BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home  › Bibles  › Berean Standard Bible  › 1 Samuel 17

1 Samuel 17

BSB
‹ Chapter 16 1 Samuel — All Chapters Chapter 18 ›

1 Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. 2 Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines. 3 The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them. 4 Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, 5 and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, 6 and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him. 8 And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. 9 If he is able to fight 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 labor for us." 10 Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!" 11 On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid. 12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons in the days of Saul. And Jesse was old and well along in years. 13 The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah. 14 And David was the youngest. The three oldest had followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem. 16 For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening to take his stand. 17 One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines." 20 So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines arrayed in formation against each other. 22 Then David left his supplies in the care of the quartermaster and ran to the battle line. When he arrived, he asked his brothers how they were doing. 23 And as he was speaking with them, suddenly the champion named Goliath, the Philistine from Gath, came forward from the Philistines and shouted his usual words, which David also heard. 24 When all the men of Israel saw Goliath, they fled from him in great fear. 25 Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see this man who keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel." 26 David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" 27 The people told him about the offer, saying, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him." 28 Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!" 29 “What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?" 30 Then he turned from him toward another and asked about the offer, and those people answered him just as the first ones had answered. 31 Now David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, who called for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!" 33 But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth." 34 David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. 36 Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God." 37 David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you." 38 Then Saul clothed David in his own tunic, put a bronze helmet on his head, and dressed him in armor. 39 David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not accustomed to them. “I cannot walk in these,” David said to Saul. “I am not accustomed to them.” So David took them off. 40 And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine. 41 Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him. 42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome. 43 “Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" 45 But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against 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. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands." 48 As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. 50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. 51 David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him; and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. 52 Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. 53 When the Israelites returned from their pursuit of the Philistines, they plundered their camps. 54 David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent. 55 As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know." 56 “Find out whose son this young man is!” said the king. 57 So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul. 58 “Whose son are you, young man?” asked Saul. “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,” David replied.

‹ Chapter 16 1 Samuel — All Chapters Chapter 18 ›

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the armies of Israel and Philistia facing off in the Valley of Elah, with the Philistine giant Goliath taunting the Israelites and challenging them to a one-on-one battle. When no one steps forward to accept the challenge, David, a young shepherd boy, volunteers to fight Goliath, trusting in God's power and promise to deliver him. Despite the skepticism of King Saul and the Israelite army, David confidently faces Goliath, armed with only a sling and five stones, and defeats the giant with a single stone, giving glory to God for the victory. The chapter concludes with the Philistines fleeing in terror and the Israelites pursuing them, with David being brought before King Saul and introduced to the people as the hero of the battle.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of the transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings in Israel. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and His plan of salvation. The story of David and Goliath is a key part of this narrative, and points forward to the ultimate victory of God over sin and evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promise to deliver us. We are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, and to obey His will and plan for our lives. We are also reminded of the importance of courage and confidence in the face of challenges and obstacles, and the need to trust in God's power to overcome them.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of David's battle with Goliath, and how he trusted in God's power and promise to deliver him. We learn that with faith and trust in God, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:45, David's trust in God's power and promise to deliver him is what ultimately leads to his victory over Goliath.

Voices from the Church

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It is the anchor of the soul, which keeps us steadfast and unmovable in the midst of life's storms.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The victory of David over Goliath is a testament to the power of faith and the sovereignty of God. It reminds us that God is the one who gives us the victory, and that our trust and confidence must be in Him alone.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Challenge of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-11) — The chapter begins with the armies of Israel and Philistia facing off in the Valley of Elah, with the Philistine giant Goliath taunting the Israelites and challenging them to a one-on-one battle.
  2. The Volunteer (1 Samuel 17:12-32) — When no one steps forward to accept the challenge, David, a young shepherd boy, volunteers to fight Goliath, trusting in God's power and promise to deliver him.
  3. The Battle (1 Samuel 17:33-58) — Despite the skepticism of King Saul and the Israelite army, David confidently faces Goliath, armed with only a sling and five stones, and defeats the giant with a single stone, giving glory to God for the victory.
  4. The Aftermath (1 Samuel 17:51-58) — The chapter concludes with the Philistines fleeing in terror and the Israelites pursuing them, with David being brought before King Saul and introduced to the people as the hero of the battle.
  5. The Significance of the Victory (1 Samuel 17:45-47) — The victory of David over Goliath is a testament to the power of faith and the sovereignty of God, and points forward to the ultimate victory of God over sin and evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, and how He is the one who gives us the victory in our battles. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, God is the one who delivers David from the hand of Goliath.
The Importance of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promise to deliver us. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:37, David's faith and trust in God are what ultimately lead to his victory over Goliath.
The Power of God
The chapter demonstrates the power of God, and how He can use even the smallest and seemingly insignificant things to accomplish great things. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:49, the stone that David uses to defeat Goliath is a symbol of the power of God.
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's will and plan for our lives. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:32, David's obedience to God's will is what leads to his success and victory.

