1 Samuel 17
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
1 Samuel 17
NJB (MT versing) Goliath's Challenge David and Goliath David Kills Goliath Goliath Challenges the Israelites Goliath Challenges the Israelite Army 17:1-11 17:1-11 17:1-11 17:1-3 17:1-3 17:4-11 17:4-7 17:8-11 David in Saul's Camp David Arrives in the Camp 17:12-16 17:12-19 17:12-16 17:12-15 17:12-19 17:16 17:17-19 17:17-18 17:17-19 David Accepts the Challenge 17:19-23 17:20-23 17:20-27 17:20-25 17:20-22 17:23-25 17:24-25 17:24-27 17:26-27 17:26-27 17:26-31 17:28-30 17:28-30 17:28-30 17:28 17:29-30 David Kills Goliath 17:31-40 17:31-37 17:31-37 17:31-32 David Volunteers to Accept the Challenge 17:32-33 17:33 17:34-37b 17:34-37 17:37c-40 17:38-39 17:38-40 17:38-39 David and Goliath 17:40-47 David Defeats Goliath 17:40-47 17:41-47 17:41-49 17:41-44 17:45-47 17:48-49 17:48-54 17:48-51c 17:48-51b 17:50-54 17:50-51b 17:51c-54 17:51d-54 17:51c-54 David Is Presented to Saul (17:55-18:5) David the Conqueror of Goliath Is Presented to Saul (17:55-18:5) 17:55-58 17:55-58 17:55-58 17:55 17:55-56 17:56 17:57-58 17:57-58 Etc. CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS There seems to be a rather confusing relationship between 1 Samuel 16:14-23 and 1 Samuel 17 (esp. vv. 55-56,58). Both of these accounts describe Saul and David's first meeting. Several theories have been postulated to answer this seeming contradiction. possibly a long period of time intervenes between chapters 16 and 17 possibly Saul knows David's name in chapter 16 but is asking for questions about his family lineage in chapter 17 1 Samuel 17:15 seems to explain that David remained Saul's armor bearer but did not stay with him for a very long period of time. The position may have been honorary and there may have been several other young men. Verse 15 seems to explain the logical relationship between chapters 16 and 17 1 Samuel 16-18 is not in chronological order See Hard Sayings of the Bible, pp. 213-214 and Gleason Archer, Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, pp. 178-179. The Greek translation of the OT recorded in the Vaticanus also recognized the problem between chapters 16 and 17 and tried to resolve it by omitting 17:12-31 and 55-58.
1 Samuel 17:1-11
17:1 "the Philistines" The Philistines were an Aegean migratory group that settled southwestern Canaan around 1200 b.c. They brought Iron Age technology from Greece and were, therefore, technologically superior to the people of the area. They were the only uncircumsised people that we know in the middle east. However, they assimilated the Canaanite culture and religion as a means of controlling the larger native population. The reason that the Philistines were so dangerous is that their control was by slow infiltration through intermarriage and commercial dependence. This is why the exploits of Samson in the book of Judges were seemingly so out of keeping with the attitude of the rest of the Israelite tribes. 17:4 "a champion" This is literally "a man in between" (BDB 107). Goliath was especially trained in hand to hand combat for the purpose of demoralizing and discouraging the opposing army. The dual form occurs only here (BDB 108 #2; see Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, p. 218. ▣ "Goliath" See 2 Samuel 21:18ff for another giant by the same name from the same city. ▣ "Gath" Gath is one of the five major Philistine city-states. ▣ "whose height was six cubits and a span" A "cubit" (BDB 52) equals the distance between a man's longest finger and his elbow. The distance varied between 17 and 18 inches. A "span" (BDB 284) was the distance between a man's little finger and outstretched thumb; approximately 8 to 9 inches. Therefore, Goliath was nine feet and six inches tall. This is not highly unusual since Og, king of Bashan, also a giant, defeated by Joshua, had a bed nine feet long. We know from the book of Joshua that a family of giants, the sons of Anak, lived in Gath (cf. Josh. 11:21-22) Josephus (Antiq. 6.9.1) says Goliath was "four cubits and a span in tallness" (about 6'6"). This is followed by DSS MSS The NET Bible has "seven feet tall." The Peshitta follows the MT. The size and weight of his armament and weapons suggest the larger size. SPECIAL TOPIC: CUBIT SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS USED FOR TALL/POWERFUL WARRIORS OR PEOPLE GROUPS SPECIAL TOPIC: "the sons of God" in GENESIS 6 17:5-7 The detailed description of Goliath's armor was for the purpose of showing how strong and large this man was. The Israeli army was very poorly armed at this time. We know that only Saul and his son Jonathan had swords. The very sight of the large, well-armed, technologically advanced soldier struck fear in the hearts of Israeli fighters (cf. vv. 11,24). 