1 Samuel 17:15

KJV

But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.

KJV (with Strong's)

But David {H1732} went {H1980} and returned {H7725} from Saul {H7586} to feed {H7462} his father's {H1} sheep {H6629} at Bethlehem {H1035}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David went back and forth from Sha'ul to pasture his father's sheep at Beit-Lechem.

Berean Standard Bible

but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem.

American Standard Version

Now David went to and fro from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Beth-lehem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:15 provides a critical, though often overlooked, detail about David's life immediately before his legendary encounter with Goliath. It clarifies that despite his anointing as the future king and his prior service in Saul's court, David's presence there was intermittent. He regularly returned to Bethlehem to fulfill his humble duties as a shepherd, underscoring God's profound principle of preparing individuals for significant divine callings through faithfulness in ordinary, often unseen, responsibilities. This verse reveals the sovereign hand of God in shaping His chosen instruments in unexpected and unassuming environments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a crucial parenthetical clarification within the narrative of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"), resolving a potential chronological ambiguity between David's initial introduction to Saul and his appearance on the battlefield. [1 Samuel 16:21-23](/1_samuel/16-21 "1 Samuel 16:21-23 - David Enters Saul's Service") describes David's initial entry into Saul's service as a musician and armor-bearer, suggesting a continuous presence at court. However, [1 Samuel 17:15](/1_samuel/17-15 "1 Samuel 17:15 - David's Commute to Bethlehem") explicitly states that David "went and returned from Saul," indicating that his service was not yet permanent or full-time. This intermittent arrangement explains why David was not continuously with the Israelite army when Goliath issued his challenge and why his father, Jesse, would later send him from Bethlehem to the camp to check on his brothers and bring provisions in [1 Samuel 17:17-18](/1_samuel/17-17 "1 Samuel 17:17-18 - Jesse Sends David to the Camp"). This back-and-forth movement is vital for setting the stage for David's unexpected arrival and subsequent confrontation with Goliath, highlighting divine timing and providence in the unfolding drama.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, shepherding was a foundational and highly respected occupation, often associated with humility, diligence, and leadership. Figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Moses were shepherds before their significant callings, and the imagery of a shepherd-leader was deeply ingrained in the culture. A shepherd's life was one of solitude, requiring constant vigilance, courage to protect the flock from predators (lions, bears, and human raiders), and intimate knowledge of the land. While serving in a royal court was prestigious, it could also be a part-time or temporary engagement, especially for a young man from a relatively obscure family like Jesse's, whose elder sons were already serving in the army. Bethlehem, David's hometown, was a small, unassuming village in the hill country of Judah, far from the centers of power. David's dual existence—serving a king and tending sheep—underscores his humble origins and God's pattern of raising up leaders from unexpected places, preparing them through ordinary duties for extraordinary responsibilities, much like a "shepherd of his people" ([2 Samuel 5:2](/2_samuel/5-2 "2 Samuel 5:2 - David, Shepherd of Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Faithfulness in Humble Duties**. David, though anointed by Samuel as the future king ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")), remained committed to his ordinary, unglamorous task of tending sheep. This faithfulness in seemingly small matters is a recurring biblical principle for preparation for greater responsibilities, as seen in [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Preparation in Obscurity**. The sheepfolds of Bethlehem served as David's training ground, where he developed courage against predators ([1 Samuel 17:34-36](/1_samuel/17-34 "1 Samuel 17:34-36 - David's Experience with Lions and Bears")), honed practical skills, and deepened his reliance on God. This period of quiet, unseen preparation was essential for the immense challenges he would face as a warrior and king. Finally, the repeated mention of **Bethlehem's Significance** is noteworthy. It is not only David's hometown, the "city of David," but it also carries profound prophetic weight as the birthplace of the Messiah, Jesus Christ ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem's Messiah"), [Matthew 2:1](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem")), connecting David's story to the ultimate King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This verb (H1980) is a primitive root meaning "to walk" or "to go," encompassing a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, it describes David's physical movement away from Saul's court. When combined with "returned," it emphasizes a regular, habitual pattern of commuting rather than a single instance, indicating that David's service to Saul was not yet a permanent residency. This highlights the practical, somewhat humble reality of David's life, balancing royal service with familial and pastoral duties.
* **Returned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means "to turn back" or "to return," often implying a movement away from a starting point or a reversal of direction. Here, it denotes David's regular journey back to Bethlehem from Saul's court. The combination of _hâlak_ and _shûwb_ paints a picture of a consistent back-and-forth, reinforcing the temporary and intermittent nature of David's engagement with the king, and underscoring his continued commitment to his family's responsibilities.
* **Feed (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** This primitive root (H7462) means "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," or "to graze." It signifies the comprehensive duties of a shepherd, including leading, guarding, feeding, and caring for the sheep. The use of _râʻâh_ emphasizes David's active, responsible role as a caretaker, not merely a passive observer. This term is profoundly significant as it foreshadows David's future role as the "shepherd" of God's people, Israel, a common and powerful metaphor for kingship and divine leadership throughout the ancient Near East and the biblical narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But David went and returned from Saul":** This clause establishes David's dual existence and the intermittent nature of his service to King Saul. The conjunction "But" (וְ, _waw_) serves as a clarifying contrast to the preceding narrative, which might imply David's continuous presence at court. It reveals David's routine of commuting between the royal residence and his family home, underscoring his humble status despite his anointing and musical gifts. This detail is crucial for understanding why David was not present with the army when Goliath first appeared.
* **"to feed his father's sheep":** This phrase clearly specifies the purpose of David's regular returns: to resume his duties as a shepherd. It highlights his faithfulness and diligence in a seemingly ordinary, yet vital, task. This period of tending sheep was an essential training ground where David developed the courage, practical skills, and reliance on God that would be indispensable for his future leadership as king and warrior. It also emphasizes his continued submission to his father Jesse's authority and his commitment to familial responsibilities.
* **"at Bethlehem":** This final geographical detail anchors David's activities to his hometown. Bethlehem, a small and relatively insignificant town, reinforces David's humble origins and God's pattern of choosing the overlooked and the unassuming for His great purposes. Its repeated mention in the narrative (e.g., [1 Samuel 16:4](/1_samuel/16-4 "1 Samuel 16:4 - Samuel Goes to Bethlehem")) serves to highlight its significance, not only as David's birthplace but also as a place of divine preparation, setting the stage for future theological connections, particularly to the birthplace of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though concise, employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Irony** is powerfully present in the contrast between David's humble shepherding duties and his prior anointing as the future king of Israel and his service in Saul's court. The chosen king is found tending sheep, a seemingly insignificant task, yet one that is divinely preparing him for his grand destiny. **Foreshadowing** is also evident, as David's role as a shepherd directly prefigures his future as the "shepherd" of Israel, a king who would care for his people as a shepherd cares for his flock. This imagery is deeply embedded in the biblical understanding of leadership and service. Furthermore, the repeated mention of **Bethlehem** functions as a potent **Symbolism** of humble beginnings and divine choice, setting the stage for profound future theological connections, particularly to the birthplace of the Messiah. The simple, direct language also contributes to a sense of **Verisimilitude**, grounding the extraordinary events that follow in the ordinary, daily life of a young man.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, seemingly a simple logistical detail, holds profound theological weight, illustrating God's sovereign hand in the preparation of His chosen instruments, often in unexpected and seemingly mundane circumstances. David's faithfulness in the humble, solitary work of shepherding was not merely a filler activity but a divinely appointed training ground where he cultivated courage, developed practical skills, and deepened his relationship with God. These attributes would prove indispensable for his future kingship and his role as Israel's deliverer. It teaches a vital spiritual principle: true preparation for God's greater callings often occurs in obscurity, through diligent stewardship of present responsibilities, no matter how small or unglamorous they may appear. God does not necessarily call the equipped, but equips the called through their faithfulness in the ordinary, demonstrating His power perfected in weakness.

* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalm/78-70 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God Chose David the Shepherd")
* [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Know the State of Your Flocks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's story in [1 Samuel 17:15](/1_samuel/17-15 "1 Samuel 17:15 - David's Humble Service") serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that God's preparatory work in our lives often unfolds in the most unexpected and seemingly insignificant places. In a world that often values visibility, immediate success, and grand opportunities, we are prone to overlook or even disdain humble tasks. Yet, it is frequently in the quiet, mundane, or even obscure seasons that God meticulously shapes our character, hones our skills, and deepens our dependence on Him. Our faithfulness in daily responsibilities—whether at work, in our families, in our studies, or in community service—is not merely a means to an end but a vital part of God's sovereign process for equipping us for future, perhaps greater, callings. This verse encourages us to embrace our present circumstances with diligence and trust, knowing that God is sovereignly at work, even when our path seems circuitous or our contributions feel unseen. It challenges us to find purpose and diligence in every task, understanding that God uses all things to conform us to His will and prepare us for His divine purposes, often through the crucible of ordinary life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sheepfolds" or seemingly mundane tasks in your current life might God be using to prepare you for a greater purpose?**
* **How does faithfulness in small, unseen duties contribute to your character development and spiritual growth?**
* **In what ways might you be overlooking or dismissing a current responsibility that God intends as a training ground for future leadership or service?**

### FAQ
**Why did David keep returning to Bethlehem if he was serving King Saul?**

Answer: David's service to King Saul at this point in the narrative was likely not a permanent, full-time position. While he had been introduced to Saul as a skilled musician and armor-bearer ([1 Samuel 16:21-23](/1_samuel/16-21 "1 Samuel 16:21-23 - David Serves Saul")), he was still a young man from a large family in Bethlehem. It was common for individuals to have intermittent or part-time duties in royal courts, especially if they were not yet fully integrated into the king's inner circle or if their family had ongoing responsibilities. David's periodic returns to "feed his father's sheep" indicate that his primary duty remained with his family's flock, providing a crucial contextual detail that explains why he was not continuously with the army when Goliath challenged Israel. This also highlights his continued humility and obedience to his father, Jesse, demonstrating his faithfulness in his assigned duties.

**What is the significance of Bethlehem in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of Bethlehem is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it firmly establishes David's humble origins as a shepherd from a small, unassuming village, contrasting sharply with the grandeur of Saul's court and the military might of the Philistines. This highlights God's consistent pattern of choosing the overlooked and the weak to accomplish His mighty purposes ([1 Corinthians 1:27-28](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-28 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")). Secondly, and profoundly, Bethlehem holds immense prophetic significance as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem")), a prophecy fulfilled centuries later with the birth of Jesus Christ ([Matthew 2:1](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - Jesus Born in Bethlehem")). Thus, David's connection to Bethlehem foreshadows the greater Son of David who would also emerge from this humble town, linking the earthly king to the heavenly King.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Samuel 17:15](/1_samuel/17-15 "1 Samuel 17:15 - David's Humble Service") is far more than a mere biographical detail; it profoundly resonates with the Christ-centered narrative of Scripture, presenting David, the shepherd-king, as a powerful type of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Good Shepherd and King. Just as David was found faithfully tending his father's sheep in the obscurity of Bethlehem, diligently preparing for a kingship he had not yet fully embraced, so too did Jesus spend thirty years in the quiet obscurity of Nazareth, faithfully living a humble life before the commencement of His public ministry. David's willingness to "return from Saul to feed his father's sheep" speaks to a profound humility and obedience that perfectly mirrors Christ's own condescension—leaving the glory of heaven to dwell among humanity, fulfilling the will of His Father ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). The shepherd motif, so central to David's identity and preparation, finds its ultimate and perfect realization in Jesus, who declares Himself the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"). Furthermore, Bethlehem, David's city, becomes the very birthplace of Jesus, fulfilling ancient prophecy and solidifying the unbreakable connection between the earthly king and the heavenly King ([Matthew 2:1-6](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1-6 - The Birthplace of the King")). Thus, David's humble service in Bethlehem foreshadows the divine humility and sacrificial shepherding of the Lamb of God, who came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

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 Samuel 16:11

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

1 Samuel 16:19

Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which [is] with the sheep.

1 Samuel 16:23

And it came to pass, when the [evil] spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.