1 Samuel 17:22

KJV

And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} left {H5203} his carriage {H3627} in the hand {H3027} of the keeper {H8104} of the carriage {H3627}, and ran {H7323} into the army {H4634}, and came {H935} and saluted {H7592}{H7965} his brethren {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David left his equipment in charge of the equipment guard, ran to the troops, went to his brothers and asked if they were well.

Berean Standard Bible

Then David left his supplies in the care of the quartermaster and ran to the battle line. When he arrived, he asked his brothers how they were doing.

American Standard Version

And David left his baggage in the hand of the keeper of the baggage, and ran to the army, and came and saluted his brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:22 describes David's arrival at the Israelite encampment, fulfilling his father's errand. Upon reaching the battlefield, David responsibly entrusts his provisions to a designated keeper before eagerly rushing into the army's lines to greet his elder brothers. This seemingly minor, dutiful action is pivotal, as it positions David precisely where he will soon encounter the Philistine giant Goliath, setting the stage for the most famous confrontation in Israel's history and revealing David's character of obedience, diligence, and immediate engagement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial transition point in the narrative of 1 Samuel 17. David has been sent by his father, Jesse, to deliver provisions and check on his brothers who are serving in Saul's army, as detailed in [1 Samuel 17:17-18](/1-samuel/17-17 "1 Samuel 17:17-18 - Jesse Sends David"). The preceding verses describe the ongoing, paralyzing stalemate between the Philistines and the Israelites, dominated by Goliath's daily challenge and the fear gripping King Saul and his army ([1 Samuel 17:1-11](/1-samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1-11 - Goliath's Challenge")). David's arrival, therefore, is not merely a familial visit but a divinely orchestrated entry into a desperate situation. His actions in this verse—securing his "carriage" and immediately engaging with the troops—demonstrate his character and set the stage for his confrontation with Goliath, which unfolds immediately after this verse in [1 Samuel 17:23](/1-samuel/17-23 "1 Samuel 17:23 - Goliath's Renewed Challenge").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conflict between Israel and the Philistines was a recurring feature of this period, often involving pitched battles and the use of champions to decide outcomes, a practice common in ancient warfare. The valley of Elah, where this confrontation takes place, was a strategic border region. Armies would set up encampments, and logistical support, including the delivery of provisions from home, was vital. The "keeper of the carriage" likely refers to a quartermaster or baggage master, a standard role in military logistics. David's act of "saluting his brethren" reflects the cultural norm of respectful greeting and inquiry among family members, especially within the context of military service, where news and welfare were paramount. This scene vividly portrays the daily life and military customs of ancient Israel, emphasizing the stark contrast between the disciplined, though fearful, Israelite camp and the audacious Philistine challenge.
* **Key Themes:** This verse subtly introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout David's story and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **obedience and faithfulness in small tasks**. David's diligent execution of his father's mundane errand is what places him in the position to hear Goliath's challenge and respond. Secondly, it underscores **divine providence and positioning**. Unbeknownst to David, his simple act of familial duty is God's means of bringing him to the forefront of Israel's crisis, preparing him for the destiny revealed in his anointing by Samuel in [1 Samuel 16:12-13](/1-samuel/16-12 "1 Samuel 16:12-13 - David's Anointing"). Thirdly, it foreshadows David's **eagerness and initiative**, contrasting sharply with Saul's paralysis and the army's fear. David doesn't hesitate; he quickly attends to his duty and then actively engages with the situation, demonstrating a proactive spirit that will define his leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **carriage (Hebrew, _keliym'_):** The King James Version's use of "carriage" here is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word כֵּלִים (_keliym_), which more accurately means "vessels," "equipment," "baggage," or "provisions." It does not refer to a wheeled vehicle as it does in modern English. This is crucial for understanding the scene: David was not arriving in a chariot but was carrying supplies (like bread and cheese for his brothers, mentioned in [1 Samuel 17:17](/1-samuel/17-17 "1 Samuel 17:17 - Jesse's Instructions to David")) and entrusted them to a designated person responsible for such military provisions. This detail reinforces David's humble role and his direct, unencumbered movement into the heart of the encampment.
* **ran (Hebrew, _rutz'_):** The Hebrew verb רוּץ (_rutz_) signifies "to run," "to hasten," or "to move quickly." David's action of "running into the army" conveys a sense of urgency, eagerness, and unhesitating engagement. It suggests a youthful energy and a desire to quickly ascertain the situation and connect with his brothers, rather than a leisurely or cautious approach. This immediate, energetic movement is characteristic of David's proactive spirit, which will soon manifest in his readiness to confront Goliath.
* **saluted (Hebrew, _sha'al'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁאַל (_sha'al_) means "to ask," "to inquire," or "to greet." In this context, "saluted his brethren" means David inquired about their welfare, health, and the general state of affairs. It was a customary greeting that involved more than a simple wave; it implied a genuine concern and a desire to be informed about their well-being and the military situation. This act underscores David's familial loyalty and his immediate integration into the social dynamics of the camp.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage":** This clause highlights David's responsibility and diligence. Before doing anything else, he ensures that the provisions entrusted to him by his father are safely deposited with the appropriate military official. This demonstrates his reliability and commitment to completing his assigned task, no matter how mundane it might seem. It also signifies his unburdening himself, preparing for more active engagement.
* **"and ran into the army":** This phrase captures David's youthful enthusiasm and immediate engagement with the situation. He doesn't linger at the baggage point but eagerly moves directly into the heart of the military camp. This action indicates his active interest in the conflict and his desire to understand what is happening, rather than remaining a passive observer. It sets him apart from the fearful and inactive Israelite soldiers.
* **"and came and saluted his brethren":** This final clause emphasizes David's familial loyalty and his social integration. His primary purpose for being there was to check on his brothers, and he immediately seeks them out to greet them and inquire about their well-being. This act of "saluting" (inquiring of their welfare) also serves as a natural way for him to gather information about the ongoing stalemate and Goliath's challenge, which he hears shortly thereafter.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 17:22, though brief, is rich in literary significance. One prominent device is **Foreshadowing**. David's seemingly mundane act of delivering provisions and greeting his brothers subtly but powerfully foreshadows his imminent, far greater role. His unhesitating "running into the army" suggests the proactive courage he will soon display against Goliath, contrasting sharply with the army's paralysis. Another device is **Contrast**. The verse implicitly contrasts David's immediate and energetic engagement with the general inaction and fear that has gripped the Israelite army and its king. While others are cowering, David, a mere shepherd boy, is actively moving into the thick of the situation. There is also an element of **Irony** at play: the future deliverer of Israel arrives not as a mighty warrior but as a humble provision bearer, emphasizing God's tendency to work through unexpected and unassuming means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, often overlooked in the grand narrative of David and Goliath, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It underscores the principle that faithfulness in seemingly small or routine tasks can be the very means by which God positions individuals for His greater purposes. David's obedience to his father's errand, his diligence in handling the provisions, and his immediate, unburdened engagement with his brethren are not accidental but divinely orchestrated steps. This moment illustrates God's sovereignty, demonstrating that even our ordinary duties can be part of His extraordinary plan, preparing us for challenges and callings far beyond our current understanding. It teaches us to trust God's timing and placement, recognizing that He often uses humble beginnings and simple acts of obedience to bring about His mighty works.

* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - God Directs Our Steps")
* [Matthew 25:23](/matthew/25-23 "Matthew 25:23 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 17:22 offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. David's story here encourages us to embrace diligence and faithfulness in every task, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Our daily responsibilities, whether at home, work, or in our communities, are not merely mundane duties but potential arenas where God is preparing us for greater impact. David's immediate engagement and inquiry into the situation also challenge us to be present, attentive, and actively involved in the needs and circumstances around us, rather than remaining passive or detached. It reminds us that divine appointments often arise from our faithful participation in the ordinary. By trusting that God is sovereignly orchestrating our steps, even when we are simply "leaving our carriage" and "saluting our brethren," we can find peace and purpose in every moment, knowing that He is positioning us for His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "carriages" or mundane responsibilities has God entrusted to me, and how faithfully am I handling them?**
* **In what areas of my life or community am I called to "run into the army" and engage actively, rather than remaining on the sidelines?**
* **How does David's immediate "saluting his brethren" inspire me to be more present and genuinely concerned for those around me?**
* **Can I identify times in my life when a seemingly small act of obedience led to a significant opportunity or divine appointment?**

### FAQ
**What is meant by "carriage" in this verse?**

Answer: In 1 Samuel 17:22, the King James Version's use of "carriage" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word _keliym_ (כֵּלִים). It does not refer to a wheeled vehicle as it does in modern English, but rather to "baggage," "equipment," "provisions," or "supplies." David was not arriving in a chariot but was carrying the provisions (like bread and cheese) that his father Jesse had sent with him for his brothers and their commander ([1 Samuel 17:17-18](/1-samuel/17-17 "1 Samuel 17:17-18 - Jesse Sends David")). He entrusted these supplies to a designated "keeper," likely a quartermaster or baggage master, before proceeding into the army's lines.

**Why is David's immediate action of "running into the army" significant?**

Answer: David's action of "running into the army" highlights his youthful energy, eagerness, and proactive spirit. Unlike King Saul and the Israelite soldiers who were paralyzed by fear and inaction in the face of Goliath's challenge ([1 Samuel 17:11](/1-samuel/17-11 "1 Samuel 17:11 - Israel's Fear of Goliath")), David immediately engages with the situation. This swift, unhesitating movement demonstrates his courage and his desire to understand what is happening, setting him apart and foreshadowing his readiness to confront the giant. It shows he is not a passive observer but an active participant, even before he fully grasps the gravity of the situation.

**How does this seemingly small act contribute to David's larger story?**

Answer: This seemingly small act is profoundly significant because it is the precise moment God positions David for his destiny. David's obedience to his father's mundane errand is what physically brings him to the battlefield. By diligently securing his provisions and then eagerly engaging with his brothers and the army, he is placed exactly where he needs to be to hear Goliath's blasphemous challenge ([1 Samuel 17:23](/1-samuel/17-23 "1 Samuel 17:23 - Goliath's Challenge")). This verse exemplifies divine providence, showing that God often uses our faithfulness in routine tasks to open doors for extraordinary callings, preparing us for moments of great impact and fulfilling His sovereign plan for our lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 17:22, though a seemingly minor detail in David's story, powerfully prefigures the humble arrival and decisive action of Jesus Christ. Just as David, a shepherd boy sent on a mundane errand, arrived unassumingly to confront a formidable enemy when Israel's established leadership was paralyzed by fear, so too did Christ, the Son of God, enter humanity in the most humble circumstances. He did not come with the pomp and power expected of a king, but rather as a servant, emptying Himself and taking on the form of a man ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")). Like David who "left his carriage" to engage with the army, Jesus "laid aside" His divine prerogatives to fully immerse Himself in the human condition, confronting the spiritual enemy, Satan, who held humanity captive through the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Where Saul and his army stood trembling, Jesus, through His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice, disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). David's arrival as a provision-bearer who became a deliverer foreshadows the Incarnation of the Word who became flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) to deliver humanity from sin and death, fulfilling God's ultimate plan of salvation.

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

Luke 10:5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

Luke 10:6

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

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.

Matthew 10:12

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

Matthew 10:13

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Judges 18:15

And they turned thitherward, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, [even] unto the house of Micah, and saluted him.

Isaiah 10:28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages: