine and Israelite—indeed all the world—will learn that the Lord is not dependent on military technology. The confrontation will be sovereignly settled by the Lord, who will surely overcome those that set themselves against him and who will enable Israel to triumph over their foes.

17:48 The time for talking is over; it is time for action. The economy of words describing the encounter fits in with the speed of what actually happens. “The Philistine arose” need not imply he had been resting, though he might well have been, given the weight of his armor. Once more “came and drew near” suggests a clumsy gait (cf. v. 41), whereas David is again running (vv. 17, 22), with a speed Goliath has probably not anticipated.

17:49 Once Goliath is within range, David takes out one of his five choice stones and, putting it in the pouch of his sling, with one smooth movement draws the sling back and around over his shoulder, releasing the projectile as it comes sharply forward at his side. With deadly accuracy David strikes Goliath on his unprotected forehead—a very small target. The stone penetrates his skull, and he falls “on his face” to the ground, unconscious. Presumably Goliath’s armor-bearer flees at this juncture.

17:50 The narrator replays the key moment in slow motion. “Prevailed over” shows that David has vanquished his adversary. Since “there was no sword in the hand of David,” the victory has been achieved not by conventional military means but with considerable daring and personal risk.

17:51 David moves quickly in (cf. “ran”; v. 48). He takes Goliath’s sword from its sheath and cuts off his head. Like his god Dagon before him, the Philistine champion is face down on the ground, headless (5:1–5). This unexpected turn of events panics the Philistine army, which flees.

17:52–53 The impact on the “men of Israel and Judah” (cf. 11:8) is the reverse of the impact on the Philistines. Animated by David’s success, Saul’s men recover their nerve and “with a shout”—a battle cry for mutual encouragement as well as to shake the enemy morale—jointly pursue the Philistines down the valley, back into their own territory.³ When the Israelite army returns from “chasing,” a term suggesting hot pursuit, they loot the enemy camp.

17:54 This verse is parenthetical and relates what will happen later, as is made clear by verse 57. Jerusalem is not yet under Israelite control, and David, as a visitor to the camp, does not have a tent. Goliath’s fighting gear and tent become David’s spoils of war. Goliath’s sword will later be at Nob (21:9).

17:55 The narrative slips back to when David set out to face Goliath. Saul, who had been left on the sidelines, asks for the first of three times regarding the antecedents of “this youth” (cf. comment on 2:13–14). Abner, Saul’s cousin (cf. comment on 14:50–51), appears as a character for the first time. He is already the “commander of the army” but was probably not involved in the appointment of a court musician, and so he has to admit he cannot answer Saul’s question.

17:56 The king then orders Abner to find out. “The boy” (a term used only here and in 20:22) probably has dismissive overtones.

17:57 Abner does not progress far with his inquiries before David’s encounter with Goliath is over. So Abner takes the victor and presents him to Saul “with the head of the Philistine in his hand.”

17:58 Saul then asks David personally about his ancestry, and David replies simply, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.” David’s circumspect reply of loyalty is a reminder of how much he already knows of Saul’s character and suspicions.

In chapter 16, David had already been introduced to Saul’s court as a musician. It therefore appears that Saul should recognize him and know who he is. However, the text says not that Saul does not know David but that he becomes intensely interested in his antecedents, because in accordance with his promise this young man is about to become his son-in-law, and his father’s family will become influential in his realm—indeed, a potential threat to it. If this was not perceived by an ancient scribe, it might have seemed prudent to him just to remove the entire section and avoid any difficulties, thus giving rise to the Septuagint tradition. Furthermore, the account in 16:14–23 is a thematically selective summary, and, as suggested in the comment on 17:15, what happens in this chapter probably occurs in the middle of 16:21.