17:6 "javelin" From the Qumran literature (DSS) we have found that this word dennotes a "large sword" (BDB 475 I). 17:7 "the head of the spear" The word "head" possibly means "flame" (BDB 529). The iron spear head was polished to a glittering brilliance. ▣ "weighed six hundred shekels" We know so little of ancient weights that it is difficult to ascertain the exact weight of this armament. Estimates have run all the way from fifteen to twenty-five pounds. SPECIAL TOPIC: ANE WEIGHTS AND VOLUMES ▣ "iron" The Philistines brought the Iron Age technology with them to Canaan. Therefore, they were technologically advanced in their armaments. 17:8-11 This describes the demoralizing technique that Goliath used to frighten the opposing army. 17:8 NASB (16:8) "choose" NKJV, NRSV, TEV, NJB, REB, JPSOA, LXX, Peshitta "chosen" The MT has the VERB (BDB 103, KB 119, בחר, Qal PERFECT), "choose" in 1 Sam. 16:8,9,10, but here this is a different root. It could be BDB 136, KB 154, ברה, "eat," a scribal error for BDB 103, cf. 1 Kgs. 18:25 BDB 140, KB 162, ברר, "select," which usually means "purify." It means "select" only in its participle form in Chronicles. In this context it refers to Goliath's challenge to Israel. In ANE and Greek culture one military champion fought another military champion to see which side would win the battle. If this method was honored then many lives were saved (cf. v. 9). See IVP Background Commentary (OT), p. 307. 17:10 NASB, NKJV, NRSV, JPSOA "defy" TEV, NJB, REB "challenge" "chided" "defiled" The MT has the VERB (BDB 357, KB 355, Piel PERFECT) which means "reproach," or "taunt" (cf. Jdgs. 8:15). Goliath is not only reproaching Israel's military and king, he is reproaching their God (cf. vv. 16,23,25,26,36,45,46,47). 17:11 "they were dismayed and greatly afraid" The size and weaponry of this large warrior terrified the army of Israel. dismayed ‒ BDB 369, KB 365, Qal IMPERFECT with waw, cf. Deut. 1:21; 31:8; Josh. 8:1; 10:25; 1 Chr. 28:20; 2 Chr. 20:15,17; 32:7 greatly afraid ADVERB (BDB 547) "greatly VERB (BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT with waw) "fear" Saul and the army focused on the problem and not the solution! God was with them. In light of this, what difference does a Philistine giant make?
1 Samuel 17:12-16
17:12 "the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah" This title for Jesse seems to be used to differentiate between the geographical location of the two Bethlehems and does not relate to Jesse's tribal origin. The IVP Bible Background Commentary (OT), p. 307, suggests that the Ephrathites were a tribal unit of the Calebites from the Bethlehem region of Judah (cf. Ruth 1:2; 4:11; Micah 5:2). ▣ "Jesse. . .had eight sons" This fits well with 1 Sam. 16:10 but not 1 Chr. 2:13-15. 1 Sam. 16:6-11 1 Chr. 2:13-15 ‒ Eliab (17:13) ‒ Aliab ‒ Abinadab (17:13) ‒ Abinadab ‒ Shammah (17:13) ‒ Shimea (seven sons, v. 10) ‒ Nethanel ‒ Raddai ‒ Azem ‒ David ‒ David Possibly one of Jesse's eight sons died early and is not listed in Chronicles. ▣ Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men I think a better way to understand this phrase is not Jesse's age but his standing in Israel (see UBS Text Project, p. 184). 17:13 "Eliab" This is the oldest son of Jesse. His name means "God is Father" (BDB 45). It is made up from two very common Hebrew words. El ‒ God Abba ‒ Father 17:15 Families had to support their family members in the army with food. for the sons (v. 1 Sam. 17:17) for the commanders (1 Sam. 17:18) for the king (1 Sam. 16:20) 17:16 "forty days" This is a Semitic idiom for a long period of time. It does not indicate a specific time. SPECIAL TOPIC: SYMBOLIC NUMBERS IN SCRIPTURE, #7
1 Samuel 17:17-19
17:17 "ephah" See SPECIAL TOPIC: ANE WEIGHTS AND VOLUMES. 17:18 "thousand" This refers to a military unit, not a literal number. Please look at the following Special Topic. SPECIAL TOPIC: THOUSAND (eleph) ▣ "news" NASB margin "their pledge" NRSV, NJB, REB, JPSOA "some token" "something" The MT has the FEMININE NOUN (BDB 786) which means a thing exchanged a pledge (verb in Prov. 17:18) a token This NOUN is used only here but context supports #1 or #3. This must have been a cultural custom. It does not mean to imply Jesse did not trust David. The IVP Bible Background Commentary (OT), p. 307, suggests it was given by the army officials to prove Jesse had provided food and, therefore, his sons could have their rations.
1 Samuel 17:20-23
17:20 "arose early" Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, p. 13, mentions that this VERB (BDB 1014, KB 1492) is probably an idiom from previous periods of Israel's nomadic life. It is literally "load a beast of burden" (cf. Jdgs. 19:9). Other nomadic examples given are "to your tent" ‒ Jdgs. 19:9: 20:8; 1 Sam. 4:10; 13:2; 2 Sam. 18:17; 20:1; 1 Kgs. 8:66; 12:16 imagery involving the tent pegs death ‒ Job 4:21; Isa. 38:12 desolation ‒ Job 10:20 security ‒ Isa. 33:20 expansion of numbers ‒ Isa. 54:2 ▣ "a keeper" This refers to another shepherd servant (BDB 1036). This chapter also names another servant called "the baggage keeper" in v. 22. ▣ "the circle of the camp" This refers to the outer defenses of the base camp (cf. 1 Sam. 26:5,7). ▣ "shouting the war cry" This characteristic shout had religious connotations and probably used the name of YHWH, cf. 1 Sam. 17:52; Josh. 6:5,20; Jdgs. 7:20-21; Amos 1:14; 2:2; Ezek. 21:22). 17:22 "ran to the battle line and entered" This is characteristic of a young man excited about his first opportunity to see battle. 17:23 David could not believe what the giant was saying to the army of The Living God (cf. 1 Sam. 17:10).
1 Samuel 17:24-25
17:24 See note at 1 Sam. 17:11. 17:25 This verse describes the gossip in the front lines of the Israeli troops as to what the king would give the man who fought and defeated the giant. will enrich the man (use of both VERB and NOUN, BDB 779, KB 897 for intensity) will give him his daughter will make his father's house free in Israel ("free" seems to refer to an exemption from taxes and the drafting of goods and labor, cf. 1 Sam. 8:11-17)
1 Samuel 17:26-27
17:26 "this uncircumcised Philistine" For a good discussion of circumcision see Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, pp. 46-48. ▣ "the living God" This is a special title for YHWH. It is related to the title "YHWH" coming from the Hebrew VERB "to be," signifying ever-living, only-living God." SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D
1 Samuel 17:28-30
17:28 This gives us a glimpse into the tension that choosing the youngest child for special honor causes in families (i.e., Esau-Jacob, Joseph). This is surprising in light of David being anointed king in the presence of his family in 1 Samuel 16. Notice what David is accused of. You are just a shepherd boy. You are insolent. You have a wicked heart. You just came to see the battle (cf. v. 22). Was Eliab mad at David or at YHWH?
1 Samuel 17:31-40
17:31-40 This records the conversation between Saul and David. Saul is concerned that such a young man wanted to fight the giant. As David recounts his exploits as a shepherd Saul understands that God is with him. Goliath was tall and had his own armaments, so too, Saul (cf. vv. 38-39). If any Israeli should have defended YHWH's honor and accepted the challenge of Goliath, it should have been Saul! Josephus (Antiq. 6.9.4), "However, Saul prayed that the end might be, by God's assistance, not disagreeable to the alacrity and boldness of the child." 17:36 David's confidence was in YHWH (cf. V. 26)! 17:37 "and may the Lord be with you" What a weak faith affirmation from a terrified "anointed" king! 17:38 "Saul clothed David with his garments" These would have been distinctive royal clothes. Possibly Saul wanted his army to think he was going out to fight Goliath? 17:40 "his stick" This term (BDB 596) is often translated "staff." It was a shepherd's rod (cf. Gen. 30:37). David apparently took it and the sling into battle. ▣ "five smooth stones from the brook" These rounded, smooth (the ADJECTIVE, BDB 325 occurs only here but the root usually describes a person's speech) stones would fit easily into the sling and leave it with accuracy. There has always been the question, only five? Here are two of the guesses. just in case he needed a second or further shots one for each of the giants of Gath, Goliath's brothers ▣ "the shepherd's bag. . .pouch" David, as a shepherd, had a shepherd's staff and leather bag to carry various things (BDB 479). The synonym "pouch" (BDB 545) occurs only here in the OT. It was a place to keep the stones for a quick and easy access. ▣ "sling" This weapon (BDB 887) was a very formidable weapon of war (cf. Jdgs. 20:16). It could throw rocks from the size of a pea to the size of a man's fist. The only exposed part of Goliath's armor was the face.
1 Samuel 17:41-47
17:42 See note at 1 Sam. 16:12. 17:43 "sticks" Apparently David dressed as a shepherd and carried his traditional shepherd's staff (BDB 596). Goliath thought David was treating him as a sheepdog about to be punished. ▣ "cursed David by his gods" This shows the contest had theological implications. Goliath came to battle in the name of Dagon (cf. 1 Samuel 5). The Philistines were of Greek heritage from the Aegean Islands but when they settled in southern Palestine, they accepted the local gods. David came to battle in the name of the Living God of Israel (cf. 1 Sam. 17:26,36,37,45,46,47). 17:44 "I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field" This was a threat not only of death but of being unburied and eaten by wild animals. This was a great fear of the Hebrews. 17:45 "the Lord of hosts" This is literally "YHWH Sabbaoth." This term refers to YHWH as the captain of the armies of heaven and the armies of Israel. Verses 45 and 46 describe David's theological understanding of God's relationship and purpose in the nation of Israel. SPECIAL TOPIC: Lord of Hosts
1 Samuel 17:48-49
17:49 One wonders if the stone killed Goliath (cf. v. 50; BDB 559, KB 562, Hiphil IMPERFECT with waw, NET) or stunned him (Josephus, Antiq. 6.9.5). It seems David took Goliath's huge sword and cut off his head with it (v. 51; BDB 599, KB 562, Polel IMPERFECT with waw, cf. Jdgs. 9:54; 1 Sam. 14:13). It is interesting that 2 Sam. 21:19 attributes Goliath's death to a person named Elhanan, the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite. The mentioning of "Bethlehem" seems to imply that this was an alternate name for both Jesse and David. The original Hebrew text is probably preserved in 1 Chr. 20:5, where Elhanan was David's brother who killed Goliath's brother. See Hard Sayings of the Bible, p. 212.
1 Samuel 17:50-54
17:51 "champion" This is a different Hebrew word than in vv. 4, 22 ("the man in between the armies"). This ADJECTIVE (BDB 150) means "mighty man" (cf. 1 Sam. 2:4; 1 Kgs. 1:8,10, PLURAL). 17:52 "men of Israel and Judah" Again it is unusual at this period in Israel's history for these tribes to be listed separately (cf. 1 Sam. 11:8; 15:4; 18:16). ▣ NASB, NKJV, Peshitta "the valley" NRSV, TEV, NJB, REB, LXX "Gath" "Gai" The MT has both "valley" and "Gath" in v. 52. valley ‒ גיא Gath ‒ גח The UBS Text Project, p. 185, gives both "valley" and "Gai" a "C" rating (considerable doubt). Both would fit the context. 17:54 "brought it to Jerusalem" Jerusalem, at this time, was still in Jebusite hands (cf. 2 Samuel 5). Possibly this refers to the eventual site of where Goliath's head was kept. ▣ "he put his weapons in his tent" The ANTECEDENT of the PRONOUN is very ambiguous. Several possibilities exist. it refers to Goliath's tent in the camp of the Philistines (v. 53) it refers to the tabernacle it refers to David's home in Bethlehem
1 Samuel 17:55-58
17:55-58 See Contextual Insights, B.