1 Samuel 17:18

KJV

And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of [their] thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

KJV (with Strong's)

And carry {H935} these ten {H6235} cheeses {H2461}{H2757} unto the captain {H8269} of their thousand {H505}, and look {H6485} how thy brethren {H251} fare {H7965}, and take {H3947} their pledge {H6161}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also bring these ten cheeses to their field officer. Find out if your brothers are well, and bring back some token from them.

Berean Standard Bible

Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them.

American Standard Version

and bring these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:18 presents David, the shepherd boy and future king, on a seemingly mundane errand for his father, Jesse. Dispatched from Bethlehem to the Valley of Elah, David is tasked with delivering provisions to his elder brothers serving in King Saul's army and gathering a report on their welfare. This ordinary act of filial obedience, however, serves as the divinely orchestrated prelude to David's momentous encounter with the Philistine giant, Goliath, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal narratives in Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of 1 Samuel 17, which details the dramatic standoff between the Philistines and the Israelites in the Valley of Elah. Prior to this, David has already been secretly anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King"), and he has served in Saul's court as a musician and armor-bearer. However, he has returned to tending his father's sheep. Jesse's instructions in [1 Samuel 17:17-18](/1_samuel/17-17 "1 Samuel 17:17-18 - Jesse Sends David") are specific and practical, interrupting David's pastoral duties and directly placing him in the war zone where Goliath's daily taunts have paralyzed the Israelite army. This mission, seemingly insignificant, is the narrative device that brings David face-to-face with the challenge that no one else in Israel dares to meet, thereby revealing his unique courage and faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient warfare often involved family members sending provisions to soldiers, as standing armies with comprehensive logistical support were not always the norm. Jesse’s concern for his sons' well-being and their sustenance reflects the strong familial bonds and practical realities of the time. The Philistines were a formidable enemy, frequently clashing with Israel, and their champion, Goliath, represented a common tactic of single combat to decide battles, intended to demoralize the opposing army. The "captain of their thousand" indicates the military structure, where soldiers were organized into units, and gifts to officers were a customary way to ensure favorable treatment or attention for one's kin. The journey from Bethlehem to the Valley of Elah (approximately 15-20 miles) would have been a significant undertaking for a young man, highlighting David's diligence and obedience.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Filial Duty and Obedience**, as David immediately complies with his father's instructions, a characteristic that foreshadows his later obedience to God. This echoes the principle that faithfulness in seemingly small or ordinary tasks can prepare one for greater responsibilities, as seen in [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Small Matters"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Orchestration and Providence**. While David's errand appears mundane, it is clearly God's means of positioning him for his destiny. God uses ordinary circumstances to achieve extraordinary purposes, demonstrating His sovereign hand in human affairs, a theme pervasive throughout scripture, including [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"). Lastly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Preparation for Leadership**. David's journey to the battlefield, his exposure to Goliath's challenge ([1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath's Challenge")), and his subsequent actions are all part of God's training and unveiling of the shepherd boy as the divinely appointed leader and deliverer of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cheeses (Hebrew, חֲrִיצֵי הֶחָלָב, _charitzei he-chalav'_):** The King James Version translates this as "ten cheeses," but the Hebrew phrase literally means "cuts of milk" or "slices of milk." This likely refers to small, solidified, or dried curds of milk, possibly a form of soft, fresh cheese or yogurt-like product, suitable for travel and sustenance in a warm climate. Such items would have been a common, durable, and energy-rich food source for soldiers on campaign. The quantity, "ten," suggests a generous provision for his brothers and the captain.
* **Pledge (Hebrew, עֲרֻבָּתָם, _'arubbatam'_):** This word is often translated as "pledge," "token," or "guarantee." In this context, it does not refer to a financial deposit or collateral. Instead, Jesse instructs David to bring back a sign, a token, or a report confirming the well-being of his brothers and the successful delivery of the provisions. It signifies David's responsibility to gather intelligence and provide reassurance to his father that his sons were safe and the mission was accomplished. It was a tangible or verbal assurance of their status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of [their] thousand,"**: This initial command establishes David's immediate task: to act as a courier. The "captain of their thousand" indicates the military hierarchy, where a gift of provisions would be a gesture of respect and a means to ensure the comfort and care of his sons serving under that officer. This part of the instruction highlights Jesse's practical concern for his sons' welfare and his understanding of military protocol.
* **"and look how thy brethren fare,"**: This clause reveals the deeper, more personal motivation behind David's errand. Beyond delivering food, Jesse's primary concern is the safety and well-being of his three elder sons (Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah) who are at the front lines. David is sent not just as a delivery boy, but as an emissary of familial love and concern, tasked with observing their condition and morale. This human element underscores the anxieties of families during wartime.
* **"and take their pledge."**: This final instruction reinforces David's role as an information gatherer. As analyzed above, the "pledge" is not a financial transaction but a token, a sign, or a report that would confirm the brothers' status and the successful completion of David's mission. It signifies the need for accountability and reassurance, completing the loop of communication between the family at home and the soldiers on the battlefield.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this seemingly ordinary errand directly positions David for his extraordinary confrontation with Goliath, which will define his early public life and propel him towards the throne. The mundane task serves as a divine setup for a monumental event. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the future king, anointed by God, is sent on a humble errand of delivering food, contrasting sharply with the grand destiny awaiting him. This highlights God's method of elevating the lowly. Furthermore, the "ten cheeses" and the act of "taking their pledge" can be seen as **Symbolism** of the practical, earthly preparations that often precede divine appointments. David's obedience in the small, domestic sphere prepares him for the larger, national sphere of leadership. The narrative also uses **Contrast** between the fear-paralyzed Israelite army and the humble, obedient shepherd boy who is about to demonstrate unparalleled courage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 17:18 powerfully illustrates the principle of divine providence, where God orchestrates seemingly insignificant human actions to fulfill His grand purposes. David's journey, born out of simple filial duty, becomes the very means by which he is positioned to confront Goliath and deliver Israel. This highlights God's sovereignty, demonstrating that He often works through the ordinary, the humble, and the obedient to achieve the extraordinary. It underscores that faithfulness in our daily, mundane tasks is never wasted, as God can use any circumstance to advance His kingdom and reveal His plan. Our obedience, even in small matters, can be a crucial step in God's larger narrative for our lives and for the world.

* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Small Matters")
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Faithfulness in Little")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's simple act of obedience in 1 Samuel 17:18 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God often works through our ordinary responsibilities and seemingly insignificant actions to position us for His extraordinary purposes. We are called to cultivate a spirit of diligence and faithfulness in whatever our hand finds to do, whether it's a demanding career, household chores, academic pursuits, or acts of service within our communities. Just as David’s humble errand led him to face the giant and ultimately become king, our faithfulness in the small, unseen areas of our lives can be the very training ground and pathway to God’s greater calling. We may not always understand the "why" behind our current circumstances, but this passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign orchestration, knowing that every act of obedience, no matter how small, contributes to His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ordinary" tasks or responsibilities am I currently engaged in that God might be using to prepare me for something greater?**
* **How does David's immediate obedience to Jesse challenge my own willingness to obey God, especially in seemingly mundane or inconvenient matters?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of faithfulness and diligence in my daily life, trusting that God is at work even when I don't see the full picture?**
* **How does the concept of divine orchestration in this verse encourage me when facing seemingly insignificant or challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What were "ten cheeses" and why were they significant?**

Answer: The "ten cheeses" (Hebrew: _charitzei he-chalav_) were likely small, dried, or solidified curds of milk, a common and durable food item suitable for travel and sustenance in ancient Israel. They were significant because they represented a practical provision from Jesse, David's father, for his sons serving in the army. In a time before modern military logistics, families often supplied their soldiers with food. This act highlights Jesse's loving concern for his sons' welfare on the battlefield and David's role in delivering essential provisions to them and their commanding officer.

**Why did Jesse send David, the youngest, on this mission to the battlefield?**

Answer: Jesse likely sent David, the youngest, because his three elder brothers were already serving in King Saul's army, and David was available, typically tending the sheep. While seemingly a humble task for the future king, this mission was divinely orchestrated. It served as the direct means by which David was brought from the quiet pastures of Bethlehem to the very front lines of the conflict, allowing him to hear Goliath's challenge and ultimately step forward as Israel's deliverer. It highlights God's pattern of using the "least" or the "unlikely" to accomplish His mighty purposes, as seen when David was anointed in [1 Samuel 16:11-13](/1_samuel/16-11 "1 Samuel 16:11-13 - David Anointed").

**What does it mean to "take their pledge"?**

Answer: To "take their pledge" (Hebrew: _'arubbatam_) in this context does not refer to a financial guarantee or collateral. Instead, it means David was to bring back a token, a sign, or a report confirming the well-being of his brothers. It was Jesse's way of ensuring that David would gather intelligence on their status and provide reassurance to the family back home that his sons were safe and that the provisions had been successfully delivered. It underscores David's responsibility to complete his mission by bringing back concrete evidence of his brothers' condition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 17:18, with David's humble errand, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David, the shepherd boy, sent by his father with provisions and a mission to check on his brothers, steps into a battlefield where a giant taunts God's people, and no one dares to stand against him. This mirrors Christ, the ultimate Son, sent by His Heavenly Father from the glory of heaven to a world held captive by sin and death, taunted by the "prince of this world" ([John 14:30](/john/14-30 "John 14:30 - The Prince of This World")). Just as David's journey was born out of obedience and concern for his brethren, so too was Christ's incarnation an act of profound obedience and love for humanity ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). Jesus, like David, did not come in kingly splendor initially but in humble form, born in Bethlehem, to deliver His people from a seemingly insurmountable foe. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), confronting and defeating the spiritual giant of sin and death on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph")). David's humble errand was the divine setup for his victory; similarly, Christ's earthly life, including His seemingly ordinary human experiences, was the Father's perfect plan to achieve the ultimate victory over humanity's greatest enemy, bringing true provision and eternal well-being to all who believe ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory over Death")).

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

Genesis 37:14

And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

1 Samuel 16:20

And Jesse took an ass [laden] with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent [them] by David his son unto Saul.

Job 10:10

Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese?

2 Samuel 17:29

And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that [were] with him, to eat: for they said, The people [is] hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

Acts 15:36

¶ And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do.

1 Thessalonians 3:5

For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

1 Thessalonians 3:6

¶ But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you: