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Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 verses 12–30
Forty days the two armies lay encamped facing one another, each advantageously posted, but neither forward to engage. Either they were parleying and treating of an accommodation or they were waiting for recruits; and perhaps there were frequent skirmishes between small detached parties. All this while, twice a day, morning and evening, did the insulting champion appear in the field and repeat his challenge, his own heart growing more and more proud for his not being answered and the people of Israel more and more timorous, while God designed hereby to ripen him for destruction and to make Israel's deliverance the more illustrious. All this while David is keeping his father's sheep, but at the end of forty days Providence brings him to the field to win and wear the laurel which no other Israelite dares venture for. We have in these verses,
I. The present state of his family. His father was old (Sa1 17:12): He went among men for an old man, was taken notice of for his great age, above what was usual at that time, and therefore was excused from pubic services, and went not in person to the wars, but sent his sons; he had the honours paid him that were due his age, his hoary head was a crown of glory to him. David's three elder brethren, who perhaps envied his place at the court, got their father to send for him home, and let them go to the camp, where they hoped to signalize themselves and eclipse him (Sa1 17:13, Sa1 17:14), while David himself was so far from being proud of the services he had done his prince, or ambitious of further preferment, that he not only returned from court to the obscurity of his father's house, but to care, and toil, and (as it proved, Sa1 17:34) the peril, of keeping his father's sheep. It was the praise of this humility that it came after he had the honour of a courtier, and the reward of it that it came before the honour of a conqueror. Before honour is humility. Now he had that opportunity of mediation and prayer, and other acts of devotion, which fitted him for what he was destined to more than all the military exercises of that inglorious camp could do.
II. The orders his father gave him to go and visit his brethren in the camp. He did not himself ask leave to go, to satisfy his curiosity, or to gain experience and make observations; but his father sent him on a mean and homely errand, on which any of his servants might have gone. He must carry some bread and cheese to his brethren, ten loaves with some parched corn for themselves (Sa1 17:17) and ten cheeses (which, it seems, he thought too good for them) for a present to their colonel, Sa1 17:18. David must still be the drudge of the family, though he was to be the greatest ornament of it. He had not so much as an ass at command to carry his load, but must take it on his back, and yet run to the camp. Jesse, we thought, was privy to his being anointed, and yet industriously kept him thus mean and obscure, probably to hide him from the eye of suspicion and envy, knowing that he was anointed to a crown in reversion. He must observe how his brethren fared, whether they were not reduced to short allowance, now that the encampment continued so long, that, if need were, he might send them more provisions. And he must take their pledge, that is, if they had pawned any thing, he must redeem it; take notice of their company, so some observe, whom they associate with, and what sort of life they lead. Perhaps David, like Joseph, had formerly brought to his father their evil report, and now he sends him to enquire concerning their manners. See the care the pious parents about their children when they are abroad from them, especially in places of temptation; they are solicitous how they conduct themselves, and particularly what company they keep. Let children think of this, and conduct themselves accordingly, remembering that, when they are from under their parents' eye, they are still under God's eye.
III. David's dutiful obedience to his father's command. His prudence and care made him be up early (Sa1 17:20), and yet not to leave his sheep without a keeper, so faithful was he in a few things and therefore the fitter to be made ruler over many things, and so well had he learnt to obey before he pretended to command. God's providence brought him to the camp very seasonably, when both sides had set the battle in array, and, as it should seem, were more likely to come to an engagement than they had yet been during all the forty days, Sa1 17:21. Both sides were now preparing to fight. Jesse little thought of sending his son to the army just at that critical juncture, but the wise God orders the time and all the circumstances of actions and affairs so as to serve his designs of securing the interests of Israel and advancing the men after his own heart. Now observe here,
1.How brisk and lively David was, Sa1 17:22. What articles he brought he honestly took care of, and left them with those that had the charge of the bag and baggage; but, though he had come a long journey with a great load, he ran into the army, to see what was doing there, and to pay his respects to his brethren. Seest thou a man thus diligent in his business, he is in the way of preferment, he shall stand before kings.
2.How bold and daring the Philistine was, Sa1 17:23. Now that the armies were drawn out into a line of battle he appeared first to renew his challenge, vainly imagining that he was in the eager chase of his own glory and triumph, whereas really he was but courting his own destruction.
3.How timorous and faint-hearted the men of Israel were. Though they had, for forty days together, been used to his haughty looks and threatening language, and, having seen no execution done by either, might have learned to despise both, yet, upon his approach, they fled from him and were greatly afraid, Sa1 17:24. One Philistine could never thus have chased 1000 Israelites, and put 10,000 to flight, unless their Rock, being treacherously forsaken by them, had justly sold them, and shut them up, Deu 32:30.
4.How high Saul bid for a champion. Though he was the tallest of all the men of Israel, and, if he had not been so, while he kept close to God might himself have safely taken up the gauntlet which this insolent Philistine threw down, yet, the Spirit of the Lord having departed from him, he durst not do it, nor press Jonathan to do it; but whoever will do it shall have as good preferment as he can give him, Sa1 17:25. If the hope of wealth and honour will prevail with any man to expose himself so far, it is proclaimed that the bold adventurer, if he come off, shall marry the king's daughter and have a good portion with her; but, as it should seem, whether he come off or no, his father's house shall be free in Israel, from all toll, tribute, custom, and services to the crown, or shall be ennobled and advanced to the peerage.
