1 Samuel 17:1
1 Samuel 17:1 in Multiple Translations
Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.
Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which belongeth to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
Now the Philistines got their armies together for war, and came together at Socoh in the land of Judah, and took up their position between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.
The Philistine armies gathered for battle at Socoh in Judah. They set up camp between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.
Nowe the Philistims gathered their armies to battell, and came together to Shochoh, which is in Iudah, and pitched betweene Shochoh and Azekah, in the coast of Dammim.
And the Philistines gather their camps to battle, and are gathered to Shochoh, which [is] to Judah, and encamp between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes-Dammim;
Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephesdammim.
Now the Philistines collected their armies to battle, and were assembled at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and encamped between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
Now the Philistines gathering together their troops to battle, assembled at Socho of Juda, and camped between Socho and Azeca in the borders of Dommim.
The Philistines gathered their army to fight the Israeli army. They gathered together near Socoh, in the area where the descendants of Judah lived. They set up their tents at Ephes-Dammim, which is between Socoh and Azekah.
At one time the Philistia mob came together at the town called Socoh in the Judah country, to fight with the Israel mob. They camped at a place called Efes-Dammim. It is half-way between the town called Socoh and the town called Azekah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 17:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּאַסְפ֨וּ
פְלִשְׁתִּ֤ים
אֶת
מַֽחֲנֵי/הֶם֙
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
וַ/יֵּאָ֣סְפ֔וּ
שֹׂכֹ֖ה
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לִ/יהוּדָ֑ה
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֛וּ
בֵּין
שׂוֹכֹ֥ה
וּ/בֵין
עֲזֵקָ֖ה
בְּ/אֶ֥פֶס
דַּמִּֽים
וַ/יַּאַסְפ֨וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֤ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַֽחֲנֵי/הֶם֙
machăneh
H4264
camp
N-cp | Suff
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יֵּאָ֣סְפ֔וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שֹׂכֹ֖ה
Sôwkôh
H7755
Soco
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לִ/יהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Prep | N-proper
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֛וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בֵּין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
שׂוֹכֹ֥ה
Sôwkôh
H7755
Soco
N-proper
וּ/בֵין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
עֲזֵקָ֖ה
ʻĂzêqâh
H5825
Azekah
N-proper
בְּ/אֶ֥פֶס
ʼEpheç Dammîym
H658
Ephes-dammim
Prep | N-proper
דַּמִּֽים
ʼEpheç Dammîym
H658
Ephes-dammim
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:1
וַ/יַּאַסְפ֨וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֤ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַֽחֲנֵי/הֶם֙
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
N-cp | Suff
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
וַ/יֵּאָ֣סְפ֔וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
שֹׂכֹ֖ה
Sôwkôh
H7755
"Soco"
N-proper
Soco was a town in the lowlands of Judah, mentioned in 1 Kings 4:10. It was also the name of another town in the mountain district of Judah, as seen in 1 Chronicles 4:18.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.18; son of: Heber (H2268I) § Shocho or Shochoh or Sochoh or Shoco or Socoh = "bushy" 1) a town in the lowlands of Judah 2) a town in the mountain district of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Shocho, Shochoh, Sochoh, Soco, Socoh. See also: Joshua 15:35; 1 Kings 4:10; 2 Chronicles 28:18.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לִ/יהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Prep | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֛וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
בֵּין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
שׂוֹכֹ֥ה
Sôwkôh
H7755
"Soco"
N-proper
Soco was a town in the lowlands of Judah, mentioned in 1 Kings 4:10. It was also the name of another town in the mountain district of Judah, as seen in 1 Chronicles 4:18.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.18; son of: Heber (H2268I) § Shocho or Shochoh or Sochoh or Shoco or Socoh = "bushy" 1) a town in the lowlands of Judah 2) a town in the mountain district of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Shocho, Shochoh, Sochoh, Soco, Socoh. See also: Joshua 15:35; 1 Kings 4:10; 2 Chronicles 28:18.
וּ/בֵין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
עֲזֵקָ֖ה
ʻĂzêqâh
H5825
"Azekah"
N-proper
Azekah is a town in the lowlands of Judah, mentioned in the Bible as a place in Palestine. Its name means dug over, possibly referring to its fertile soil. It is mentioned in the book of Joshua and the book of Jeremiah.
Definition: § Azekah = "dug over" a town in the lowlands of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Azekah. See also: Joshua 10:10; 1 Samuel 17:1; Jeremiah 34:7.
בְּ/אֶ֥פֶס
ʼEpheç Dammîym
H658
"Ephes-dammim"
Prep | N-proper
Ephes-dammim is a place in Palestine, about 16 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Its name means edge of blood, possibly referring to a violent event that occurred there.
