1 Samuel 17

2. Elah. The part of the valley where the conflict took place is about six miles to the west of Jerusalem. “Shochoh” is now Shuwekehs; and the valley of Elah is now Wady-es-Sunt; so called from the acacia trees in it. “The narrow pass goes right up to the interior of the land near Bethlehem; so that the shepherd-boy . . . would have almost twelve miles to cover between his father’s house and the camp” (G. A. Smith).

4. Goliath, of Gath. Goliath was descended from the race of Anakim, who had been almost exterminated by Joshua, but of whom a few had still remained in Gaza, Gath, and Askelon. See Numb. xiii. 32, 33; Josh. xi. 21, 22.

six cubits and a span. Reckoning the cubit at eighteen inches, Goliath’s height would be nine feet nine inches. There are instances on record, both in ancient and modern times, of persons who have attained this stature.

5 a coat of mail. Composed of plates of metal, overlapping each other like the scales of a fish.

five thousand shekels. About 200 lbs. The weight of his spear’s head was about 24 lbs.

6 greaves. The “greaves” were coverings for the leg, reaching from the ankle to the top of the knee, and made of hide, sometimes covered with copper.

target. This more probably means, as in Josh. viii. 18, a “spear,” or light lance slung over the shoulders.

18 take their pledge. Either an assurance that they were well, or an acknowledgement of their father’s present.

19. Now Saul, etc. Read either were or are. In the former case the words are the historian’s (A.V., R.V.), in the latter they are part of Jesse’s direction to David (R.V. marg.).

21. For Israel . . . had put. Rather (as R.V.), “And Israel . . . put.”

25 free in Israel. That is, free from tribute and service; see viii. 11-17.

29. Is there not a cause? David, animated by a truly pious patriotism, saw in the gigantic Philistine only an insolent enemy of Jehovah, who would surely enable any one relying on His aid to overcome him. This narrative admirably illustrates (1) the manner in which true faith in God views, assails, and conquers enemies and obstacles at which mere human courage quails, and (2) the importance of using the best methods, in reliance upon Divine strength. David employed his own weapons, not Saul’s.

34 a lion and a bear. Not both at once, for they do not hunt together; but on two different occasions. R.V., “When there came a lion, or a bear,” etc.

38 his armour. Rather, “his apparel” (R.V.), the clothes worn under the coat of mail.

40 staff . . . scrip . . . sling. The shepherds in the East carry a bag for victuals, and a staff, which they hold in the middle, to beat the low brushwood into which the sheep stray. They are to this day particularly expert in the use of the sling. Captain Conder found the bed of the stream that runs through this valley “strewn with rounded and water-worn pebbles, which would have been well fitted for David’s sling.”

51 cut off his head. This was a customary token of victory in these countries, and still is so; see xxxi. 9.

52 to the valley. The Sept. reads, “to Gath.”

54 to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was on David’s way home, and part of it was in the hands of the Hebrews (Josh. xv. 63).

55. And when Saul, etc. See note at the beginning of xvi.