5.How much concerned David was to assert the honour of God and Israel against the impudent challenges of this champion. He asked what reward was promised to him that should slay this Philistine (Sa1 17:26), though he knew already, not because he was ambitious of the honour, but because he would have it taken notice of, and reported to Saul, how much he resented the indignity hereby done to Israel and Israel's God. He might have presumed so far upon his acquaintance and interest at court as to go himself to Saul to offer his service; but his modesty would not let him do this. It was one of his own rules, before it was one of his son's proverbs, Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men (Pro 25:6); yet his zeal put him upon that method which he hoped would bring him into this great engagement. Two considerations, it seems, fired David with a holy indignation: - (1.) That the challenger was one that was uncircumcised, a stranger to God and out of covenant with him. (2.) That the challenged were the armies of the living God, devoted to him, employed by him and for him, so that the affronts offered to them reflected upon the living God himself, and that he could not bear. When therefore some had told him what was the reward proposed for killing the Philistine (Sa1 17:27) he asked others (Sa1 17:30), with the same resentment, which he expected would at length come to Saul's ear.
6.How he was brow-beaten and discouraged by his eldest brother Eliab, who, taking notice of his forwardness, fell into a passion upon it, and gave David very abusive language, Sa1 17:28. Consider this, (1.) As the fruit of Eliab's jealousy. He was the eldest brother, and David the youngest, and perhaps it had been customary with him (as it is with too many elder brothers) to trample upon him and take every occasion to chide him. But those who thus exalt themselves over their juniors may perhaps live to see themselves, by a righteous providence, abased, and those to whom they are abusive exalted. Time may come when the elder may serve the younger. But Eliab was now vexed that his younger brother should speak those bold words against the Philistine which he himself durst not say. He knew what honour David had already had in the court, and, if he should now get honour in the camp (from which he thought he had found means effectually to seclude him, Sa1 17:15), the glory of his elder brethren would be eclipsed and stained; and therefore (such is the nature of jealousy) he would rather that Goliath should triumph over Israel than that David should be the man that should triumph over him. Wrath is cruel and anger is outrageous, but who can stand before envy, especially the envy of a brother, the keenness of which Jacob, and Joseph, and David experienced? See Pro 18:19. It is very ill-favoured language that Eliab here gives him; not only unjust and unkind, but, at this time, basely ungrateful; for David was now sent by his father, as Joseph by his, on a kind of visit to his brethren. Eliab intended, in what he said, not only to grieve and discourage David himself, and quench that noble fire which he perceived glowing in his breast, but to represent him to those about him as an idle proud lad, not fit to be taken notice of. He gives them to understand that his business was only to keep sheep, and falsely insinuates that he was a careless unfaithful shepherd; though he had left his charge in good hands (Sa1 17:20), yet he must tauntingly be asked, With whom hast thou left those few sheep? Though he came down now to the camp in disobedience to his father and kindness to his brethren, and Eliab knew this, yet his coming is turned to his reproach: "Thou hast come down, not to do any service, but to gratify thy own curiosity, and only to look about thee;" and thence he will infer the pride and naughtiness of his heart, and pretends to know it as certainly as if he were in his bosom. David could appeal to God concerning his humility and sincerity (Psa 17:3; Psa 131:1) and at this time gave proofs of both, and yet could not escape this hard character from his own brother. See the folly, absurdity, and wickedness, of a proud and envious passion; how groundless its jealousies are, how unjust its censures, how unfair its representations, how bitter its invectives, and how indecent its language. God, by his grace, keep us from such a spirit! (2.) As a trial of David's meekness, patience and constancy. A short trial it was, and he approved himself well in it; for, [1.] He bore the provocation with admirable temper (Sa1 17:29): "What have I now done? What fault have I committed, for which I should thus be chidden? Is there not a cause for my coming to the camp, when my father sent me? Is there not a cause for my resenting the injury done to Israel's honour by Goliath's challenges?" He had right and reason on his side, and knew it, and therefore did not render railing for railing, but with a soft answer turned away his brother's wrath. This conquest of his own passion was in some respects more honourable than his conquest of Goliath. He that hath rule over his own spirit is better than the mighty. It was no time for David to quarrel with his brother when the Philistines were upon them. The more threatening the church's enemies are the more forbearing her friends should be with one another. [2.] He broke through the discouragement with admirable resolution. He would not be driven off from his thoughts of engaging the Philistine by the ill-will of his brother. Those that undertake great and public services must not think it strange if they be discountenanced and opposed by those from whom they had reason to expect support and assistance; but must humbly go on with their work, in the face not only of their enemies' threats, but of their friends' slights and suspicions.
