1 Samuel 17

The Philistines and Israelites camps lying on against another, ver.1c.the giant Goliath draweth neer, and affrighteth the Israelites with his huge statue, armour, and daring challenge,4. David being sent by his father into the camp unto his Bretheren, and seeing this, is troubled at the proud and lofty carriage of this uncircumcised Goliath, and encounter with him, 12. For which he is sorely reviled by his eldest brother, 28. Saul causeth David to be sent for, who abideth constant in his proper, and sheweth the ground or reason of his courage and confindence, 31.Goethunarmed, onely with his staff and a fling against the proud Philistine Goliath, 38.whodespiseth, curseth, him,42. But David, full of faith and confidence in God, felleth him down, and slayeth him, 45. Where upon the Philistines fleeing, are smitten and Plundered, 51.Saultaketh notice of David,55.

1. And the Philistines gathered together their army to battle, [here, according to the opinion of some, is related that which was done before David came to the Court, which is described at the end of the 10. Chapter, but it’s here set down, to shew by what means, or upon what occasion David came into the Court of Saul] and gathered themselves together at Socho [a city lying in the tribe if Juda, Joshua 15:35. Rehabeam built and fortified the same, 2 Chron 11.8. But in the time of Achaz the Philistines took the same again, 2 Chron 28.18.] which is Juda: and they camped themselves between Socho, and between Azeka, [This city lay in the uttermost borders of the tribe of Juda towards the West, Jos.15.45, Rehabeam feared the lame,1Cron.11.9 and it was besieged by Nebuchadnezzar: see Jer 34.] at the end of Dammim. [Oth. called Ephes-Dammim, and Paul-Dammim, 1 Chron 11.13.]

2. But Saul and the men of Israel gathered themselves together, and camped in the Oak-valley: and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

3. Now the Philistines stood on a mount on that (side) and the Israelites stood on a mountain on this side: and the valley was between them.

4. Then went there out a champion, [Heb. a man between two, or, between both, or, a treader between both. This Giant seemeth to be called thus, because he put himself between both the camps, and challenged to fight with any: or, a man between two; i e. that between them the two will fight a duel, or single- combate. Oth. a dueller] out of the camp of the Philistines, his name was Goliath of Gath: his height was fix ells (or cubits), and a span,) [containing about three hundred breaths, or twelve inches].

5. And he had a copper-helmet on his head, and he had a scaly coat of male on: and the weight of the coat of mil was five thousand shekel of copper: [Four common shekels make an ounce so that after that reckoning this harnass weighed 1 250ounces;i.e.78 pound, and two ounces.]

6. And a copper leg-harnass upon his feet, and a copper target [Or, neck-piece, breast-plate, or, shoulder-harnass] between his shoulders.

7. And the staff of his spear was as a Weavers beam, and the head of his spear was (made) of six hundred shekels of iron: and the target-bearer went before his face.

8. Now this (man) stood ,and cried to the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why should you go forth to the battle in aray? am not I a Philistine, and the servant of Saul? Chuse a man among you, that may come down to me [viz. To fight singly with me alone; as if he should say, What need is there that the whole army be engaged in battle, the chusing one man out amongst you all that may enter the List with me, and fight with me hand to hand.]

9. If he be able to fight with me, and kill me, then we will be servants unto you: but if I conquer him, and smite him, then shall ye be servants unto us, and serve us.

10. Moreover, the Philistine said, [viz. When he saw that no man came forth to fight with him] I have defied the armies of Israel this day,[viz. seeing I have challenged them, to send one man forth from among them, to fight a single combat with me, and there’s none of them all the dares attempt to do it: this will lie as a perpertual shame and reproach upon them; as concerning me I have 8zc.(saying) give me a man, that we may fight together.

11. When Saul and Israel heard these word of the Philistine: they were then dismayed, and feared greatly.

12. Now David was the son of the Ephraitish man of Bethlehem Juda, [Of whom mention is made above chapter 16.19.] whose name was Isai, and (he) had eight sons: [compare 1 Chronicles 2.on ver. 13,14.] and in the days of Saul he was a man, old, decaying, among men.

13. And the three greatest sons of Isai went their way they followed after Saul into the war: Now the names of the three sons, that went into war, were, Eliab the first-born, and his second Abinadab, and the third Samma.

14. And David was the least: {viz. Among them, that properly are called sons; see above Chapter 16.12.] and the three greatest followed after Saul.

15. But David went his ways, [Some do understand this thus, that David went often to and fro, being eftstoons sent by his Farther into the camp, to enquire how the café stood with his sons, and to furnish them with necessaries, ver. 17. Which when he had done, he then returned to the sheep] and returned from Saul,[i.e. according to the opinion of some, from his bretheren, which were with Saul in the camp, for this happened before David came to the Court] to feed his fathers sheep at Bethelehem.]

