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Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 verses 1–11
It was not long ago that the Philistines were soundly beaten, and put to the worse, before Israel, and they would have been totally routed if Saul's rashness had not prevented; but here we have them making head again. Observe,
I. How they defied Israel with their armies, Sa1 17:1. They made a descent upon the Israelites' country, and possessed themselves, as it should seem, of some part of it, for they encamped in a place which belonged to Judah. Israel's ground would never have been footing for Philistine-armies if Israel had been faithful to their God. The Philistines (it is probable) had heard that Samuel had fallen out with Saul and forsaken him, and no longer assisted and advised him, and that Saul had grown melancholy and unfit for business, and this news encouraged them to make this attempt for the retrieving of the credit they had lately lost. The enemies of the church are watchful to take all advantages, and they never have greater advantages than when her protectors have provoked God's Spirit and prophets to leave them. Saul mustered his forces, and faced them, Sa1 17:2, Sa1 17:3. And here we must take notice, 1. That the evil spirit, for the present, had left Saul, Sa1 16:23. David's harp having given him some relief, perhaps the alarms and affairs of the war prevented the return of the distemper. Business is a good antidote against melancholy. Let the mind have something without to fasten on and employ itself about, and it will be the less in danger of preying upon itself. God, in mercy to Israel, suspended the judgment for a while; for how distracted must the affairs of the public have been if at this juncture the prince had been distracted! 2. That David for the present had returned to Bethlehem, and had left the court, Sa1 17:15. When Saul had no further occasion to use him for the relief of his distemper, though, being anointed, he had a very good private reason, and, having a grant of the place of Saul's armour-bearer, he had a very plausible pretence to have continued his attendance, as a retainer to the court, yet he went home to Bethlehem, and returned to keep his father's sheep; this was a rare instance, in a young man that stood so fair for preferment, of humility and affection to his parents. He knew better than most do how to come down again after he had begun to rise, and strangely preferred the retirements of the pastoral life before all the pleasures and gaieties of the court. None more fit for honour than he, nor that deserved it better, and yet none more dead to it.
II. How they defied Israel with their champion Goliath, whom they were almost as proud of as he was of himself, hoping by him to recover their reputation and dominion. Perhaps the army of the Israelites was superior in number and strength to that of the Philistines, which made the Philistines decline a battle, and stand at bay with them, desiring rather to put the issue upon a single combat, in which, having such a champion, they hoped to gain the victory. Now concerning this champion observe,
1.His prodigious size. He was of the sons of Anak, who at Gath kept their ground in Joshua's time (Jos 11:22), and kept up a race of giants there, of which Goliath was one, and, it is probable, one of the largest. He was in height six cubits and a span, v. 4. They learned bishop Cumberland has made it out that the scripture-cubit was above twenty-one inches (above three inches more than our half-yard) and a span was half a cubit, by which computation Goliath wanted but eight inches of four yard in height, eleven feet and four inches, a monstrous stature, and which made him very formidable, especially if he had strength and spirit proportionable.
2.His armour. Art, as well as nature, made him terrible. He was well furnished with defensive armour (Sa1 17:5, Sa1 17:6): A helmet of brass on his head, a coat of mail, made of brass plates laid over one another, like the scales of a fish; and, because his legs would lie most within the reach of an ordinary man, he wore brass boots, and had a large corselet of brass about his neck. The coat is said to weigh 5000 shekels, and a shekel was half an ounce avoirdupois, a vast weight for a man to carry, all the other parts of his armour being proportionable. But some think it should be translated, not the weight of the coat, but the value of it, was 5000 shekels; so much it cost. His offensive weapons were extraordinary, of which his spear only is here described, Sa1 17:7. It was like a weaver's beam. His arm could manage that which an ordinary man could scarcely heave. His shield only, which was the lightest of all his accoutrements, was carried before him by his esquire, probably for state; for he that was clad in brass little needed a shield.
3.His challenge. The Philistines having chosen him for their champion, to save themselves from the hazard of battle, he here throws down the gauntlet, and bids defiance to the armies of Israel, Sa1 17:8-10. He came into the valley that lay between the camps, and, his voice probably being as much stronger than other people's as his arm was, he cried so as to make them all hear him, Give me a man, that we may fight together. He looked upon himself with admiration, because he was so much taller and stronger than all about him; his heart (says bishop Hall) nothing but a lump of proud flesh. He looked upon Israel with disdain, because they had none among them of such a monstrous bulk, and defies them to find a man among them bold enough to enter the list with him. (1.) He upbraids them with their folly in drawing an army together: "Why have you come to set the battle in array? How dare you oppose the mighty Philistines?" Or, "Why should the two armies engage, when the controversy may be sooner decided, with only the expense of one life and the hazard of another?" (2.) He offers to put the war entirely upon the issue of the duel he proposes: "If your champion kill me, we will be your servants; if I kill him, you shall be ours." This, says bishop Patrick, was only a bravado, for no nation would be willing thus to venture its all upon the success of one man, nor is it justifiable; notwithstanding Goliath's stipulation here, when he was killed the Philistines did not stand to his word, nor submit themselves as servants to Israel. When he boasts, I am a Philistine, and you are servants to Saul, he would have it thought a great piece of condescension in him, who was a chief ruler, to enter the lists with an Israelite; for he looked on them as no better than slaves. The Chaldee paraphrase brings him in boasting that he was the man that had killed Hophni and Phinehas and taken the ark prisoner, but that the Philistines had never given him so much as the command of a regiment in recompence of his services, whereas Saul had been made king for his services: "Let him therefore take up the challenge."
4.The terror this struck upon Israel: Saul and his army were greatly afraid, Sa1 17:11. The people would not have been dismayed but that they observed Saul's courage failed him; and it is not to be expected that, if the leader be a coward, the followers should be bold. We found before, when the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul (Sa1 11:6), none could be more daring nor forward to answer the challenge of Nahash the Ammonite, but now that the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him even the big looks and big words of a single Philistine make him change colour. But where was Jonathan all this while? Why did not he accept the challenge, who, in the last war, had so bravely engaged a whole army of Philistines? Doubtless he did not feel himself stirred up of God to it, as he did in the former case. As the best, so the bravest men, are no more than what God makes them. Jonathan must now sit still, because the honour of engaging Goliath is reserved for David. In great and good actions, the wind of the Spirit blows when and where he listeth. Now the pious Israelites lament their king's breach with Samuel.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:2 meticulously details the initial military positioning of the Israelite and Philistine armies, setting the immediate stage for the iconic confrontation between David and Goliath. King Saul, leading the forces of Israel, strategically gathered his men and encamped in the Valley of Elah, preparing for a decisive engagement. Simultaneously, the Philistines arrayed their forces opposite them, establishing a tense standoff that underscored the imminent and formidable conflict facing the people of God.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows the general introduction of the Philistine threat in 1 Samuel 17:1, which states that the Philistines gathered their armies for battle at Socoh in Judah. Verse 2 then narrows the focus, specifying the exact location of the Israelite encampment and their preparation for combat. The narrative up to this point in 1 Samuel has highlighted King Saul's increasingly unstable reign and his failures to fully obey God, particularly in his handling of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). This military stalemate in the Valley of Elah thus serves as a critical juncture, revealing Israel's vulnerability under Saul's leadership and setting the stage for God's unexpected champion, David, to emerge. The subsequent verses will introduce Goliath and his challenge, intensifying the tension established here.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Philistines were a formidable "Sea Peoples" group who had settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan, frequently clashing with the Israelites for control of the fertile Shephelah region, a strategic borderland between the Philistine plain and the Israelite highlands. Their military superiority was often attributed to their advanced iron technology, which the Israelites lacked (1 Samuel 13:19-22). The Valley of Elah, meaning "valley of the terebinth," was a natural corridor and a frequent battleground due to its strategic position. Armies would typically "set the battle in array" by forming disciplined lines on opposing ridges or slopes, allowing for a clear view of the enemy and preparing for a charge into the valley floor. This setup indicates a formal, prepared engagement, not a skirmish, reflecting the ongoing existential threat the Philistines posed to Israel.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the narrative of David and Goliath and beyond. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Imminent Conflict and National Threat, portraying the gathering of forces as a prelude to a decisive and dangerous confrontation that directly imperils Israel's security. Secondly, the mention of the "valley of Elah" emphasizes Strategic Positioning and Geographical Significance, underscoring how specific locations can become pivotal stages for divine action. This valley, a natural choke point, becomes the arena where human military might will prove insufficient. Thirdly, and most profoundly, the verse subtly lays the groundwork for the theme of Human Inadequacy and the Need for Divine Intervention. While Saul and his army are "gathered together" and "set the battle in array," their human preparations alone are insufficient to overcome the looming threat, foreshadowing the need for God's extraordinary and unexpected solution through David, who will declare that the battle is the Lord's.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to establish the scene. Setting/Atmosphere is paramount, with the specific mention of the "valley of Elah" immediately creating a sense of a confined, tense, and fated arena. This geographical detail grounds the narrative in a tangible, real-world space, enhancing its verisimilitude. The phrase "set the battle in array" contributes to the Atmosphere of impending conflict, conveying disciplined readiness and a palpable sense of tension. Foreshadowing is also subtly present; the meticulous description of the armies' positioning, particularly in a stalemate, hints that a conventional military solution might not be sufficient, thereby preparing the reader for the extraordinary intervention of David. Furthermore, the Juxtaposition of the two formally arrayed armies facing each other across a valley underscores the magnitude of the conflict and the direct opposition between Israel and its long-standing adversary.