Definition: Ephes Dammim = "edge of blood" a place approx 16 miles (25 km) southwest of Jerusalem Also named: pas dam.mim (פַּס דַּמִּים "Pas-dammim" H6450)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ephes-dammim. See also: 1 Samuel 17:1.
דַּמִּֽים
ʼEpheç Dammîym
H658
"Ephes-dammim"
N-proper
Ephes-dammim is a place in Palestine, about 16 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Its name means edge of blood, possibly referring to a violent event that occurred there.
Definition: Ephes Dammim = "edge of blood" a place approx 16 miles (25 km) southwest of Jerusalem Also named: pas dam.mim (פַּס דַּמִּים "Pas-dammim" H6450)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ephes-dammim. See also: 1 Samuel 17:1.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 17:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:1
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 17:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:1
Context — Goliath’s Challenge
1Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.
2Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines. 3The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 15:35 | Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah, |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 28:18 | The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 11:13 | He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At the place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 13:5 | Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. |
| 5 | Joshua 10:10–11 | And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled before Israel along the descent from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD cast down on them large hailstones from the sky, and more of them were killed by the hailstones than by the swords of the Israelites. |
| 6 | Judges 3:3 | the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 34:7 | as the army of the king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and the remaining cities of Judah—against Lachish and Azekah. For these were the only fortified cities remaining in Judah. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 14:52 | And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 7:7 | When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, their rulers marched up toward Israel. And when the Israelites learned of this, they feared the Philistines |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 14:46 | Then Saul gave up his pursuit of the Philistines, and the Philistines returned to their own land. |
1 Samuel 17:1 Summary
This verse tells us that the Philistines, who were enemies of the Israelites, gathered their army to attack them at a place called Socoh in Judah. They set up their camp in a valley between two towns, Socoh and Azekah, which is similar to how armies would position themselves for battle in other Bible stories, such as in Joshua 8:1-29. This shows us that the Philistines were a powerful and aggressive nation that sought to conquer and destroy the Israelites, but it also sets the stage for the famous story of David and Goliath, which reminds us to trust in God for protection and deliverance, just like it says in Psalm 20:7-8 and Deuteronomy 20:1-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines gather their forces for war at Socoh in Judah?
The Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah because they wanted to attack and conquer the Israelites, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:1, and this was a common practice in those days, similar to what is described in Judges 3:1-3.
What is the significance of the location between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim?
The location between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim is significant because it is in the heart of Judah, and the Philistines camping there posed a direct threat to the Israelites, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 17:1, and this is similar to the threats faced by the Israelites in other locations, such as in Exodus 17:8-13.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which tells the story of David and Goliath, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:1-58, and it shows how the Philistines' gathering for war led to the famous battle between David and Goliath, which is a great example of faith and trust in God, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8.
What can we learn from the Philistines' actions in this verse?
We can learn that the Philistines were a powerful and aggressive nation that sought to conquer and destroy the Israelites, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:1, and this serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God for protection and deliverance, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:1-4 and Psalm 121:1-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of trusting in God for protection and deliverance in my own life, just like the Israelites did in this verse?
- How can I use this verse to remind myself of the importance of faith and trust in God, especially in times of uncertainty or fear?
- What are some ways that I can stand strong against the 'enemies' in my life, just like the Israelites stood strong against the Philistines in this verse?
- How can I use this verse to encourage myself or others to have courage and confidence in the face of adversity, just like David did in 1 Samuel 17:45-47?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:1
Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle,.... Josephus (s) says this was not long after the things related in the preceding chapter were transacted; and very probably they had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:1
Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
1 SAMUEL CHAPTER 17 The armies of the Israelites and Philistines ready for battle: Goliath terrifieth the Israelites with his stature, armour, and challenge, . David sent by his father to visit his brethren; is willing to encounter with him, ; for which Eliab chideth him: he is brought to Saul, and showeth the reason of his confidence, . He taketh a staff, and sling, with five stones, . Goliath curseth and threateneth him, . David’ s faith: he slayeth him, . The Philistines flee; are smitten and plundered, . Saul taketh notice of David, . To revenge their former great and shameful defeat, 1 Samuel 14.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