16. Now the Philistines drew near early in the morning, and at evening: Thus he presented himself (there) fourty days together.

17. And Isai said unto his son David, Take, I pray thee, [Oth. Now] for thy brethren an Epha [see of this measure, Exod16.36] of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and carry them speedily into the camp unto thy brethren.

18. But carry these ten milk-cheeses [i.e. Fresh-cheeses, out of which the milk might be yet presled] unto the Captain over the thousand:/thou shalt visit thy brethren, (to know) if they be in good plight; and thou shalt take with thee (a) pledge from them. [viz. that I may thereby assurely know that thou hast done thy message well.]

19. Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel were by the oak-valley fighting with he Philistines.

20. Then David got up early in the morning, and he left the sheep with the keeper, and took it up (those things) and went its ways, according as Isai had commanded him, and he came to the wagon-Fort, [i. e. To the place where the Camp with the Baggage-Waggons was as it were hemmed in, or compassed about: so also below chapter26.5.] when the army marched forth in battle-aray, and they called to the battle. [Oth. and they made a field-cry to the war, or, they made a great noise in the camp as when there is an alarm.]

21. And the Israelites and the Philistines put battle-aray against battle-aray.

22. Now David left the vessels from him, under the hand of the keeper of the vessels, [Understand here, that David left his provision, or carriage, or sack, in which he carried the cheeses and the loaves (whereof mention is made v. 17.) with the keepers of the vessels or carriage, that he might the speedier go and view the camp] and he ran to the battle-aray: and he came and asked his brethren concerning (their) welfare. [Heb. concerning the peace]

23. When he talked with them, behold, here came up [viz. Upward toward the mountain, where the camp of the Israelites lay, v.3.] the champion : his name was Goliath, the Philistine of Gath, out of the Philistine army, [or, battle-ray] and he spake according to these words: [viz. which are mentioned v.8.] and David heard them.

24. But all the men in Israel, when they saw that man, then they fled before his face, and they feared greatly.

25. And the men of Israel said: have ye indeed seen that man that is come up? For he is come up to deliver Israel: and it shall come to pass, that the king will enrich that man-that smiteth him, with great riches, and he will give him his daughter, and he will make his fathers house free in Israel. [i e. He will enable him and his family and give them those priviledges and immunities, which are wont to be given to the nobility, when they have done gallant service for their country, and for their Prince.]

26. Then spake David unto the men that flood by him, saying, What shall they do to this man [Heb. What shall be done to that man?] that smiteth this Philistine, and turneth away the reproach from Israel: for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defie the Armies of the living God.

27. Again the people spake unto him according to that word, saying : Thus shall they do to the man the smiteth him.

28. When Eliab his Greatest brother heard him speak to those men; then Eliabs anger kindled against David, and he said, Why art thou now come down? And under whom hast thou left the few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy presumption, and the wickedness of thy heart well, for thou art come down, that thou mightiest see the battle.

29. Then said David, What have I now done? [viz. Wherefore thou thus chidest me, and accusest me of pride] is there not a cause? as it he had said, my father indeed sent me unto you. Otherw. Is it not this word or cause? i.e. according to the opinion of some, is that word which was there spoke, the cause that thou art so angry with me, and so chidest me? Oth. Is not that the thing?]

30. And he turned himself away from him towards another, and he said according to hat word: [David asked often divers persons, partly that he might fully know the certainty of the thing, partly to make known his proneness to encounter with this Philistine, that so the matter might come to the Kings ear] and the people answered him again according to the first words.

31. When those words were heard which David had spoken, and were rehearsed in the presence of Saul, then he sent for him. [Heb. he took him.]

32. And David said unto Saul, Let no mans heart fail because of him: thy servant [i.e. I that am thy servant; so also below v. 34.] will go his ways, and he will fight with this philistine.

33. But Saul said unto David, Thou will not be able to go forth against this Philistine, to fight with him, [viz.With hope or appearance of getting the victory over him] for thou art a young man, [and therefore yet inexperienced in War like affairs: or a child, viz. in comparison of this Giant] and he is a man of war from his youth.

34. Then said David unto Saul, Thy servant fed his fathers sheep, [Heb. was feeding among the sheep] and there came a lion and a bear, and took away a sheep [or, lamb, or goat] out of the flock.

35. And I went forth after him, and I smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: when he rose up against me, then I caught him by his beard, and smote him , and killed him.

36. Thy servant smote both the lion and the bear: so shall this uncircumcised Philistine be as on of them, [As if he should say, he shall be smitten and killed by me, as I have killed the lion and the bear] because he hath defied the armies of the living God.

37. Furthermore David said, the LORD, that delivered me from the hand [Or, paw, claw] of the lion, and out of the hand [or, paw. claw] of the bear, and he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine: the said Saul unto David, Go thy ways and the LORD be with thee.

38. And Saul clothed David with his clothes [Understand this Sauls clothes ; i. e. armour, or which he was wont to put on, when he went to battle, or which he took out of his armoury or magazine, which fitted David] and put a copper helmet upon his head: and he clothed him with a coat of Mail.

39. And David girded his sword upon his clothes, and would go, [Or, And began to go, [Or, And began to go] for he had never tried it: then said David unto Saul, I cannot go in these,[viz. arms, or weapons, or harnesses] for I never tried it: and David put them off him.

40. And he took his staff in his hand, and he chose him five smooth stones out of the brook ,and put them in shepherds bag,[Heb. vessel] which he had ,to wit, in the sack, and his fling in his hand: thus he drew near to the Philistine.

41. The Philistine likewise went along, going and near unto David: and his shield-bearer [Heb. The man that have shield] (went) before his face.

42. When the Philistines looked up, and saw David, then he despised him: for he was a youth, ruddy, likewise fair of countenance.

43. Now the Philistine said unto David, Am I Dog that thou comest to me with sticks?[Oth.With a stick. David had but one stick, or shepherds staff, verse. 40.So that here the plural number seemeth to be put for the singular. : see Gen.21.7.] and the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

44. Afterwards the Philistine said unto David: Come tome, so will I give thy flesh unto fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the field.

45. On contrary, David said unto the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: [i.e. Thou reliest upon thy sword, & c .See above ver 5 and 6] but I come to thee in the name of the LORD., [see Proverbs 18:10.] of hosts, the god of armies of Israel, [i.e. by motion or instinct of God, and having first called upon his Name : and I rely upon his gracious help and assistance, which he hath promised to them that trust in him] whom [or, which, viz. army] thou hast defied.

46. And this day will the LORD shut thee up in mine hand, and will smite thee, and I will take off thine head from thee, and I will give the carcasses of the Philistines camp this day unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the field : And all the earth shall know that Israel hath a God.[viz .A God, that maketh it really appear, that he is Almighty.]

47. And all this assembly shall know, that the LORD deliverth not by the sword, nor by the spear: for the war victory to whom he pleaseth. Oth for this war is the Lord: as if he had said: ye make wear against the Lord, but we for the Lord: he regardeth his own honour, and the deliverance of his people] he will give you into our hand.

48. And it came to pass when the Philistines gat up, and forth, and drew near to meet David hasted and ran to the battle- array [viz. To the fighting place between both camps]to meet the Philistine.

49. And David put his hand into the pouch, and took thence a stone, and he slang it, and bit [Heb. smote] the Philistine in his fore-head [i.e. So that the stone sunk into his fore-head. The Hebrew word signifieth properly to dip, or sink into the water. The meaning is, that the stone went so easily, and so deep into his forehead, and tarried there a while, as if it had been sunk in, and covered all over in it: and this by the power of God, which was with David] and he fell on his ace to the ground.

50. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and he smote the Philistine, and slew him: but David had no sword in (his0 hand.

51. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of its sheath, and he slew him, and he cut off his head therewith: When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, then they fled.

52. Then the men of Israel and of Juda got up, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until there they come to the valley, [Whereof spoken ver.3.] and unto the gates of Ekron: and the wounded of the Philistines fell (down) on the way of Saaraim, [a city lying in the tribe of Juda, as appeareth Jos.15.36.] and unto Gath, and unto Ekron.

53. After that the children of Israel returned from the hot pursuit after the Philistines: and they spoiled their camps. [He speaketh in the plural number, in respect of the divers quarters, and great number of souldiers, horses, and other beasts that carried burdens that were in this camp of the Philistines.]

54. Afterward David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem: but he laid his armour [viz. Goliaths armour, which David had taken from him] in his tent. [but the sword of Goliath did David, before he was King, lay up in the Tent of the Congragation at Nob; see chap.21.9.]

55. When Saul saw David go forth to meet the Philistine, he said unto Abner the Captain General of the army, whose son is this young man? [These things were acted before David came to the Court: see on v.I. Some think that Sauls mind and memory, in regard the evil spirit did so haunt and vex him, were distracted and hurt, so that he had forgotten whose son David was. Others affirm, that Saul indeed knew David as much as concerned his particular person, but thas he was desirous to know, of what stock and place he was descended] and Abner said, (as truly as) thy soul liveth, O King, I know not. [Some conceive that Abner was not at that Court at that time, when David was sent for by Saul to play before him, but that he was in some place or other present with the camp, as for the most part of time he was.]

56. Now the King said, Inquire thou, whose son the young man is.

57. When David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, then Abner took him, and he brought him before the face of Saul, and the head of the Philistine was in his hand.

58. And Saul said unto him, Young man, whose son are thou? And David said, I am a son of thy servants Isai the Bethlehemite.