1 Samuel 17:11

When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

When Saul {H7586} and all Israel {H3478} heard {H8085} those words {H1697} of the Philistine {H6430}, they were dismayed {H2865}, and greatly {H3966} afraid {H3372}.

When Sha'ul and all Isra'el heard those words of the P'lishti, they were shaken and terrified.

On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.

And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

Commentary

Context

This verse provides a crucial snapshot of the Israelite army's morale during their standoff with the Philistines in the Valley of Elah. For forty days, the Philistine champion Goliath of Gath had issued a terrifying challenge: single combat to decide the fate of the two nations. Verse 11 reveals the profound impact of Goliath's taunts on King Saul and all the Israelite soldiers. They were not only physically present but emotionally and spiritually paralyzed by fear, demonstrating a significant crisis of leadership and faith before the arrival of David.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Paralysis: The primary theme is the overwhelming fear that gripped the entire Israelite army, from King Saul downwards. This fear rendered them incapable of responding to Goliath's challenge, highlighting a profound spiritual weakness despite their numerical strength.
  • Crisis of Leadership: King Saul, chosen by God to lead Israel, is shown to be as terrified as his men. His inability to lead by example or inspire courage underscores his declining spiritual condition and lack of reliance on God, a stark contrast to the leadership soon to be demonstrated by David.
  • Human Weakness vs. Divine Power: The verse sets the stage for the dramatic display of God's power through David. The collective fear of the Israelite army emphasizes the limitations of human strength and strategy when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, preparing the reader for the subsequent narrative where God grants victory through an unlikely champion.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two powerful words to describe the reaction: "dismayed" and "greatly afraid."

  • The Hebrew word for "dismayed" is ḥāṯaṯ (חָתַת), which means to be broken, shattered, or terrified. It conveys a sense of losing courage and resolve, feeling utterly helpless.
  • "Greatly afraid" comes from the Hebrew yārēʾ (יָרֵא), meaning to fear or be afraid, often used in contexts of awe or dread. The addition of "greatly" intensifies this, indicating a deep, pervasive terror that had seized their hearts. Together, these terms paint a vivid picture of a spirit-broken army.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of how fear can paralyze individuals and communities, even those called by God. It challenges us to consider:

  • Facing Giants: We all encounter "Goliaths" in life—overwhelming challenges, daunting obstacles, or intimidating adversaries. This verse illustrates the natural human tendency to be "dismayed and greatly afraid" when facing such giants.
  • The Role of Faith: The fear of Saul and Israel highlights the critical importance of faith. Where human strength and courage fail, reliance on God's power can provide the necessary boldness. This sets the stage for the faith of David, who would later declare that the battle is the LORD's.
  • Spiritual Condition: The army's fear was not just tactical; it was spiritual. A people truly walking with God, even in the face of a giant, would find courage in His presence, as exemplified by Isaiah 41:10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee." This verse prompts us to examine our own hearts and reliance on God when faced with intimidating circumstances.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 1:9

    Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

  • Deuteronomy 31:8

    And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

  • Isaiah 51:12

    I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

  • Isaiah 51:13

    And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where [is] the fury of the oppressor?

  • Isaiah 57:11

    And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid [it] to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

  • Proverbs 28:1

    ¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

  • Psalms 27:1

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
← Back