1 Samuel 17:25

KJV

And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, [that] the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} said {H559}, Have ye seen {H7200} this man {H376} that is come up {H5927}? surely to defy {H2778} Israel {H3478} is he come up {H5927}: and it shall be, that the man {H376} who killeth {H5221} him, the king {H4428} will enrich {H6238} him with great {H1419} riches {H6239}, and will give {H5414} him his daughter {H1323}, and make {H6213} his father's {H1} house {H1004} free {H2670} in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The soldiers from Isra'el said [to each other], "You saw that man who just came up? He has come to challenge Isra'el. To whoever kills him, the king will give a rich reward; he'll also give him his daughter and exempt his father's family from all service and taxes in Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see this man who keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.”

American Standard Version

And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:25 vividly portrays the profound fear and desperation gripping the Israelite army and King Saul in the face of Goliath's audacious challenge. It details the extraordinary incentives offered by the king to any man brave enough to confront the Philistine giant: immense wealth, marriage into the royal family, and permanent exemption from taxes and service for the victor's entire household. This verse not only underscores the gravity of Goliath's defiance against Israel and its God but also highlights the paralyzing fear that had incapacitated the nation's leadership and military, creating a vacuum for a champion of faith to emerge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the dramatic narrative of [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"), which chronicles the pivotal standoff between the Philistine and Israelite armies in the Valley of Elah. For forty days, Goliath of Gath, a formidable Philistine champion, had relentlessly taunted Israel, demanding a single combat to decide the war's outcome, a challenge that left the Israelite forces, under King Saul, gripped by fear and despair ([1 Samuel 17:1-11](/1_samuel/17-11 "1 Samuel 17:1-11 - Goliath's Challenge and Israel's Fear")). Verse 25 immediately follows David's arrival at the camp, where he overhears the soldiers discussing Goliath's challenge and the king's unprecedented offer. This crucial moment sets the stage for David's questioning of the men, his subsequent righteous indignation, and his courageous decision to face Goliath, presenting a stark contrast to the widespread fear and inaction of the Israelite army and its king. The narrative emphasizes the spiritual vacuum left by Saul's failed leadership, creating the perfect backdrop for God to raise up His chosen deliverer.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of "champion warfare," where two armies agree to let a single combat between their strongest warriors decide the outcome of a battle, was a recognized, though not common, ancient Near Eastern custom. This method aimed to minimize casualties for both sides by resolving conflict through a proxy. Goliath's challenge was deeply rooted in this tradition. The rewards offered by King Saul—great riches, a royal marriage, and freedom from obligations for the victor's family—were exceptionally lavish, reflecting the dire straits of the kingdom and the immense pressure on Saul. Such a promise of substantial wealth and elevated social status (specifically, exemption from taxes, forced labor, or military conscription) would fundamentally transform a common family's destiny for generations. For an agrarian society, freedom from royal burdens was an immense and highly coveted privilege, ensuring economic stability and social standing. This testifies to the magnitude of the threat Goliath posed and the profound desperation of King Saul.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 17:25](/1_samuel/17-25 "1 Samuel 17:25 - Saul's Desperate Offer") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout [the Book of 1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"):
* **The Contrast Between Human and Divine Strength:** Saul, chosen for his impressive physical stature and appearance ([1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Stature")), proves utterly inadequate in the face of a spiritual challenge, highlighting God's preference for working through unexpected means rather than relying on human might or impressive outward appearance to deliver His people. Saul's inability to act or inspire reveals the bankruptcy of a kingship not fully reliant on God.
* **Fear vs. Faith:** The verse vividly portrays the paralyzing fear that gripped the Israelites, contrasting sharply with David's later faith-filled response, which is rooted in his trust in the living God. It underscores that true courage comes not from human strength or royal incentives, but from unwavering trust in the Lord.
* **The Nature of Kingship:** Saul's desperate offer exposes his spiritual weakness and his inability to protect his people effectively, foreshadowing his eventual downfall and the divine rejection of his kingship. It sets the stage for the emergence of David, a king after God's own heart, who would prioritize God's honor above all else, even without the promise of earthly rewards.
* **God's Honor:** Goliath's defiance is explicitly stated as being "to defy Israel," which implicitly means to defy the God of Israel. The urgent need for a champion is not merely for military victory but, more profoundly, to vindicate God's name and honor among the nations, demonstrating His sovereignty and power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defy (Hebrew, _ḥārap'_):** This verb, חָרַף (H2778, _ḥārap'_), means "to taunt, reproach, blaspheme, defy." It carries a strong connotation of insult and challenge, often directed against God or His people. In this context, Goliath's actions are not merely a military maneuver but a direct, blasphemous affront to the God of Israel. The Israelites understood this as a spiritual battle, not just a physical one, which deepened their fear and sense of shame. It signifies a public act of contempt and scorn.
* **Enrich (Hebrew, _ʿāšar'_):** The verb עָשַׁר (H6238, _ʿāšar'_) signifies "to become rich, to accumulate wealth," or causatively, "to make rich." The use of "great riches" (עֹשֶׁר גָּדוֹל, _ʿōsher gādôl_) emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the financial reward. This was not a modest sum but a life-altering fortune, indicating the immense value Saul placed on defeating Goliath and the dire need for a volunteer. It speaks to a substantial and transformative increase in one's material possessions.
* **Free (Hebrew, _ḥophshî'_):** The adjective חָפְשִׁי (H2670, _ḥophshî'_) means "free, liberated, exempt." It typically refers to freedom from slavery or servitude. In this specific context, it implies exemption from all royal obligations, including taxes, forced labor (corvée), and potentially military service, for the entire family of the victor. This was an unprecedented privilege, granting the family a permanent, elevated social and economic status within Israel, securing their future prosperity and autonomy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up?":** This opening clause immediately establishes the collective sentiment of the Israelite soldiers. It is a question born of awe, fear, and perhaps a touch of morbid fascination, revealing their passivity. They are not strategizing how to fight, but rather observing and discussing Goliath's intimidating presence, highlighting the psychological grip he held over them and their inability to respond proactively.
* **"surely to defy Israel is he come up:":** This phrase articulates the clear understanding among the Israelites that Goliath's challenge was a direct, contemptuous insult and provocation against their nation. The word "defy" carries a spiritual weight, indicating that Goliath's taunts were perceived as an affront not only to the army but, more significantly, to the God of Israel. This understanding deepened the shame felt by the Israelites for their inability to respond.
* **"and it shall be, [that] the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, ":** This is the first of three extraordinary promises from King Saul. It signifies a massive financial reward, far beyond typical military compensation. The "great riches" would elevate the victor from any previous social standing to one of significant wealth and influence, underscoring Saul's desperation and the immense value he placed on Goliath's defeat.
* **"and will give him his daughter, ":** The second promise is marriage into the royal family. This was an unparalleled honor, granting the victor immense social prestige, political influence, and a direct connection to the throne. It would secure the victor's status as a member of the royal household, a privilege typically reserved for the most elite or powerful individuals, signifying a profound elevation in social standing.
* **"and make his father's house free in Israel.":** The third and final promise extends the benefits beyond the individual to his entire family, his "father's house." "Free" here means exempt from taxes, forced labor (corvée), and possibly military conscription. This would ensure the family's long-term economic security and social standing, releasing them from the burdens and obligations common to ordinary Israelite citizens. It was a guarantee of lasting prosperity and autonomy for generations, a truly transformative benefit.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs several literary devices to convey the narrative's tension and profound significance. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated mention of Goliath's defiance and the Israelites' pervasive fear throughout the chapter, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the threat and the army's debilitating paralysis. There is profound **Irony** in Saul's predicament: despite being chosen for his impressive stature ("taller than any of the people"), he is utterly incapable of confronting Goliath, highlighting the spiritual weakness beneath his physical strength. This contrasts sharply with David, a humble shepherd boy, who embodies true courage and faith. The lavish promises themselves serve as **Hyperbole**, underscoring the extreme nature of the situation and Saul's desperate state of mind. Finally, the entire scenario, particularly the king's inability to act and the urgent need for an unexpected champion, serves as powerful **Foreshadowing** of the divinely orchestrated shift in kingship from Saul to David, and more broadly, of God's consistent method of delivering His people not through human might or worldly power, but through His chosen, often humble, instruments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse highlights a profound theological truth: human inability to address overwhelming spiritual and physical threats often sets the stage for divine intervention. The Israelites' paralyzing fear and Saul's desperate, materially driven promises underscore humanity's inherent limitations when faced with a challenge that demands faith beyond mere sight or strength. Goliath's defiance was not just a military threat but a direct challenge to the sovereignty, honor, and very name of Yahweh. The solution, therefore, could not come from human strength, political maneuvering, or worldly incentives, but from a heart fully devoted to God's glory and a willingness to trust in His power. This narrative powerfully foreshadows the greater need for a champion who would confront the ultimate enemies—sin and death—not for riches or earthly glory, but for the vindication of God's holy name and the eternal salvation of His people. It teaches us that true victory, especially in spiritual battles, comes through trusting in God's power and faithfulness, not human might, cunning, or material enticements.

* [Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13-14 "Exodus 14:13-14 - The Lord Will Fight For You"): Moses tells the Israelites facing the Red Sea, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today... The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights For Israel"): "For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord"): "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene described in [1 Samuel 17:25](/1_samuel/17-25 "1 Samuel 17:25 - Saul's Desperate Offer") serves as a powerful mirror for our own lives, reflecting our responses to overwhelming challenges. We often encounter "Goliaths"—whether they are daunting personal struggles, spiritual battles, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our communities—that leave us feeling paralyzed by fear and inadequacy, much like the Israelite army. In such moments, we might be tempted to seek purely external solutions, relying on our own strength, human ingenuity, or to be motivated by the "great riches" and "royal connections" that the world offers as incentives for overcoming our struggles. However, this narrative profoundly reminds us that true victory, especially over challenges that defy human strength or conventional solutions, comes not from our own might or the promises of others, but from a courageous faith rooted in God. Our primary motivation should be to honor God and to see His name vindicated, rather than focusing on personal gain, worldly recognition, or avoiding discomfort. When we face our own giants, we are called to look beyond our fears and trust in God's power to deliver, just as David did, understanding that God often uses the humble, the unexpected, and those who prioritize His glory to accomplish His greatest purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Goliaths" are currently standing in defiance against you, your family, or your community, causing fear or paralysis?**
* **Are you more focused on the potential earthly rewards for overcoming a challenge, or on honoring God through courageous faith and obedience?**
* **How does the fear of failure or the perceived magnitude of a challenge sometimes prevent you from stepping out in faith, even when God may be calling you to do so?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling you to trust Him for a victory that seems humanly impossible, even without the promise of earthly riches, recognition, or "freedom" from burdens?**

### FAQ

**Why was King Saul unable to fight Goliath himself, despite his stature?**

Answer: King Saul's inability to fight Goliath, despite being physically imposing and "taller than any of the people" ([1 Samuel 10:23](/1_samuel/10-23 "1 Samuel 10:23 - Saul's Stature")), was fundamentally a spiritual failure, not a physical one. Saul had been chosen by God to be king, but his reign was increasingly marked by disobedience and a lack of full reliance on the Lord. He had previously disobeyed God's direct commands, such as offering a sacrifice without waiting for Samuel ([1 Samuel 13:8-14](/1_samuel/13-8 "1 Samuel 13:8-14 - Saul's Disobedience at Gilgal")) and failing to completely destroy the Amalekites ([1 Samuel 15:1-23](/1_samuel/15-1 "1 Samuel 15:1-23 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding Amalek")). These acts of rebellion led to God's Spirit departing from him, and an evil spirit from the Lord began to torment him ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). His fear and paralysis in the face of Goliath's challenge were direct symptoms of his spiritual distance from God. He lacked the faith and divine empowerment necessary to confront a foe who was defying the God of Israel, demonstrating that true kingship and leadership require more than just physical prowess; they demand a heart fully surrendered to God.

**What did it mean for the victor's "father's house" to be "free in Israel"?**

Answer: The promise to "make his father's house free in Israel" was an extraordinary and highly significant incentive, reflecting the immense value Saul placed on defeating Goliath. The Hebrew word for "free" (חָפְשִׁי, _ḥopšî_) in this context implies exemption from all royal obligations and burdens, a privilege that would elevate the family's status permanently. This would typically include:
1. **Tax Exemption:** The family would be free from paying taxes or tributes to the king, a substantial financial relief that would ensure their economic stability in an agrarian society.
2. **Exemption from Forced Labor (Corvée):** The family would not be subject to the king's demands for compulsory labor on royal projects, such as building cities, roads, or palaces, which was a common and often burdensome practice in ancient kingdoms.
3. **Exemption from Military Service:** While the individual victor would be a hero, his family members might also be exempt from future military conscription, offering a form of perpetual security and peace.
This privilege would elevate the family's social and economic status permanently, ensuring their prosperity and autonomy for generations. It was a rare and highly coveted benefit, underscoring the immense value Saul placed on Goliath's defeat and the desperate state of his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of [1 Samuel 17:25](/1_samuel/17-25 "1 Samuel 17:25 - Saul's Desperate Offer") and the subsequent victory of David over Goliath finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Goliath's audacious defiance of Israel and its God powerfully mirrors the universal defiance of sin and death against God's holy reign over humanity. Just as Saul and the Israelite army were utterly paralyzed by fear and helplessness, humanity is inherently incapable of overcoming the overwhelming power of sin and its ultimate consequence, death, on its own. No amount of human effort, worldly wealth, or earthly incentive could ever provide a lasting solution to this existential dilemma. Into this desperate human condition steps Jesus, the true and ultimate Champion. He is the Son of David, the promised Messiah, who came not for earthly riches or a royal bride in the temporal sense, but to vindicate the Father's name and rescue His people from eternal bondage. Unlike Saul, who was physically imposing but spiritually weak and fearful, Jesus, though appearing humble and unassuming, possessed divine authority and power. He confronted the ultimate "Goliath"—Satan, sin, and death—on the cross, not with a sling and stone, but through His perfect obedience, sacrificial love, and victorious resurrection ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Power")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ secured for us not merely "great riches" but an eternal inheritance beyond measure ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")), not just a royal marriage to an earthly king but a divine, eternal union with Him as His Bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")), and not just "freedom" from taxes or earthly burdens, but true spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin and the curse of the law ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Jesus is the One who truly makes His Father's house—all who believe in Him—eternally free in the glorious kingdom of God.

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

Joshua 15:16

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

Revelation 3:12

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 3:21

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Ezra 7:24

Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

Matthew 17:26

Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

1 Samuel 18:17

And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.