Just as this happened, then, in the blessed patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob, dearest brothers, so we know it was prefigured in Jesse the father of David; for when he sent his son David to look for his brothers, he seems to have typified God the Father. Jesse sent David to search for his brother, and God sent his only-begotten Son of whom it is written: “I will proclaim your name to my brothers.” Truly, Christ had come to seek his brothers, for he said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”4“And Jesse said to David his son, ‘Take an ephah of flour, and ten little cheeses, and go see your brothers.’ ” An ephah, brothers, is a quantity of three measures, and in three measures is understood the mystery of the Trinity. Blessed Abraham knew this mystery well; for when he merited to perceive the mystery of the Trinity in the three persons under the holm-oak of Mamre, he ordered three measures of flour to be mixed. It is three measures, and for this reason Jesse gave this amount to his son. In the ten little cheeses we recognize the decalogue of the Old Testament. Thus, David came with the three measures and ten cheeses, in order to visit his brothers who were in battle, because Christ was to come with the decalogue of the law and the mystery of the Trinity to free the human race from the power of the devil.
And you will visit your brothers, etc. And the Lord Himself in the flesh carefully attended to His own, if they acted rightly. And wherever and with whomever He found them, He made sure to visit and call them, and now also through His own members He ceaselessly does the same, distinguishing the good from the bad, giving His gifts to these, dismissing those empty-handed. This Isaiah commanded to do just as he commanded David, just as all faithful ones in Israel either in their own words or in prophetic speech entreated the Lord to come quickly and redeem the world, saying: Lord God of Hosts, turn now, look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vineyard, and direct it (Psalm 80), and other such things.
Jesse said to David, his son, etc. All the faithful Hebrew people said to the Lord Savior, about to be born of their seed, desiring His advent with eager longing: Take, I beg you, to refresh and help in the spiritual battle your people Israel, who are your brothers; for you have also deigned to become man and to be born of them according to the flesh; take, I say, appearing in the midst of their camps worn out by the daily battle, the form of perfect humility; and deign to freely undergo the observance of the law, to which you owe nothing. For pounded grain signifies the contrite spirit, and the heart broken and humbled. The measure of the ephah, which holds three seahs, signifies the spirit, soul, and body of the Lord Savior Himself, or of each one of the elect, perfectly united and combined with a worthy rite of humility. Indeed, this grain of humility appeared to us in the Lord in His own power, as much as He willed, to instruct us. But in all of us, it can be completed by the lower and upper millstone, that is, fear and hope. The ten loaves brought by David also openly demonstrate the nourishment of completing the Decalogue, which we have not from ourselves but as a gift of the giver. After He Himself was made under the law, He also made the burdens of the law bearable for us; just as by His undue humility, He taught us to be humble by the grace of so many debts, which we could in no way repay. But, He says, from the milk-like tenderness of the same Decalogue, so to speak, and as if still suited to infants, to the strength of spiritual understanding, by which He can refresh and strengthen also the great and distinguished leaders of the heavenly army, convert. Then indeed, our mighty and desirable One, after giving loaves to His brothers, and pounded grain, also brought little cakes of cheese to the tribune, when, after showing to the magistrates of the Jews the example of patience and humility, after not abolishing but fulfilling the mandates of the law and the prophets, He also opened the minds of His disciples, whom He was more intimately instructing as leaders of the Church, so that they might understand the Scriptures.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:17 records a seemingly ordinary command from Jesse to his youngest son, David, instructing him to deliver provisions to his elder brothers serving in King Saul's army. Far from a simple domestic errand, this moment is divinely orchestrated, serving as the providential catalyst 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 hand in preparing His chosen servant for future leadership.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated at a pivotal 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, a narrative vividly described in 1 Samuel 17:1-11. David, though already secretly anointed by Samuel as the future king and having served as Saul's armor-bearer and musician (1 Samuel 16:14-23), 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, initiating the chain of events that will culminate in David's emergence as a national hero.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israelite society, family ties and responsibilities were paramount. It was common practice for families to provide supplemental provisions for their sons serving in the army, especially during prolonged standoffs or sieges where army supplies might be insufficient or irregular. Soldiers often relied on their families for additional food beyond what the army might provide. Jesse's instruction to David reflects this cultural norm of familial support for those on the front lines, demonstrating a father's care for his sons. The specific items mentioned—parched corn and loaves—were staple foods in the ancient Near East, highly portable, nutritious, and suitable for soldiers on campaign. The "ephah" was a significant dry measure, indicating a substantial amount of grain, suggesting Jesse's concern not just for his three sons but likely for their immediate company as well, highlighting the communal aspect of military life and the shared responsibility of families.
Key Themes: The immediate themes emerging from this verse include Obedience and Faithfulness, as David promptly responds to his father's request. This seemingly simple act of obedience positions him for a much larger divine purpose, illustrating the overarching 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, a testament to God's meticulous planning for His chosen servants. 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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. God's providence is not limited to grand, miraculous interventions but is intricately woven into the fabric of daily life and human decisions.
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, fostering a deeper reliance on His wisdom and timing.
Questions for Reflection
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 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.
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 to bring about His extraordinary plans.
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, sent by His Heavenly Father into a world in crisis, not with physical provisions but with 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). 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). 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, who came to fulfill all righteousness and accomplish salvation.