1 Samuel 17:27

KJV

And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the people {H5971} answered {H559} him after this manner {H1697}, saying {H559}, So shall it be done {H6213} to the man {H376} that killeth {H5221} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people answered with what they had been saying, adding, "That's what will be done for the man who kills him."

Berean Standard Bible

The people told him about the offer, saying, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

American Standard Version

And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:27 records the definitive confirmation given by the Israelite soldiers to David regarding King Saul's extraordinary promises for anyone who would defeat the Philistine giant, Goliath. This pivotal exchange underscores the profound desperation gripping Israel in the face of Goliath's daily defiance, highlighting the immense value placed upon a deliverer and setting the immediate stage for David's courageous, faith-driven intervention that would dramatically alter the course of the battle and the nation's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture within the dramatic narrative of David and Goliath, found in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). David, a young shepherd, has just arrived at the battlefield in the [Valley of Elah](/1_samuel/17-2 "1 Samuel 17:2 - The Valley of Elah"), sent by his father Jesse to deliver provisions to his older brothers serving in Saul's army. For forty days, the Philistine champion [Goliath of Gath](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath's Challenge") has taunted Israel, paralyzing their army with fear and blaspheming the God of Israel. David, witnessing this national disgrace and hearing Goliath's challenge to the armies of the living God, begins to inquire among the soldiers about the situation and, crucially, about the reward for defeating the giant. Verse 27 serves as the direct, collective answer to David's repeated questions, confirming the king's promise outlined in [1 Samuel 17:25](/1_samuel/17-25 "1 Samuel 17:25 - Saul's Promised Rewards"). This confirmation solidifies the immense stakes and motivates David's subsequent actions, contrasting sharply with the fear and inaction of the rest of the Israelite army and King Saul himself, as seen in [1 Samuel 17:11](/1_samuel/17-11 "1 Samuel 17:11 - Israel's Fear").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during the early monarchy of Israel, a period characterized by frequent conflicts with surrounding nations, particularly the Philistines. The Philistines, a formidable Aegean people who had settled on the coastal plain of Canaan, possessed superior iron technology and military organization, often posing a significant existential threat to Israel's nascent kingdom. The practice of "champion warfare," where two armies would select a single warrior to fight on behalf of their respective nations, was a known, though not exclusive, ancient Near Eastern custom, intended to minimize casualties and determine the outcome of a conflict. The rewards offered by King Saul—great wealth, marriage into the royal family (which would grant immense status and potential succession rights), and exemption from taxes for the deliverer's family—were exceptionally high. Such lavish promises were a common way for monarchs to incentivize extraordinary acts of valor, especially when the kingdom's very existence seemed to hang in the balance, as was the case here. The pervasive fear gripping the Israelite army underscores the Philistines' military prowess and Goliath's terrifying reputation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, while brief, contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath") and the broader book of Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Inadequacy**. While the human king offers a substantial reward, it is David's faith in God, not the reward itself, that ultimately propels him to action, contrasting with the human fear that paralyzes Saul and his army. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Motivation and Reward**. It reveals the earthly incentives that were on offer, which, while not David's primary motivation, served as a public declaration of the king's commitment and the magnitude of the challenge. This sets up a contrast with David's deeper concern for God's honor, as expressed in [1 Samuel 17:26](/1_samuel/17-26 "1 Samuel 17:26 - David's Concern for God's Name"). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Courage and Faith**. In a context of widespread fear and paralysis, David's repeated inquiries about the reward demonstrate a unique readiness to act, a spirit that sees opportunity where others see only insurmountable obstacles. This foreshadows his remarkable faith and courage in [1 Samuel 17:32-37](/1_samuel/17-32-37 "1 Samuel 17:32-37 - David's Confidence in God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **People (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** From H5971, this word refers to "a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people." In this context, it signifies the collective body of Israelite soldiers, indicating that the answer David received was not from a single individual but represented the general consensus or official declaration among the troops. It emphasizes the communal nature of the confirmation and the widespread knowledge of the king's desperate offer.
* **Manner (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term means "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair... manner..." Here, "after this manner" suggests a specific, perhaps formal or established, way of conveying the information. It implies that the details of the king's promise were well-known and consistently communicated, reinforcing the certainty and legitimacy of the rewards being described to David. It's not a casual comment but a definitive statement.
* **Killeth (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, this primitive root means "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat... kill... slaughter, slay..." This verb directly addresses the decisive action required to defeat Goliath. It highlights the violent and final nature of the task at hand—the literal slaying of the giant. The use of this strong verb underscores the gravity of the challenge and the ultimate, life-or-death stakes involved in confronting Goliath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people answered him after this manner, saying":** This introductory clause sets the scene for the direct response David receives from the Israelite soldiers. It signifies that David's inquiries about the reward were not merely casual questions but were met with a collective, perhaps even official, confirmation from the assembled troops. The phrase "after this manner" suggests a specific, perhaps pre-arranged or well-understood, way of conveying the information, emphasizing its authoritative and certain nature within the military camp.
* **"So shall it be done to the man that killeth him":** This is the emphatic core of the people's confirmation. The word "So" (כֵּן, _kēn_) acts as a strong affirmation, leaving no doubt that the extraordinary rewards promised by King Saul would absolutely be bestowed upon the one who defeats Goliath. This statement directly validates the king's decree, reinforcing the immense stakes and the desperate hope that someone, anyone, would rise to the challenge. It is a public and binding affirmation of the royal promise, communicating the certainty of the reward for the one who accomplishes the seemingly impossible task.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Speech**, presenting the exact words of the people, which lends immediacy and authenticity to the narrative, allowing the reader to experience the scene as David did. The succinctness and emphatic nature of their reply, "So shall it be done," functions as a powerful **Confirmation**, solidifying the reality and binding nature of the king's extravagant promise. This confirmation, in turn, acts as a pivotal **Catalyst** for David's subsequent actions, clearly distinguishing him from the fearful and paralyzed Israelite army. The stark contrast between the people's desperate confirmation of a material reward and David's underlying motivation (his zeal for God's honor) creates a subtle **Foreshadowing** of David's unique character and divine calling, positioning him as a hero driven by faith rather than mere earthly gain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 17:27, while outwardly focused on earthly rewards, subtly introduces the profound theological theme of divine enablement and the principle that God often chooses and empowers unexpected individuals to accomplish His grand purposes. While the people confirm a human king's promise, the broader narrative ultimately reveals that David's true strength and success come not from the promise of wealth or status, but from his unwavering faith in the living God. This verse therefore serves as a crucial setup, highlighting the human response to a national crisis (offering great incentives out of desperation) before revealing the divine solution (God empowering a humble shepherd). It reminds us that while human motivations and incentives exist, God's ultimate plan transcends them, often working through those who prioritize His glory and honor above all else, demonstrating that victory comes "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord.

* [Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "God's Deliverance, Not Human Strength")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Not by Might Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse invites us to consider the nature of motivation and the certainty of promises in our own lives. The desperation of the Israelite army, reflected in their eager confirmation of the king's reward, speaks to the immense value placed on a deliverer in a moment of crisis. For us, it prompts reflection on what truly drives our actions, especially when faced with daunting challenges or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Are we primarily motivated by earthly rewards, recognition, or personal gain, or by a deeper conviction rooted in faith and purpose? While David was clearly aware of the king's promises, his ultimate drive stemmed from his passionate zeal for God's honor and his people's dignity. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit that looks beyond immediate, tangible incentives, seeking instead to honor God in all circumstances, trusting that His promises are far more certain, enduring, and eternally significant than any human decree or temporary reward. It challenges us to step out in faith when others are paralyzed by fear, knowing that God often uses the seemingly insignificant and ill-equipped to accomplish the extraordinary, demonstrating His power through our weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or overwhelming challenges in your life or community are you currently facing, and what is your primary motivation for confronting them?**
* **How does David's inquiry about the reward, alongside his later bold declaration of faith, challenge or affirm your own understanding of motivation in service to God?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's certain promises and His divine enablement, rather than relying on human assurances or fleeting incentives?**

### FAQ
**Was David primarily motivated by the rewards offered by King Saul?**

Answer: While [1 Samuel 17:27](/1_samuel/17-27 "1 Samuel 17:27 - The Confirmed Reward") confirms the substantial rewards offered by King Saul—great wealth, marriage to the king's daughter, and tax exemption for his family—it's crucial to understand David's primary motivation from the broader narrative of [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). David's initial inquiry about the reward (as seen in [1 Samuel 17:26](/1_samuel/17-26 "1 Samuel 17:26 - David's Concern for God's Name") and the preceding verses) might seem self-serving at first glance. However, his subsequent confrontation with Goliath reveals a deeper, spiritual motivation. David expresses outrage that an uncircumcised Philistine would defy "the armies of the living God" ([1 Samuel 17:26](/1_samuel/17-26 "1 Samuel 17:26 - David's Concern for God's Name")). His confidence is rooted not in his own strength or the king's promises, but in the Lord, who delivered him from lions and bears ([1 Samuel 17:37](/1_samuel/17-37 "1 Samuel 17:37 - David's Confidence in God")). Therefore, while the rewards were a known incentive, David's ultimate drive was zeal for God's honor and the deliverance of Israel, demonstrating a faith that transcended material gain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 17:27, confirming the extraordinary rewards for a deliverer, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Israel desperately sought a champion to face an insurmountable foe, humanity was lost and enslaved by sin and death, facing an enemy far more formidable than Goliath. No human effort or earthly reward could procure true deliverance from this spiritual enemy. It is in this context that God Himself provided the ultimate Champion, His Son, Jesus Christ. Unlike David, who sought clarification on an earthly king's promise, Jesus did not come for earthly rewards or recognition, but out of divine love and perfect obedience to His Father's will (as seen in [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father")). He faced the true giants of sin, death, and the devil, not with a sling and stone, but through His sacrificial death on the cross ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Victory Over Death")). The "reward" for His victory is not for Himself, but for all who believe: eternal life, reconciliation with God, and liberation from the power of sin. The "great wealth" and "royal marriage" promised by Saul are eclipsed by the spiritual riches in Christ ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")) and the church's identity as the glorious bride of Christ ([Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is the true Deliverer, whose victory secures for us an inheritance far beyond any earthly king's promise, an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")).

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

1 Samuel 17:25

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.