1 Samuel 17:18

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

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}.

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

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.

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

Commentary

1 Samuel 17:18 finds David, the future king of Israel, engaged in a seemingly ordinary task that sets the stage for his most famous encounter. His father, Jesse, dispatches him from Bethlehem to the battlefield where Israel faces the Philistines.

Context

This verse is part of Jesse's specific instructions to his youngest son, David. The Israelites, led by King Saul, were encamped against the Philistines in the Valley of Elah, locked in a tense standoff with Goliath taunting them daily. David's three eldest brothers were serving in Saul's army. Jesse, concerned for his sons and their provisions, sends David not only with food for his brothers but also with a gift for their commanding officer and a directive to gather information on their well-being. This mission highlights the practical realities of ancient warfare and the care of families for their soldiers.

Key Themes

  • Filial Duty and Obedience: David's immediate compliance with his father's instructions underscores his character of obedience, a trait foundational to his later leadership. This seemingly minor errand prepares him for a much greater calling, echoing principles found in Luke 16:10 about faithfulness in small matters.
  • Provision and Care: Jesse's act of sending provisions—bread, parched corn, and cheeses—demonstrates a father's loving concern for his sons' welfare on the battlefield. It also shows the logistical challenges of sustaining an army.
  • Divine Orchestration: While David's mission appears mundane, it is divinely orchestrated. This errand places him directly into the situation where he will hear Goliath's challenge and ultimately step forward to confront the giant, fulfilling the purpose for which he had been anointed by Samuel.

Linguistic Insights

The "ten cheeses" (KJV) are literally "ten cuts of milk" or "curds of milk" (Hebrew: charitzei he-chalav), likely referring to small, dried cheese cakes, a common and durable food item suitable for travel and sustenance. The phrase "take their pledge" (Hebrew: 'arubotam) refers to a token or sign of their well-being, or perhaps a guarantee of receipt for the provisions, rather than a financial pledge. It signifies David's responsibility to bring back confirmation that his brothers were safe and that the supplies had been delivered.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson on the significance of faithfulness in everyday tasks. David's journey to the battlefield, born out of simple obedience and family duty, became the platform for his defining moment. It reminds us that God often uses our ordinary responsibilities and seemingly insignificant actions to position us for extraordinary purposes. We are called to be diligent and faithful in whatever our hand finds to do, trusting that God has a greater plan, just as David's humble errand led him to face Goliath and ultimately become king.

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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:
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