1 Samuel 17:1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which [belongeth] to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.Ver. 1. Now the Philistines gathered together.] They hearing of the breach between Saul and Samuel, whose piety and prayers had been dreadful and baneful to them, as also of Saul’ s frantic fits, rendering him unfit to lead an army; but especially being stirred up by God to undertake this expedition for the accomplishment of his ends, they again invade the land of Israel: “ Atque Philisthaeis redit in praecordia virtus. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
(1) Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle.—There is nothing to tell us how long a time had elapsed since the victory of Saul over Amalek and the other events related in the last chapter. The compiler of the book is henceforth mainly concerned with the story of David, and how he gradually rose in popular estimation. The history does not profess to give anything like a consecutive account of the reign and wars of Saul. It was evidently compiled from documents of the time, but put into its present shape long afterwards. “Probably,” writes Dean Payne Smith, “at each prophetic school there would be stored up copies of Psalms written for their religious services, ballads such as those in the Book of Jashar, and in the book of the wars of the Lord, narratives of stirring events like this before us, and histories both of their own chiefs, such as was Samuel (the original founder of these famous educational centres), and afterwards Elijah and Elisha, and also of their kings.” Pitched between Shochoh and Azekah.—The locality was some twelve or fifteen miles southwest of Jerusalem, and nine or ten from Bethlehem, the home of the family of Jesse. The name Ephes-dammim, the “boundary of blood,” is suggestive, and tells of the constant border warfare which took place in this neighbourhood.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
CHAPTER XVII The Philistines gather together against Israel at Ephes-dammim, and Saul and his men pitch their camp near the valley of Elah, 1-3. Goliath of Gath, a gigantic man, whose height was six cubits and a span, defies the armies of Israel, and proposes to end all contests by single combat; his armour is described, 4-11. Saul and his host are greatly dismayed, 12. David, having been sent by his father with provisions to his brethren in the army, hears the challenge, inquires into the circumstances, thinks it a reproach to Israel that no man can be found to accept the challenge, is brought before Saul, and proposes to undertake the combat, 13-32. Saul objects to his youth and inexperience, 33. David shows the grounds on which he undertakes it, 34-37. Saul arms him with his own armour: but David, finding them an encumbrance, puts them off, and takes his staff, his sling, and five stones out of the brook, and goes to meet Goliath, 38-40. The Philistine draws near, despises, defies, and curses him, 41-44. David retorts his defiance, 45-47. They draw near to each other, and David slings a stone, hits Goliath in the forehead, slays him, and cuts off his head with his own sword, 48-51.
The Philistines flee, and are pursued by the Israelites, 52, 53. David brings the head of the Philistine to Jerusalem, 54. Conversation between Saul and Abner concerning David, who is in consequence brought before Saul, 55-58. NOTES ON CHAP. XVII Verse 1. Now the Philistines gathered together] Calmet thinks that this war happened eight years after the anointing of David, and ten or twelve years after the war with the Amalekites. We have already seen that there was war between Saul and the Philistines all his days. See 1 Samuel 14:52. Shochoh and Azekah] Places which lay to the south of Jerusalem and to the west of Bethlehem; about five leagues from the former. Ephes-dammim was somewhere in the vicinity, but it is not known where.
See Calmet.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:1
Ch. 1 Samuel 17:1-3. The Philistine invasion 1. at Shochoh] The scene of David’s memorable combat is fixed with great exactness. The Philistine army marched up the wide valley of Elah to their rendezvous at Sochoh, and pitched their camp in Ephes-dammim (cp. 1 Chronicles 11:13). The valley of Elah is almost certainly the present Wady-es-Sunt, which runs in a N. W. direction from the hills of Judah near Hebron past the probable site of Gath (see note on ch. 1 Samuel 5:8) to the sea near Ashdod. “It took its name Elah of old from the Terebinth, of which the largest specimen we saw in Palestine still stands in the vicinity; just as it now takes its name es-Sunt from the acacias which are scattered in it.” Robinson, Bibl, Res. II. 21. Sochoh is the modern Shuweikeh, about 16 miles S.W. of Jerusalem on the road to Gaza. Azekah is mentioned in Joshua 10:10 in connexion with the rout of the Philistines in the battle of Beth-horon, but the site is uncertain. “Of the name Ephes-dammim we have perhaps a trace In the modern Beit Fased, or ‘House of Bleeding,’ near Sochoh.” Conder’s Tent Work, II. 160. The name, which signifies “boundary of blood,” was probably due to its being the scene of frequent skirmishes with the Philistines.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 17:1
The narrative reverts to the Philistine wars 1 Samuel 14:52; the other introductory details concerning Saul’s rejection, and David’s introduction upon the stage of the history, having been disposed
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1
1. Socoh — One of the cities of Judah. It has been identified with the modern Suweikeh, fourteen miles southwest of Jerusalem.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
David's Encounter With Goliath Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He describes David as a young shepherd boy who was chosen by God to defeat the Philistin |
|
(1 Samuel) Where the Battle Is Won by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He highlights David's heart for God and his willingness to watch over his father's sheep. The |
|
A Time to Do Nothing by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of waiting on God through the story of Saul, who, despite being anointed and blessed by God, fell into disobedience and despair when faced |
|
The Day the Sun Stood Still by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and the battle against the five powerful kings. The preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences |
|
|
God Is Training a Holy Remnant by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the scarcity of true men of God who walk with God, seek His face, and speak His word without manipulation or greed. He highlights the need fo |