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 17:2, while seemingly a straightforward military report, is deeply imbued with theological significance. It portrays a moment of national crisis for Israel, where human strength and strategic positioning appear to be the primary factors. However, the very stalemate and the overwhelming nature of the Philistine threat (as revealed in subsequent verses) subtly underscore a core biblical theme: the inadequacy of human might in the face of spiritual and physical adversaries, and the ultimate necessity of divine intervention. This moment in the Valley of Elah becomes a test of faith, revealing that true victory does not depend on the size or arrangement of armies, but on God's power and His chosen deliverer. It sets the stage for a demonstration of God's sovereignty, where He uses the unexpected and the seemingly weak to accomplish His purposes and bring glory to His name.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Samuel 17:2, with two armies arrayed for battle in the Valley of Elah, serves as a powerful metaphor for the confrontations we face in our own lives. We often find ourselves in "valleys of Elah"—situations of intense challenge, daunting opposition, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. These can be personal struggles, professional dilemmas, spiritual battles, or societal crises. Like Saul and the Israelites, our natural inclination is to "gather together" our resources, "pitch" our defenses, and "set the battle in array" through our own preparation, planning, and strength. While human preparation is wise and necessary, this verse subtly reminds us that even the most meticulously prepared human efforts can fall short when faced with a truly formidable foe. It compels us to reflect on where our ultimate trust lies: in our strategies and resources, or in the sovereign God who orchestrates events and provides unexpected champions. It is in these moments of human limitation that the stage is set for God to display His power, often through means we least expect.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the Valley of Elah a strategic location for this battle?
Answer: The Valley of Elah was strategically important due to its geographical features. It is a wadi (a dry riverbed) that runs through the Shephelah, the low-lying foothills that form a natural border between the Philistine coastal plain and the Israelite highlands. This valley provided a natural corridor for armies moving between these regions. Its narrowness and the presence of opposing ridges or hillsides allowed both armies to position themselves with a clear view of each other, creating a natural arena for a pitched battle. For the Philistines, controlling this valley meant access to the heartland of Judah, while for the Israelites, defending it was crucial for protecting their territory. The terrain itself, with its slopes and the valley floor, influenced military tactics and made it a frequent site of conflict.
What was the typical military formation implied by "set the battle in array"?
Answer: "Setting the battle in array" (Hebrew: ‘arakh milchamah) refers to the disciplined and organized deployment of troops into battle lines. In the ancient Near East, this typically involved infantry forming ranks or phalanxes, often with shield-bearers at the front, creating a defensive wall. Archers and slingers might be positioned behind or on the flanks. The goal was to present a unified front, maximize defensive capabilities, and prepare for an organized charge or engagement. This formation was crucial for maintaining cohesion under enemy attack and for executing offensive maneuvers. For both the Israelites and the Philistines, it indicated a formal, prepared engagement rather than a disorganized skirmish, implying a high level of military discipline and readiness for sustained combat.
How does this verse set the stage for David's appearance?
Answer: This verse is foundational in setting the stage for David's dramatic entrance by establishing a seemingly insurmountable military stalemate. It shows King Saul and the entire Israelite army "gathered together" and "set in array," yet they remain paralyzed by fear in the face of the Philistine threat, specifically Goliath, who is introduced in the very next verse (1 Samuel 17:4-7). The formal array of battle highlights the conventional military approach, which proves utterly inadequate against Goliath's challenge. This human inability and fear create a void that only God's chosen champion can fill. By emphasizing the collective failure and the dire circumstances, the verse magnifies the divine intervention that is about to unfold through the unlikely figure of David, making his subsequent victory all the more miraculous and God-glorifying.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Valley of Elah, where Israel and the Philistines "set the battle in array," serves as a profound Old Testament type for the ultimate spiritual battlefield where humanity faced its greatest enemy. Just as Saul and his army were powerless against Goliath, representing the overwhelming might of sin and death, so too was all humanity utterly incapable of confronting and defeating the forces of evil. This verse, depicting human preparation and a formidable foe, foreshadows the cosmic confrontation that would be resolved not by human might or military strategy, but by God's own champion. Jesus Christ is the true David, who entered the ultimate "valley of Elah"—the world steeped in sin and under the dominion of death. He did not come with earthly armies or conventional weapons, but with divine power and perfect obedience. On the cross, Christ "set the battle in array" against the principalities and powers, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). He, as the perfect Lamb of God, faced the ultimate giant of sin and death, disarming them through His sacrifice and resurrection (Hebrews 2:14-15). His victory was not merely a physical one, but a spiritual and eternal conquest, fulfilling the need for a divinely provided champion who would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15) and destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Thus, 1 Samuel 17:2, with its scene of human inadequacy and looming conflict, points forward to the glorious and decisive victory achieved by Christ, our ultimate deliverer.