1 Samuel 17:13

KJV

And 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the three {H7969} eldest {H1419} sons {H1121} of Jesse {H3448} went {H3212} and followed {H310} Saul {H7586} to the battle {H4421}: and the names {H8034} of his three {H7969} sons {H1121} that went {H1980} to the battle {H4421} were Eliab {H446} the firstborn {H1060}, and next {H4932} unto him Abinadab {H41}, and the third {H7992} Shammah {H8048}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yishai's three oldest sons had followed Sha'ul to battle; the names of his three sons who went to battle were Eli'av the firstborn, next to him Avinadav, and the third Shammah.

Berean Standard Bible

The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah.

American Standard Version

And the three eldest sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the first-born, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:13 introduces the three eldest sons of Jesse—Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah—who had joined King Saul’s army and were actively participating in the escalating conflict with the Philistines in the Valley of Elah. This verse is pivotal as it establishes the immediate family context for the dramatic events that are about to unfold, particularly highlighting the absence of their youngest brother, David, and thereby setting the stage for his unexpected and divinely orchestrated arrival on the battlefield.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of 1 Samuel 17, which vividly describes the standoff between the Israelite and Philistine armies. It immediately follows the detailed account of the Philistine challenge by Goliath and the fear that gripped Saul and all Israel ([1 Samuel 17:1-11](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1-11 - Goliath's Challenge")). By naming Jesse's three eldest sons as participants in this military engagement, the text not only grounds the story in the reality of the ongoing war but also subtly prepares the reader for the eventual arrival of David, who is conspicuously absent from this initial list of combatants. Furthermore, it subtly recalls the earlier divine rejection of Eliab as a potential king in [1 Samuel 16:6-7](/1_samuel/16-6 "1 Samuel 16:6-7 - God's Choice of David"), emphasizing God's perspective on true leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, military service was often a communal obligation, especially during times of national crisis. Able-bodied men were expected to join the king's army to defend the nation. The Philistines were a formidable and persistent enemy of Israel, frequently engaging in territorial disputes and military confrontations, as seen throughout the books of Samuel. The Valley of Elah, where this confrontation took place, was a strategic border region, making control over it crucial. The mention of the "firstborn" (Eliab) also carries cultural weight, as the firstborn son typically held a position of prominence and responsibility within the family, often being the first to fulfill such duties.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes within the broader narrative of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine election versus human expectation**. Eliab, as the eldest and likely most imposing of Jesse's sons, would have been the natural choice for military service and, as previously seen in [1 Samuel 16:6](/1_samuel/16-6 "1 Samuel 16:6 - Samuel's Impression of Eliab"), was even considered by Samuel for kingship, only to be rejected by God who "looks at the heart" ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). Secondly, it sets the stage for the theme of **God's unconventional methods of deliverance**. By explicitly stating that these three sons were at the battle, the narrative implicitly highlights David's initial absence, thereby magnifying the unexpected nature of his later, providential appearance and his role in securing victory against Goliath. This contrast between the "expected" warriors and the "unlikely" deliverer is central to the chapter's theological message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eldest (Hebrew, _gādōl'_):** The Hebrew word גָּדֹל (_gādōl_) means "great, large, important, chief." When applied to sons, it refers to the older or senior ones, particularly the firstborn. In this context, it emphasizes their maturity and suitability for military service according to societal norms, contrasting with David's youth and perceived unsuitability.
* **followed (Hebrew, _hālak'_):** The Hebrew verb הָלַךְ (_hālak_) means "to go, walk, come." Here, in the context of "followed Saul to the battle," it signifies their active enlistment, deployment, and allegiance to King Saul's command. It implies their physical presence and participation in the military campaign, not merely a casual accompaniment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the three eldest sons of Jesse went [and] followed Saul to the battle":** This clause immediately establishes the active participation of Jesse's three oldest sons in the ongoing military conflict. Their presence signifies their duty and allegiance to King Saul, highlighting the widespread nature of the Philistine threat and the mobilization of Israelite forces. It sets up the contrast with David, who is not yet present on the battlefield.
* **"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":** This explicit naming provides crucial character identification. Eliab, as the "firstborn," is particularly significant, as he was previously considered by Samuel as a potential king, only to be rejected by God. Naming all three brothers establishes their individual identities within Jesse's family, preparing the reader for their respective roles, particularly Eliab's interaction with David later in the chapter.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Character Introduction** is primary, as it formally names Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah, establishing their presence and roles within the unfolding drama. This naming is not merely for identification but also serves as **Foreshadowing**; by specifying that these three, and not David, are at the battle, the narrative subtly hints at David's unique and unexpected role to come. There is also an implicit **Contrast** being set up between these three older, presumably more physically imposing sons, and their younger, shepherd brother, David, who will ultimately be God's chosen instrument. This contrast highlights the recurring biblical theme of God choosing the unlikely or the weak to accomplish His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a simple list of names, is rich in theological implications. It sets the stage for a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and His unconventional methods of deliverance. The presence of Jesse's three eldest sons, particularly Eliab, who was initially impressive in human eyes but rejected by God for kingship, underscores the divine principle that God's choice is not based on outward appearance or human strength, but on the heart and His sovereign purpose. This narrative thread powerfully illustrates that human might and conventional expectations are often insufficient for God's work; instead, He often chooses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His greatest feats.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak and Foolish")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 17:13 invites us to reflect on our own perceptions of strength, capability, and divine calling. We often, like Samuel initially did with Eliab, tend to judge potential based on outward appearances, worldly qualifications, or conventional expectations. Yet, God consistently demonstrates that His power is perfected in weakness, and His plans unfold through those whom the world might overlook or dismiss. This verse challenges us to consider where we place our trust: in human might and impressive credentials, or in God's sovereign hand that can use anyone, regardless of their perceived status, to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to look beyond superficial assessments and to recognize that God's instruments are often found in unexpected places, reminding us that true effectiveness in God's kingdom comes from His anointing, not human strength or social standing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, like Samuel, often tend to judge people or situations based on outward appearances rather than God's perspective?**
* **In what "battles" or challenges in our lives are we tempted to rely on human strength or conventional wisdom, rather than trusting in God's unconventional methods?**
* **How does God's consistent choice of the "unlikely" or "weak" (like David over his older brothers) challenge our assumptions about leadership and effectiveness?**

### FAQ

**Why are only three of Jesse's sons mentioned as going to battle, when David is later identified as Jesse's eighth son?**

Answer: The narrative specifically names Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah because they are the eldest and, according to societal norms, the ones expected to serve in the army. Their presence on the battlefield highlights the gravity of the conflict and sets a deliberate contrast with David, who is the youngest and initially absent, tending sheep. This selective naming serves a literary purpose, establishing the "expected" participants in the war and thereby emphasizing David's later, divinely orchestrated, and unexpected arrival as God's chosen deliverer. It focuses the reader's attention on the specific characters relevant to the immediate unfolding drama in the Valley of Elah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 1 Samuel 17:13, by introducing Jesse's seemingly more capable sons who are present for the conventional battle, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine choice of the "unlikely" deliverer, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as David, the youngest and least expected shepherd boy, was chosen by God to defeat Goliath and deliver Israel, so too did God choose a seemingly humble and unconventional path for the salvation of humanity through His Son. Jesus did not come as a conquering king with an earthly army, but as a [servant, born in a manger](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus Born in a Manger"), growing up in an obscure town, and ultimately achieving victory not through worldly power but through the ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross. The world saw His crucifixion as weakness and defeat, yet it was precisely through this act that He conquered sin and death, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This echoes the divine principle that God's strength is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")), and that He often chooses what is foolish or weak in the world's eyes to shame the wise and strong ([1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")). Thus, the introduction of Eliab and his brothers, representing human expectation and conventional might, serves as a rich Old Testament type, pointing forward to the counter-intuitive, yet perfectly divine, triumph of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 2:13

And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,

2 Samuel 21:21

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.

2 Samuel 13:3

But Amnon had a friend, whose name [was] Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab [was] a very subtil man.

1 Samuel 17:28

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.

2 Samuel 13:32

And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose [that] they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.

1 Samuel 16:6

¶ And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed [is] before him.

1 Samuel 16:9

Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.