1 Samuel 17:28

KJV

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Eliab {H446} his eldest {H1419} brother {H251} heard {H8085} when he spake {H1696} unto the men {H582}; and Eliab's {H446} anger {H639} was kindled {H2734} against David {H1732}, and he said {H559}, Why camest thou down {H3381} hither? and with whom hast thou left {H5203} those {H2007} few {H4592} sheep {H6629} in the wilderness {H4057}? I know {H3045} thy pride {H2087}, and the naughtiness {H7455} of thine heart {H3824}; for thou art come down {H3381} that thou mightest see {H7200} the battle {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eli'av his oldest brother heard when David spoke to the men, and it made Eli'av angry at him. He asked, "Why did you come down here? With whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is! You just came down to watch the fighting."

Berean Standard Bible

Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!”

American Standard Version

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why art thou come down? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:28 captures a moment of intense sibling conflict and misjudgment, as David's eldest brother, Eliab, unleashes a torrent of anger and false accusation upon him. This verse reveals the deep-seated jealousy and human shortsightedness that often accompany God's anointing, highlighting how even those closest to us can fail to discern divine purpose, instead attributing noble intentions to pride and mischief. It sets the stage for David's remarkable display of faith, not only against Goliath but also in the face of familial scorn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the dramatic narrative of David's arrival at the battlefield and his subsequent confrontation with Goliath. Chapters 17:1-27 describe the forty-day stalemate between Israel and the Philistines, with Goliath's daily taunts paralyzing the Israelite army. David arrives, sent by his father Jesse to bring provisions and check on his brothers. As David hears Goliath's blasphemous challenge and expresses his indignation, inquiring about the reward for defeating the giant, Eliab overhears him. Eliab's furious outburst in [1 Samuel 17:28](/1_samuel/17-28 "1 Samuel 17:28 - Eliab's Anger") immediately precedes David's calm and faith-filled response in [1 Samuel 17:29-30](/1_samuel/17-29 "1 Samuel 17:29-30 - David's Response to Eliab"), where he simply asks, "What have I done now?" This exchange highlights the stark contrast between human and divine perspectives, paving the way for David's ultimate confrontation with Goliath in [1 Samuel 17:32-58](/1_samuel/17-32 "1 Samuel 17:32-58 - David and Goliath").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Valley of Elah, a strategic border region between Philistine and Israelite territories, making it a frequent battleground. The practice of single combat, where champions from opposing armies fought to decide the outcome, was common in ancient warfare, aiming to minimize overall casualties. Goliath's challenge was a recognized military tactic. Within Israelite culture, the eldest son, like Eliab, held a privileged position, often inheriting a double portion and exercising authority over younger siblings. Eliab's anger likely stems from a combination of his own insecurity (having been passed over by God for kingship in [1 Samuel 16:6-7](/1_samuel/16-6 "1 Samuel 16:6-7 - Eliab Rejected by God")) and a cultural expectation that David, the youngest, should remain in his assigned role as a shepherd, not meddling in military affairs. His dismissal of David's "few sheep in the wilderness" underscores his contempt for David's perceived lowly status.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 17:28](/1_samuel/17-28 "1 Samuel 17:28 - Eliab's Accusation") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Samuel. Firstly, it exemplifies **sibling rivalry and jealousy**, a recurring motif in biblical narratives (e.g., Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers). Eliab's anger is rooted in his own unfulfilled potential and the perceived audacity of his younger brother. Secondly, it underscores the **contrast between human perception and divine purpose**. Eliab judges David by outward appearance and perceived ambition, completely missing the divine anointing and courage that God had placed upon David, a theme explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the theme of **God using the unexpected and humble**. Eliab's scorn for David's shepherd background inadvertently sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power through a seemingly unqualified individual, reinforcing that God's ways are not man's ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kindled (Hebrew, _charah_):** This verb literally means "to burn" or "to be hot," often used to describe intense, fiery anger. Its use here indicates that Eliab's anger was not a mild irritation but a passionate, consuming rage that flared up instantly upon hearing David's inquiries. It suggests a deep-seated resentment that had been simmering, perhaps since David's anointing by Samuel, which Eliab witnessed.
* **Pride (Hebrew, _zadon_):** This term denotes arrogance, presumptuousness, or insolence. It implies a haughty spirit that oversteps boundaries or acts without proper authority. Eliab accuses David of being swollen with self-importance, believing he is above his station and has come to the battlefield out of a desire for personal glory or a thrill, rather than genuine concern or divine leading.
* **Naughtiness (Hebrew, _ra`_):** While "naughtiness" in KJV might sound mild, the Hebrew word _ra`_ is much stronger, encompassing concepts like evil, wickedness, mischief, or moral badness. Eliab is not merely suggesting David is being mischievous; he is attributing genuine malice, ill intent, or moral corruption to David's heart and motives. This makes Eliab's accusation a severe and character-assassinating judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men":** This clause establishes Eliab's position of authority as the eldest brother and the public nature of David's inquiries. Eliab, perhaps feeling a sense of responsibility or even a lingering bitterness from being passed over for kingship, is attentive to David's words. His overhearing is crucial, as it triggers his explosive reaction.
* **"and Eliab's anger was kindled against David":** This is the core emotional response. The intensity of Eliab's anger, described as "kindled" or "burning," suggests a deep-seated jealousy and insecurity. He sees David's curiosity and concern not as genuine but as a challenge to his own authority or a reminder of David's growing prominence.
* **"and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness?":** Eliab's words are accusatory and dismissive. The first question challenges David's very presence on the battlefield, implying he has no right to be there. The second question is loaded with scorn, belittling David's primary responsibility as a shepherd and suggesting he has abandoned his duties for frivolous reasons. This highlights Eliab's contempt for David's "lowly" occupation.
* **"I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.":** This is a direct, character-assassinating accusation. Eliab claims to "know" David's inner motives, attributing them to arrogance and moral depravity. He concludes with a false premise: David's sole purpose is selfish curiosity, to witness the spectacle of war. This statement reveals Eliab's complete misreading of David's character and God's stirring within him.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Eliab, the very brother whom Samuel initially thought was God's chosen king (but was rejected because God looks at the heart, [1 Samuel 16:6-7](/1_samuel/16-6 "1 Samuel 16:6-7 - God Looks at the Heart")), now misjudges the true chosen one. His accusation of "pride" is ironic, given his own likely pride and insecurity that fueled his outburst. There is also **Contrast** between Eliab's human, superficial judgment and God's deeper, heart-level discernment. Eliab sees a presumptuous youth, while God sees a man after His own heart. The scene also functions as **Foreshadowing**, as David's rejection by his own family members here foreshadows his later rejection by King Saul and elements of his own people, ultimately mirroring the rejection Christ would face from His own. Eliab's harsh accusation can also be seen as **Hyperbole**, an exaggerated condemnation of David's intentions, fueled by intense emotion rather than objective truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Eliab's outburst against David serves as a profound theological lesson on the nature of divine calling and human resistance. It illustrates that God often chooses the overlooked, the humble, and the seemingly unqualified to accomplish His greatest purposes, challenging human wisdom and societal norms. Eliab's inability to see beyond David's outward appearance and past role as a shepherd mirrors humanity's tendency to judge by external factors, rather than by the heart, which is where God truly looks. This incident highlights the spiritual blindness that can afflict even those within God's covenant community, demonstrating how jealousy, insecurity, and preconceived notions can hinder one's ability to discern God's hand at work in unexpected ways. David's quiet resilience in the face of such unwarranted attack foreshadows his character as a man of faith, focused on God's will rather than human approval.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"): "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak"): "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence."
* [Genesis 4:5-8](/genesis/4-5 "Genesis 4:5-8 - Cain and Abel's Conflict"): "But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eliab's harsh words to David offer a poignant reminder that even when pursuing a divine calling, we may face significant opposition, not just from external enemies but often from within our own circles—family, friends, or fellow believers. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts for the roots of jealousy, insecurity, or a tendency to misjudge others based on our own biases or past experiences. When we see someone stepping out in faith, especially in ways that challenge our expectations or perceived roles, our first response should be discernment and encouragement, not condemnation. Conversely, when we are the ones being criticized or misunderstood, David's calm and focused response (in the subsequent verses) teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast in our purpose, trusting God's validation over human approval. Our mission is to obey God, not to satisfy the often-flawed opinions of others. This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart that sees others through God's eyes, recognizing His potential in the most unexpected individuals, and to persevere in our God-given tasks despite the inevitable scorn or skepticism from those who cannot see what God is doing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to misjudging others based on their background, appearance, or perceived ambition, similar to Eliab?**
* **How do I typically react when I receive unwarranted criticism or face jealousy from those close to me? What can I learn from David's response?**
* **Am I willing to step out in faith, even if it means being misunderstood or scorned by others, trusting that God's approval is paramount?**

### FAQ
**Why was Eliab so angry with David?**
Answer: Eliab's intense anger likely stemmed from a complex mix of factors. Firstly, as the eldest brother, he may have felt a sense of responsibility or even resentment that David, the youngest, was seemingly neglecting his duties ("those few sheep") to meddle in military affairs. Secondly, and more profoundly, Eliab had been the first son presented to Samuel for anointing as king, only to be rejected by God ([1 Samuel 16:6-7](/1_samuel/16-6 "1 Samuel 16:6-7 - God Rejects Eliab")). He had witnessed David's subsequent anointing. This likely fueled deep-seated jealousy and insecurity, leading him to project his own frustrations and perceived failures onto David, accusing him of the very "pride" and "naughtiness" that may have been brewing in his own heart. He fundamentally misunderstood David's divine calling, attributing noble intentions to selfish ambition.

**What does "naughtiness of thine heart" imply in this context?**
Answer: While "naughtiness" might sound mild in modern English, the Hebrew word _ra`_ (רַע) is much stronger and carries significant negative connotations. In this context, when Eliab accuses David of "the naughtiness of thine heart," he is not simply suggesting mischievousness. He is attributing genuine ill intent, moral corruption, or wickedness to David's motives. Eliab believes David's curiosity about the battle, and his willingness to speak up, is not born of genuine concern or faith, but from a morally corrupt desire for spectacle, self-glory, or a thrill. This makes Eliab's accusation a severe and deeply personal condemnation of David's character and inner disposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Eliab's rejection and misjudgment of David in [1 Samuel 17:28](/1_samuel/17-28 "1 Samuel 17:28 - Eliab's Scorn") powerfully foreshadows the experience of Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David. Just as David, the shepherd boy, was dismissed and scorned by his own family members and the established leadership (Saul), so too was Jesus, the true Shepherd of Israel, "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ Rejected")). His own brothers initially did not believe in Him ([John 7:5](/john/7-5 "John 7:5 - Jesus' Brothers' Disbelief")), and He was often accused of pride, blasphemy, and having a "naughtiness of heart" by the religious leaders who claimed to "know" Him ([Matthew 9:3](/matthew/9-3 "Matthew 9:3 - Jesus Accused of Blasphemy"); [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Jesus Accused of Demonic Possession")). Eliab's inability to see God's anointing on David, choosing instead to see only a presumptuous youth, mirrors the spiritual blindness of those who could not recognize the Messiah in the humble carpenter from Nazareth. Yet, just as David, despite being scorned, went on to deliver Israel from Goliath, so Christ, through His ultimate act of humility and sacrifice on the cross, delivered humanity from the power of sin and death, triumphing over the ultimate enemy ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true King, chosen by God, whose humble origins and rejection by His own only underscore the divine power and purpose that ultimately led to His exaltation and universal reign ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")).

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

Matthew 10:36

And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household.

Genesis 37:11

And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Genesis 37:8

And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

Genesis 37:4

And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Proverbs 18:19

¶ A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the bars of a castle.

Mark 3:21

And when his friends heard [of it], they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

Matthew 27:18

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.