1The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being drawn out to battle, 4Goliath cometh forward with a proud challenge. 12David, sent by his father to the army to visit his brethren, 20heareth the challenge, and expresseth indignation thereat. 28Eliab his eldest brother chideth him. 30His words cause him to be brought before Saul; 32he accepteth the challenge, and sheweth the grounds of his confidence. 38He refuseth Saul's armour, and armed only with a sling and a stone slayeth the giant. 52The Philistines are routed. 54David bringeth back the head of Goliath. 55Saul enquireth and taketh notice of him.
1NOW1 the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at 2Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and 3Azekah, in 4Ephes-dammim.
1 Here, according to the opinion of some, is related what was done before David came to the court, which is described at the end of the 16th chapter; but it is here set down to show upon what occasion David came into the court of Saul.
2 A city situated in the tribe of Judah, Joshua 15:35. Rehoboam built and fortified the same, 2 Chron. 11:7. But the Philistines took the same again in the time of Ahaz, 2 Chron. 28:18.
3 This city was in the uttermost borders of the tribe of Judah towards the west, Joshua 15:35. Rehoboam fortified the same, 2 Chron. 11:9 and it was besieged by Nebuchadnezzar, see Jer. 34:7.
4 Or, at the end of Dammin. Otherwise called Ephes-dammim, and Pas-dammim, 1 Chron. 11:13.
2And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
3And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.
4¶And there went out 5a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and 6a span.
5 Hebr. a man between two or between both, or, a treader between both. This giant seems to be called thus, because he put himself between both the camps, and challenged to fight with any man. Or, a man between two, that is, that between them two will fight a duel. Other, a dualler.
6 Containing about three hand breadths, or twelve fingers, or 22.5 cm.
5And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was 7five thousand shekels of brass.
7 Four common shekels make an ounce, so that after that reckoning this harness weighed 1250 ounces, that is, 78 pounds and two ounces.
6And he had greavesa of brass upon his legs, and a 8target of brass between his shoulders.
a armor for the legs
8 Or, neck-piece, breast-plate, or, shoulder-harness.
7And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
8And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, 9Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to 10me.
9 Intimating: What need is there that the entire army be engaged in battle? It can be done with less trouble, namely, when one goes out from among you who shall fight with me hand-to-hand.
10 Namely, to fight singly with me alone.
9If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.
1011And the Philistine said, 12I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.
11 Namely, when he saw that no man came forth to fight with him.
12 Namely, seeing I have challenged them to send forth one man from among them, to fight a single combat with me, and there is among all of them none who dares to do it. This will be as a perpetual shame and reproach upon them; as concerning me, I have, etc.
11When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
12¶Now David was the son of 13that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had 14eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.
13 Of whom mention is made 1 Sam. 16:19.
14 Compare 1 Chron. 2 on verse 13, and 1 Chron. 2 on verse 14.
13And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
14And David was the 15youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.
15 Namely, among them, who properly are called sons. See 1 Sam. 16:11.
1516But David went and returned 17from Saul to feed his father’s sheepb at Beth-lehem.
16 Some do understand this as such: that David went often to and fro, being often sent by his father into the camp, to enquire how the matters stood with his sons, and to furnish them with provisions, verse 17, which, when he had done, he then returned to the sheep.
17 That is, according to the opinion of some, from his brethren, who were with Saul in the camp, for this happened before David came to the court.
b 1 Sam. 16:19.
16And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.
17And Jesse said unto David his son, Take 18now for thy brethren 19an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;
18 Other, nevertheless.
19 See of this measure, Exod. 16:36.
18And carry these ten 20cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and 21take their pledge.
20 That is, fresh cheeses, out of which the milk might be yet pressed.
21 Namely, that I may thereby assuredly know that you have done your message well.
19Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
20¶And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and hec came 22to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and 23shouted for the battle.
c 1 Sam. 26:5.
22 That is, to the place where the camp with the baggage-wagons was as it were hemmed in or compassed about. Also likewise 1 Sam. 26:5.
23 Other, and they made a field-cry to the war, or, they made a great noise in the camp, as when there is an alarm.
21For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.
22And David left 24his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and 25saluted his brethren.
24 Understand here, that David has left his utensils, or baggage, or sack, in which he carried the cheeses and the loaves (whereof mention is made in verse 17) with the keepers of the vessels, that he may go quicker and view the camp.
25 Hebr. concerning the peace.
23And as he talked with them, behold, there came 26up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the 27armies of the Philistines, and spake 28according to the same words: and David heard them.
26 Namely, upward toward the mountain, where the camp of the Israelites was situated, verse 3.
27 Or, battle array.
28 Namely, which are mentioned in verse 8.
24And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
25And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and 29make his father's house free in Israel.
29 That is, he shall make him and his house of nobility, and give them those privileges and immunities, which are wont to be given to the nobles, when they have done gallant service for their country, and for their prince.
26And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, 30What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
30 Hebr. What shall be done to that man?
27And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.
28¶And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
29And David said, 31What have I now done? 32Is there not a cause?
31 Namely, why you thus chide and accuse me of pride?
32 As if he had said: My father indeed sent me unto you. Other, Is it not this word or cause? That is, according to the opinion of some, is that word. which was there spoken, the cause that you are so angry with me, and so chide me? Other, Is that not the thing?
30¶And he turned from him toward another, 33and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.
33 David asked often different persons, partly that he may fully know the certainty of the thing, partly to make known his inclination to contend with this Philistine, in order that the matter might come to the king’s ear.
31And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he 34sent for him.
34 Hebr. he took him.
32¶And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; 35thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
35 That is, I that am thy servant; so also verse 34.
33And Saul said to David, Thou art not 36able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but 37a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.
36 Namely, with hope or appearance of getting the victory over him.
37 And therefore yet inexperienced in warlike affairs; or, a child, namely, in comparison with this giant.
34And David said unto Saul, Thy servant 38kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took 39a lamb out of the flock:
38 Hebr. was feeding among the sheep.
39 Or, lamb, or goat.
35And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
36Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: 40and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
40 As if he would say: He shall be smitten and killed by me, as I have killed the lion and the bear.
37David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the 41paw of the lion, and out of the 42paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
41 Or, foot, claw.
4241 Or, foot, claw.
38¶And Saul armed David with 43his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
43 Understand this of Saul’s clothes, that is, amour, either which he was wont to put on when he went to battle, or which he took out of his armory, which fitted David.
39And David girded his sword upon his armour, 44and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with 45these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
44 Or, and he began to go.
45 Namely, arms, or weapons, or harnesses.
40And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s 46bag which he had, even in a scrip;d and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
46 Hebr. vessel.
d bag
41And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the 47man that bare the shield went before him.
47 Or, armourbearer. Hebr. the man that bare the shield.
42And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
43And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me 48with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
48 Other, with a stick. David had but one stick or shepherd’s staff, verse 40. So that here the plural number seems to be put for the singular. See Gen. 21:7.
44And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
45Then said David to the Philistine, 49Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in 50the 51name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, 52whom thou hast defied.
49 That is, thou reliest upon thy sword, etc. See verses 5, 6.
50 That is, by inspiration of God, and having first called upon His Name; and I rely upon His gracious help and assistance, which He has promised to them that trust in Him.
51 See Prov. 18:10.
52 Or, that, namely, army.
46This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is 53a God in Israel.
53 Namely, a God, Who maketh it really appear, that He is almighty.
47And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: 54for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.
54 That is, God, Who governeth the war, giveth victory to whom He pleaseth. Other, for this war is of the Lord, as if he had said; ye make war against the Lord, but we for the Lord; he regards His honour, and the deliverance of His people.
48And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran 55toward the army to meet the Philistine.
55 Namely, to the fighting place between both camps.
49And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and 56smote the Philistine in his forehead, 57that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
56 Or, struck. Hebr. smote.
57 That is, so that the stone stuck fast in his fore-head. The Hebrew word signifies properly to dip, or sink into the water. The meaning is, that the stone went so easily and so deep into his fore-head, and remained there, as if it had been sunk in, and covered all over in it; and this by the power of God, Which was with David.
50So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
51Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
52And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come 58to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to 59Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.
58 Whereof is spoken verse 3.
59 A city situated in the tribe of Judah, as appears Joshua 15:36.
53And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their 60tents.
60 He speaks in the plural number, in respect of the different quarters, and the great number of soldiers, horses, and other beasts that carried burdens which were in this camp of the Philistines.
54And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his 61armour in his tent.
61 Namely, Goliath’s armor, which David had taken from him. But the sword of Goliath did David, before he was king, place in the tent of the congregation at Nob. See 1 Sam. 21:9.
55¶And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, 62whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
62 These things happened before David came to the court. See on verse 1. Some think that Saul’s 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 that he now was desirous to know, of what stock and place he was descended. Some conceive that, concerning Abner, he was not at 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.
56And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is.
57And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
58And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.