Lessons from 1 Samuel 17

  1. The Importance of Faith — The story of David and Goliath teaches us about the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promise to deliver us. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:45, David's faith and trust in God are what ultimately lead to his victory over Goliath.
  2. The Power of God — The chapter demonstrates the power of God, and how He can use even the smallest and seemingly insignificant things to accomplish great things. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:49, the stone that David uses to defeat Goliath is a symbol of the power of God.
  3. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's will and plan for our lives. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:32, David's obedience to God's will is what leads to his success and victory.
  4. The Significance of the Victory — The victory of David over Goliath is a testament to the power of faith and the sovereignty of God, and points forward to the ultimate victory of God over sin and evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
  5. The Challenge to Trust in God — The story of David and Goliath challenges us to trust in God's power and promise to deliver us, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:37, David's trust in God is what ultimately leads to his victory over Goliath.

Themes from 1 Samuel 17

  1. Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promise to deliver us. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:45, David's faith and trust in God are what ultimately lead to his victory over Goliath.
  2. Courage and Confidence — The story of David and Goliath encourages us to demonstrate courage and confidence in the face of challenges and obstacles, and trust in God's power to overcome them.
  3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, and how He is the one who gives us the victory in our battles. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, God is the one who delivers David from the hand of Goliath.
  4. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will and plan for our lives. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:32, David's obedience to God's will is what leads to his success and victory.
  5. The Power of God — The chapter demonstrates the power of God, and how He can use even the smallest and seemingly insignificant things to accomplish great things. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:49, the stone that David uses to defeat Goliath is a symbol of the power of God.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that you can apply the principles of faith and trust in God's power and promise to deliver you in your own life?
  2. How does the story of David and Goliath encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, even in the face of overwhelming adversity?
  3. What are some ways that you can demonstrate courage and confidence in the face of challenges and obstacles, and trust in God's power to overcome them?
  4. How does the victory of David over Goliath point forward to the ultimate victory of God over sin and evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ?
  5. What are some ways that you can obey God's will and plan for your life, and trust in His power and promise to deliver you in times of need?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Challenge of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-11)

17:1 The armies of Israel and Philistia face off in the Valley of Elah, with the Philistine giant Goliath taunting the Israelites and challenging them to a one-on-one battle.
17:2 The Israelites are afraid of Goliath, and no one steps forward to accept the challenge.
17:3 Goliath is described as a giant of a man, with a height of over nine feet tall and a coat of armor that weighs over 125 pounds.
17:4 Goliath challenges the Israelites to send out a champion to fight him, and the winner will claim victory for their army.
17:5-7 Goliath is equipped with a large shield, a spear, and a sword, and he is confident in his own abilities.
17:8-11 Goliath taunts the Israelites, saying that they are afraid of him and that he will give their flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field.

2. The Volunteer (1 Samuel 17:12-32)

17:12 David, a young shepherd boy, volunteers to fight Goliath, trusting in God's power and promise to deliver him.
17:13-14 David's brothers are skeptical of his ability to fight Goliath, but David is confident in God's power to deliver him.
17:15-19 David is brought before King Saul, who is also skeptical of his ability to fight Goliath.
17:20-24 David tells King Saul that he has killed lions and bears while tending his father's sheep, and that he trusts in God's power to deliver him from Goliath.
17:25-31 King Saul is impressed by David's confidence and faith, and he agrees to let him fight Goliath.
17:32 David says to King Saul, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

3. The Battle (1 Samuel 17:33-58)

17:33-37 David and Goliath face off in the Valley of Elah, with David trusting in God's power and promise to deliver him.
17:38-40 David puts on King Saul's armor, but it is too big for him, so he takes it off and trusts in God's power to deliver him.
17:41-47 Goliath comes near to David, but David is not afraid, and he says to Goliath, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a shield, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
17:48-49 David takes out a stone and puts it in his sling, and he hits Goliath in the forehead, killing him.
17:50-51 The Philistines flee in terror, and the Israelites pursue them, with David being brought before King Saul and introduced to the people as the hero of the battle.
17:52-58 The Israelites are victorious, and they plunder the Philistine camp, with David being given great honor and recognition for his bravery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the story of David and Goliath?

The story of David and Goliath is significant because it teaches us about the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promise to deliver us, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, God is the one who delivers David from the hand of Goliath, and this points forward to the ultimate victory of God over sin and evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

How does the story of David and Goliath relate to the rest of the Bible?

The story of David and Goliath is part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and His plan of salvation. The story points forward to the ultimate victory of God over sin and evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ, and it reminds us of the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promise to deliver us.

What can we learn from David's example in this chapter?

We can learn from David's example the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promise to deliver us, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. We can also learn the importance of obedience to God's will and plan for our lives, and the need to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:32, David's obedience to God's will is what leads to his success and victory.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 1 Samuel 17:1 → Judges 3:1-3 The Valley of Elah, where the battle between David and Goliath takes place, is also the location of other battles between the Israelites and the Philistines.
2 1 Samuel 17:4 → Deuteronomy 3:11 The giant Goliath is described as being over nine feet tall, which is similar to the description of the giant Og in Deuteronomy 3:11.
3 1 Samuel 17:12 → Ruth 4:18-22 David's family is from the tribe of Judah, and his father Jesse is a descendant of Ruth and Boaz.
4 1 Samuel 17:20 → Psalm 23:1-4 David's experience as a shepherd boy is reflected in his psalms, where he writes about God's care and protection for him.
5 1 Samuel 17:32 → Hebrews 11:32-34 David's faith and trust in God are an example of the kind of faith that is necessary for us to please God, as written in Hebrews 11:32-34.
6 1 Samuel 17:37 → Psalm 27:1-3 David's trust in God's power and promise to deliver him is reflected in his psalms, where he writes about God's strength and protection.
7 1 Samuel 17:45 → John 1:1 The phrase "the Lord of hosts" is used to describe God's power and authority, which is also reflected in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is described as the Word of God.
8 1 Samuel 17:49 → 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 The stone that David uses to defeat Goliath is a symbol of the power of God, which is also reflected in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, where Paul writes about God's power and wisdom.
9 1 Samuel 17:51 → Isaiah 2:10-11 The Philistines' fear of the Israelites is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 2:10-11, where it is written that the nations will be afraid of the Lord.
10 1 Samuel 17:58 → Matthew 1:1-17 The story of David and Goliath is part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and His plan of salvation, and ultimately points to the coming of Jesus Christ.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 17

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l
Warren Wiersbe Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha
Carter Conlon The Devil Is After One Thing in Your Trial by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having God's word deeply rooted within us to resist the devices of darkness. They rebuke depression and lies of the devil,
David Guzik (1 Samuel) How to Kill a Giant by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a boxing match to illustrate the story of David and Goliath. He emphasizes that Saul, like a boxer looking at the "tail of the tape
Leonard Ravenhill What Is Your Life by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon reflects on the hymn sung, acknowledging the millions still without God and the hope of a future gathering in heaven. It emphasizes enduring trials with God's guidance,
J. Vernon McGee (Guidelines) Obey the Bible by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and teachings. He highlights the significance of living a life that reflects the Gospel and pro
Denny Kenaston (Godly Home) Part 23 - Fighting Battles for the Next Generation by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, Brother Denny encourages his audience to have faith and confidence in God, believing that He will do exceedingly and abundantly more than they can ask or think. He
Keith Daniel Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker uses a metaphor of a man falling in a storm to illustrate how Christians often respond to failure. He emphasizes that when Christians fall, they should
C.H. Spurgeon Mr. Fearing Comforted by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the minister addresses the issue of doubt and the tendency to focus on visible circumstances rather than trusting in God. He uses the example of Peter walking on wa
Carter Conlon The School of Faith by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and obedience, even in seemingly small or unnoticed tasks, as these are the places where God builds and establishes

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 17

In this chapter, we see the wonderful deliverance of David from the hand of Goliath, which is a type of the greater deliverance that God would bring to His people through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The story of David and Goliath is a testament to the power of faith and the sovereignty of God, and it reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's power and promise to deliver us, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. As Matthew Henry writes, 'The victory of David over Goliath was a great encouragement to the Israelites, and a great discouragement to the Philistines.' The chapter also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will and plan for our lives, and the need to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance. As we see in 1 Samuel 17:32, David's obedience to God's will is what leads to his success and victory. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Skepticism of Others

We notice that despite David's confidence and faith, others around him are skeptical and doubting. This is a common experience for many of us, and reminds us that our faith and trust in God must be unwavering, even in the face of opposition or criticism from others.

The Power of Faith

We observe that David's faith and trust in God are what ultimately lead to his victory over Goliath. This reminds us of the importance of faith in our own lives, and the need to trust in God's power and promise to deliver us in times of need.

The Importance of Obedience

We see that David's obedience to God's will and plan is what leads to his success and victory. This reminds us of the importance of obedience in our own lives, and the need to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate