1 Samuel 17:17

KJV

And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched [corn], and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jesse {H3448} said {H559} unto David {H1732} his son {H1121}, Take {H3947} now for thy brethren {H251} an ephah {H374} of this {H2088} parched {H7039} corn, and these ten {H6235} loaves {H3899}, and run {H7323} to the camp {H4264} to thy brethren {H251};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yishai said to David his son, "Please take your brothers five bushels of this roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread; hurry, and carry them to your brothers at the camp.

Berean Standard Bible

One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp.

American Standard Version

And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to thy brethren;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:17 marks a seemingly mundane instruction from Jesse to his youngest son, David, to deliver provisions to his elder brothers serving in King Saul's army. Far from a simple errand, this verse is a divinely orchestrated moment that propels David from the obscurity of the sheepfold directly into the arena of national crisis, setting the stage for his iconic confrontation with Goliath and revealing God's providential hand in preparing His chosen servant for future leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of 1 Samuel, specifically within the dramatic standoff between the Philistines and the Israelites in the Valley of Elah. Prior to this, King Saul and his army have been paralyzed by fear for forty days, as the Philistine champion Goliath issues a daily challenge for single combat ([1 Samuel 17:1-11](/1-samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1-11 - The Challenge of Goliath")). David, having already been secretly [anointed by Samuel as the future king](/1-samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed by Samuel") and serving as Saul's armor-bearer and musician ([1 Samuel 16:14-23](/1-samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14-23 - David Serves Saul")), has returned to tend his father's sheep. His three elder brothers, Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah, are among Saul's fighting men. Jesse's command to David is the immediate catalyst that brings the anointed shepherd boy into direct contact with the national crisis and the Philistine giant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, family ties and responsibilities were paramount. It was common practice for families to provide provisions for their sons serving in the army, especially during prolonged standoffs or sieges. Soldiers often relied on their families for supplemental food beyond what the army might provide, or when supplies ran low. Jesse's instruction to David reflects this cultural norm of familial support for those on the front lines. The specific items mentioned—parched corn and loaves—were staple foods in the ancient Near East, highly portable, nutritious, and suitable for soldiers. The "ephah" was a significant dry measure, indicating a substantial amount of grain, suggesting Jesse's concern not just for his three sons but perhaps for their immediate company as well, highlighting the communal aspect of military life.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate themes emerging from this verse include **Obedience and Faithfulness**, as David promptly responds to his father's request, demonstrating a character trait that would define his future leadership. This seemingly simple act of obedience positions him for a much larger divine purpose, illustrating the theme of **Divine Providence**—God's unseen hand guiding seemingly ordinary events to achieve His extraordinary will. What appears to be a domestic errand is, in fact, a divinely orchestrated appointment. Furthermore, the verse subtly underscores the theme of **Family Responsibility and Care**, as Jesse, though elderly, ensures his sons on the battlefield are adequately supplied, reflecting the strong familial bonds and mutual support characteristic of the time, even amid national conflict. This act of care sets the stage for David's encounter with his brothers, which further highlights their contrasting characters as seen in [1 Samuel 17:28](/1-samuel/17-28 "1 Samuel 17:28 - Eliab's Anger at David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ephah (Hebrew, _ʾêphâ_):** This was a standard dry measure in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about half a bushel. The quantity of an ephah of parched corn indicates a substantial amount of food, far more than a single person would consume. This suggests that the provisions were intended not just for David's three brothers but likely for their mess unit or a small group of soldiers, underscoring the communal nature of military sustenance and Jesse's generosity.
* **Parched [corn] (Hebrew, _qālî_):** The KJV's "corn" here refers to grain, likely barley or wheat, that has been roasted or toasted. This process made the grain more palatable, easier to digest, and extended its shelf life, making it an ideal, portable, and nutritious food source for travelers or soldiers on campaign. It was a common staple in the ancient Israelite diet, often eaten as a snack or a light meal.
* **Run (Hebrew, _rûṣ_):** The imperative "run" emphasizes the urgency of Jesse's request. While it could simply mean to make haste, in the context of delivering provisions to a tense military encampment, it conveys a sense of immediacy and importance. It also subtly foreshadows David's energetic and decisive character, which will soon be on full display in his encounter with Goliath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesse said unto David his son,"**: This opening clause establishes the authority of the father and the obedience of the son. Jesse, though not a prominent figure in the broader narrative, is the patriarch whose command sets in motion the events leading to David's destiny. It highlights David's humble position as a dutiful son before his elevation.
* **"Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched [corn], and these ten loaves,"**: This specifies the exact provisions David is to carry. The "ephah of parched corn" (roasted grain) and "ten loaves" represent a practical and substantial food supply. This detail grounds the divine narrative in the mundane reality of daily life and military logistics, emphasizing that God often works through ordinary means.
* **"and run to the camp to thy brethren;"**: The instruction to "run" conveys a sense of urgency and directness. David is not merely to stroll but to hasten to the military encampment where his brothers are stationed. This directive directly places David into the heart of the Israelite army's dilemma, setting the stage for his encounter with Goliath and the fulfillment of God's sovereign plan.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 17:17 employs several subtle but significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesse's seemingly ordinary command to "run to the camp" inadvertently propels David towards his destiny, hinting at the extraordinary events about to unfold. The mundane nature of the task—delivering food—stands in stark **Irony** to the monumental outcome it initiates: the confrontation with Goliath and David's emergence as a national hero. This also serves as **Symbolism**, where the simple act of carrying provisions symbolizes David's humble service and obedience, which are precisely the qualities God uses for His grand purposes. The "parched corn" and "loaves" themselves can be seen as symbols of sustenance and preparation, not just for the soldiers' physical needs, but for David's spiritual and providential journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign orchestration of events, often using the most ordinary circumstances to bring about His extraordinary purposes. David's journey to the battlefield, initiated by a simple parental request, was not accidental but divinely appointed. It underscores the principle that faithfulness in seemingly small or insignificant tasks can be the very pathway God uses to position individuals for greater callings and divine assignments. It also highlights God's preference for working through the humble and overlooked, demonstrating that true strength and anointing come from Him, not from human might or status.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithful in Little, Faithful in Much")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1-corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 17:17 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that our daily duties, no matter how mundane or insignificant they may seem, can be integral parts of God's larger, unfolding plan for our lives. David's simple act of obedience to his father placed him precisely where God intended him to be for a divine encounter. This teaches us to approach every task, every responsibility, and every relationship with diligence and faithfulness, recognizing that God often uses our ordinary faithfulness to prepare us for extraordinary opportunities to serve Him. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate task and trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He is always at work, even when we cannot perceive the full scope of His purpose. Our willingness to be faithful in the "small things" cultivates the character necessary for the "big things" God has prepared.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ordinary" tasks or responsibilities in your life might God be using to prepare you for a greater purpose?**
* **How does David's immediate obedience to his father challenge your own willingness to obey seemingly simple instructions from authority figures or from God's Word?**
* **Can you identify a time when a seemingly insignificant event led to a significant outcome in your life, reflecting God's providence?**
* **How can cultivating faithfulness in daily duties strengthen your trust in God's larger plan for your life?**

### FAQ
**Was David's trip to the camp a coincidence, or part of God's plan?**

Answer: While from a human perspective it appears to be a simple errand, from a theological standpoint, David's journey to the camp was unequivocally part of God's sovereign plan. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen servants. David had already been [anointed by Samuel](/1-samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed as King") as the future king, and his encounter with Goliath was a crucial step in preparing him for that role, demonstrating God's power through him and establishing his credibility before Israel. This seemingly mundane task was a divinely orchestrated appointment, illustrating how God uses ordinary circumstances to achieve His extraordinary purposes, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps").

**What was the significance of the "ephah of parched corn" and "ten loaves"?**

Answer: The "ephah of parched corn" (roasted grain, likely barley or wheat) and "ten loaves" represented a substantial and practical food supply for soldiers on campaign. An ephah was a significant dry measure (about 22 liters), indicating more than enough for David's three brothers alone, suggesting it was intended for their immediate mess unit or a small group of soldiers. These were common, nutritious, and easily portable staple foods in ancient Israel. Their significance lies not just in their practical utility but also in their role as the catalyst for David's providential journey to the battlefield, highlighting how God often works through the ordinary details of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 17:17, while seemingly a minor detail, beautifully prefigures aspects of Christ's mission and character. Just as David, a humble shepherd, was sent by his father into a place of national crisis to bring sustenance and ultimately deliver his people, so too was Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), sent by His Heavenly Father into a world in crisis, not with physical provisions but with the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the promise of eternal sustenance. David's obedience to Jesse, even in a seemingly insignificant task, foreshadows Christ's perfect obedience to the Father, even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, David's journey from obscurity to confront the giant Goliath, demonstrating God's power through a seemingly weak vessel, points to Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual "giant" of sin and death, achieved not through worldly power but through humble sacrifice ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). This verse, therefore, subtly underscores the divine providence that guides all things towards the ultimate manifestation of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ, the true deliverer of His people.

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 25:18

¶ Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched [corn], and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid [them] on asses.

Ruth 2:14

And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched [corn], and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

Matthew 7:11

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Luke 11:13

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

2 Samuel 17:28

Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched [corn], and beans, and lentiles, and parched [pulse],