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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.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:18 depicts David, the humble shepherd boy and future king, on a seemingly ordinary mission from 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, crucially, gathering a report on their well-being. This act of filial obedience, though mundane in appearance, serves as the divinely orchestrated prelude to David's momentous confrontation with the Philistine giant, Goliath, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal narratives in Israel's history and revealing God's sovereign hand in human affairs.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into the unfolding drama of 1 Samuel 17, which details the tense military stalemate 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, and he has served in Saul's court as a musician and armor-bearer, though he has since returned to tending his father's sheep. Jesse's specific instructions in 1 Samuel 17:17-18 interrupt David's pastoral duties, directly placing him in the war zone where Goliath's daily taunts have paralyzed the Israelite army with fear. This seemingly insignificant errand is the narrative catalyst that brings David face-to-face with the challenge that no one else in Israel dares to meet, thereby revealing his unique courage, unwavering faith, and divine appointment.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient warfare, particularly before the establishment of fully supplied standing armies, often necessitated families sending provisions to soldiers on campaign. Jesse's meticulous concern for his sons' sustenance and overall welfare reflects the strong familial bonds and the practical realities of military life in that era. The Philistines were a formidable and persistent enemy of Israel, and their champion, Goliath, embodied a common tactic of single combat, designed to demoralize and break the will of the opposing army. The mention of the "captain of their thousand" points to the established military hierarchy, where soldiers were organized into units of varying sizes, and presenting gifts to officers was a customary practice to ensure favorable treatment or attention for one's kin. The journey from Bethlehem to the Valley of Elah, approximately 15-20 miles (24-32 kilometers), would have been a significant undertaking for a young man, underscoring David's diligence and obedience.
Key Themes: This verse serves as a crucial point of convergence for several overarching themes present in 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores Filial Duty and Obedience, as David immediately complies with his father's instructions, a characteristic that foreshadows his later, greater obedience to God's will. This aligns with the biblical principle that faithfulness in seemingly small or ordinary tasks can prepare one for greater responsibilities, a truth echoed in Luke 16:10. Secondly, it highlights Divine Orchestration and Providence. While David's errand appears entirely mundane and human-initiated, it is unmistakably God's sovereign means of positioning David for his destiny. God consistently uses ordinary circumstances and seemingly insignificant actions to achieve His extraordinary purposes, demonstrating His active hand in human affairs, a theme pervasive throughout scripture, including Proverbs 16:9. Lastly, it subtly but significantly introduces the theme of Preparation for Leadership. David's journey to the battlefield, his exposure to Goliath's challenge (as detailed in 1 Samuel 17:4-11), and his subsequent actions are all integral parts 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
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow future events. Foreshadowing is prominently featured, as this seemingly ordinary errand directly positions David for his extraordinary confrontation with Goliath, an event that will define his early public life and propel him towards the throne. The mundane task serves as a divinely orchestrated setup for a monumental, nation-altering event. There is also a strong element of Irony, as the future king, already secretly anointed by God, is sent on a humble errand of delivering food, contrasting sharply with the grand destiny awaiting him. This highlights God's consistent method of elevating the lowly and using the unexpected. Furthermore, the "ten cheeses" and the act of "taking their pledge" can be seen as Symbolism of the practical, earthly preparations and faithful obedience that often precede divine appointments and supernatural interventions. David's diligence and obedience in the small, domestic sphere prepare him for the larger, national sphere of leadership and divine calling. The narrative also uses Contrast between the fear-paralyzed Israelite army and the humble, obedient shepherd boy who is about to demonstrate unparalleled courage and faith.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 17:18 powerfully illustrates the profound principle of divine providence, where God orchestrates seemingly insignificant human actions and ordinary circumstances to fulfill His grand, overarching purposes. David's journey, born out of simple filial duty and a father's concern, becomes the very means by which he is positioned to confront Goliath and deliver Israel from a paralyzing fear and a formidable foe. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that He often works through the ordinary, the humble, and the obedient to achieve the extraordinary. It underscores the profound truth that faithfulness in our daily, mundane tasks is never wasted in God's economy, as He can use any circumstance, no matter how small or common, to advance His kingdom and reveal His perfect plan. Our obedience, even in the most seemingly insignificant matters, can be a crucial step in God's larger narrative for our lives and for the world around us.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's simple act of obedience in 1 Samuel 17:18 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder 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, faithfulness, and willing obedience in whatever our hand finds to do, whether it's a demanding career, household chores, academic pursuits, acts of service within our communities, or quiet moments of prayer. Just as David's humble errand led him directly to face the giant and ultimately ascend to the throne, our faithfulness in the small, often unseen areas of our lives can be the very training ground and pathway to God's greater calling and divine appointments. We may not always understand the "why" behind our current circumstances or the mundane tasks before us, but this passage encourages us to trust implicitly in God's sovereign orchestration, knowing that every act of obedience, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential, contributes to His perfect, unfolding plan for our lives and for the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What were "ten cheeses" and why were they significant?
Answer: The "ten cheeses" (Hebrew: châlâb and chârîyts) were likely small, dried, or solidified curds of milk, a common and durable food item suitable for travel and sustenance in ancient Israel's warm climate. They were significant because they represented a practical and loving 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 essential provisions. This act highlights Jesse's deep concern for his sons' welfare on the battlefield and David's role in delivering these vital 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 of his sons, because his three elder brothers were already serving in King Saul's army, and David was available, typically tending the sheep at home. While seemingly a humble and domestic task for the future king, this mission was profoundly 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 unlikely deliverer. It highlights God's consistent pattern of using the "least" or the "unlikely" to accomplish His mighty purposes, as seen when David was chosen and anointed by Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:11-13.
What does it mean to "take their pledge"?
Answer: To "take their pledge" (Hebrew: ʻărubbâh) 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 definitive report confirming the well-being and status of his brothers. It was Jesse's way of ensuring that David would gather intelligence on their condition 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 or a reliable account of his brothers' welfare.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 17:18, with David's humble errand of provision and reconnaissance, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David, the shepherd boy, sent by his father with sustenance 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, a world taunted by the "prince of this world" (John 14:30). Just as David's journey was born out of obedience and deep concern for his brethren, so too was Christ's incarnation an act of profound obedience and boundless love for humanity (Philippians 2:7-8). 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, confronting and decisively defeating the spiritual giants of sin, death, and the devil on the cross (Colossians 2:15). David's humble errand was the divine setup for his victory; similarly, Christ's earthly life, including His seemingly ordinary human experiences and His ultimate sacrifice, was the Father's perfect plan to achieve the ultimate victory over humanity's greatest enemies, bringing true provision (the Bread of Life) and eternal well-being to all who believe (Hebrews 2:14-15).