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Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 verses 12–30
Forty days the two armies lay encamped facing one another, each advantageously posted, but neither forward to engage. Either they were parleying and treating of an accommodation or they were waiting for recruits; and perhaps there were frequent skirmishes between small detached parties. All this while, twice a day, morning and evening, did the insulting champion appear in the field and repeat his challenge, his own heart growing more and more proud for his not being answered and the people of Israel more and more timorous, while God designed hereby to ripen him for destruction and to make Israel's deliverance the more illustrious. All this while David is keeping his father's sheep, but at the end of forty days Providence brings him to the field to win and wear the laurel which no other Israelite dares venture for. We have in these verses,
I. The present state of his family. His father was old (Sa1 17:12): He went among men for an old man, was taken notice of for his great age, above what was usual at that time, and therefore was excused from pubic services, and went not in person to the wars, but sent his sons; he had the honours paid him that were due his age, his hoary head was a crown of glory to him. David's three elder brethren, who perhaps envied his place at the court, got their father to send for him home, and let them go to the camp, where they hoped to signalize themselves and eclipse him (Sa1 17:13, Sa1 17:14), while David himself was so far from being proud of the services he had done his prince, or ambitious of further preferment, that he not only returned from court to the obscurity of his father's house, but to care, and toil, and (as it proved, Sa1 17:34) the peril, of keeping his father's sheep. It was the praise of this humility that it came after he had the honour of a courtier, and the reward of it that it came before the honour of a conqueror. Before honour is humility. Now he had that opportunity of mediation and prayer, and other acts of devotion, which fitted him for what he was destined to more than all the military exercises of that inglorious camp could do.
II. The orders his father gave him to go and visit his brethren in the camp. He did not himself ask leave to go, to satisfy his curiosity, or to gain experience and make observations; but his father sent him on a mean and homely errand, on which any of his servants might have gone. He must carry some bread and cheese to his brethren, ten loaves with some parched corn for themselves (Sa1 17:17) and ten cheeses (which, it seems, he thought too good for them) for a present to their colonel, Sa1 17:18. David must still be the drudge of the family, though he was to be the greatest ornament of it. He had not so much as an ass at command to carry his load, but must take it on his back, and yet run to the camp. Jesse, we thought, was privy to his being anointed, and yet industriously kept him thus mean and obscure, probably to hide him from the eye of suspicion and envy, knowing that he was anointed to a crown in reversion. He must observe how his brethren fared, whether they were not reduced to short allowance, now that the encampment continued so long, that, if need were, he might send them more provisions. And he must take their pledge, that is, if they had pawned any thing, he must redeem it; take notice of their company, so some observe, whom they associate with, and what sort of life they lead. Perhaps David, like Joseph, had formerly brought to his father their evil report, and now he sends him to enquire concerning their manners. See the care the pious parents about their children when they are abroad from them, especially in places of temptation; they are solicitous how they conduct themselves, and particularly what company they keep. Let children think of this, and conduct themselves accordingly, remembering that, when they are from under their parents' eye, they are still under God's eye.
III. David's dutiful obedience to his father's command. His prudence and care made him be up early (Sa1 17:20), and yet not to leave his sheep without a keeper, so faithful was he in a few things and therefore the fitter to be made ruler over many things, and so well had he learnt to obey before he pretended to command. God's providence brought him to the camp very seasonably, when both sides had set the battle in array, and, as it should seem, were more likely to come to an engagement than they had yet been during all the forty days, Sa1 17:21. Both sides were now preparing to fight. Jesse little thought of sending his son to the army just at that critical juncture, but the wise God orders the time and all the circumstances of actions and affairs so as to serve his designs of securing the interests of Israel and advancing the men after his own heart. Now observe here,
1.How brisk and lively David was, Sa1 17:22. What articles he brought he honestly took care of, and left them with those that had the charge of the bag and baggage; but, though he had come a long journey with a great load, he ran into the army, to see what was doing there, and to pay his respects to his brethren. Seest thou a man thus diligent in his business, he is in the way of preferment, he shall stand before kings.
2.How bold and daring the Philistine was, Sa1 17:23. Now that the armies were drawn out into a line of battle he appeared first to renew his challenge, vainly imagining that he was in the eager chase of his own glory and triumph, whereas really he was but courting his own destruction.
3.How timorous and faint-hearted the men of Israel were. Though they had, for forty days together, been used to his haughty looks and threatening language, and, having seen no execution done by either, might have learned to despise both, yet, upon his approach, they fled from him and were greatly afraid, Sa1 17:24. One Philistine could never thus have chased 1000 Israelites, and put 10,000 to flight, unless their Rock, being treacherously forsaken by them, had justly sold them, and shut them up, Deu 32:30.
4.How high Saul bid for a champion. Though he was the tallest of all the men of Israel, and, if he had not been so, while he kept close to God might himself have safely taken up the gauntlet which this insolent Philistine threw down, yet, the Spirit of the Lord having departed from him, he durst not do it, nor press Jonathan to do it; but whoever will do it shall have as good preferment as he can give him, Sa1 17:25. If the hope of wealth and honour will prevail with any man to expose himself so far, it is proclaimed that the bold adventurer, if he come off, shall marry the king's daughter and have a good portion with her; but, as it should seem, whether he come off or no, his father's house shall be free in Israel, from all toll, tribute, custom, and services to the crown, or shall be ennobled and advanced to the peerage.
5.How much concerned David was to assert the honour of God and Israel against the impudent challenges of this champion. He asked what reward was promised to him that should slay this Philistine (Sa1 17:26), though he knew already, not because he was ambitious of the honour, but because he would have it taken notice of, and reported to Saul, how much he resented the indignity hereby done to Israel and Israel's God. He might have presumed so far upon his acquaintance and interest at court as to go himself to Saul to offer his service; but his modesty would not let him do this. It was one of his own rules, before it was one of his son's proverbs, Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men (Pro 25:6); yet his zeal put him upon that method which he hoped would bring him into this great engagement. Two considerations, it seems, fired David with a holy indignation: - (1.) That the challenger was one that was uncircumcised, a stranger to God and out of covenant with him. (2.) That the challenged were the armies of the living God, devoted to him, employed by him and for him, so that the affronts offered to them reflected upon the living God himself, and that he could not bear. When therefore some had told him what was the reward proposed for killing the Philistine (Sa1 17:27) he asked others (Sa1 17:30), with the same resentment, which he expected would at length come to Saul's ear.
6.How he was brow-beaten and discouraged by his eldest brother Eliab, who, taking notice of his forwardness, fell into a passion upon it, and gave David very abusive language, Sa1 17:28. Consider this, (1.) As the fruit of Eliab's jealousy. He was the eldest brother, and David the youngest, and perhaps it had been customary with him (as it is with too many elder brothers) to trample upon him and take every occasion to chide him. But those who thus exalt themselves over their juniors may perhaps live to see themselves, by a righteous providence, abased, and those to whom they are abusive exalted. Time may come when the elder may serve the younger. But Eliab was now vexed that his younger brother should speak those bold words against the Philistine which he himself durst not say. He knew what honour David had already had in the court, and, if he should now get honour in the camp (from which he thought he had found means effectually to seclude him, Sa1 17:15), the glory of his elder brethren would be eclipsed and stained; and therefore (such is the nature of jealousy) he would rather that Goliath should triumph over Israel than that David should be the man that should triumph over him. Wrath is cruel and anger is outrageous, but who can stand before envy, especially the envy of a brother, the keenness of which Jacob, and Joseph, and David experienced? See Pro 18:19. It is very ill-favoured language that Eliab here gives him; not only unjust and unkind, but, at this time, basely ungrateful; for David was now sent by his father, as Joseph by his, on a kind of visit to his brethren. Eliab intended, in what he said, not only to grieve and discourage David himself, and quench that noble fire which he perceived glowing in his breast, but to represent him to those about him as an idle proud lad, not fit to be taken notice of. He gives them to understand that his business was only to keep sheep, and falsely insinuates that he was a careless unfaithful shepherd; though he had left his charge in good hands (Sa1 17:20), yet he must tauntingly be asked, With whom hast thou left those few sheep? Though he came down now to the camp in disobedience to his father and kindness to his brethren, and Eliab knew this, yet his coming is turned to his reproach: "Thou hast come down, not to do any service, but to gratify thy own curiosity, and only to look about thee;" and thence he will infer the pride and naughtiness of his heart, and pretends to know it as certainly as if he were in his bosom. David could appeal to God concerning his humility and sincerity (Psa 17:3; Psa 131:1) and at this time gave proofs of both, and yet could not escape this hard character from his own brother. See the folly, absurdity, and wickedness, of a proud and envious passion; how groundless its jealousies are, how unjust its censures, how unfair its representations, how bitter its invectives, and how indecent its language. God, by his grace, keep us from such a spirit! (2.) As a trial of David's meekness, patience and constancy. A short trial it was, and he approved himself well in it; for, [1.] He bore the provocation with admirable temper (Sa1 17:29): "What have I now done? What fault have I committed, for which I should thus be chidden? Is there not a cause for my coming to the camp, when my father sent me? Is there not a cause for my resenting the injury done to Israel's honour by Goliath's challenges?" He had right and reason on his side, and knew it, and therefore did not render railing for railing, but with a soft answer turned away his brother's wrath. This conquest of his own passion was in some respects more honourable than his conquest of Goliath. He that hath rule over his own spirit is better than the mighty. It was no time for David to quarrel with his brother when the Philistines were upon them. The more threatening the church's enemies are the more forbearing her friends should be with one another. [2.] He broke through the discouragement with admirable resolution. He would not be driven off from his thoughts of engaging the Philistine by the ill-will of his brother. Those that undertake great and public services must not think it strange if they be discountenanced and opposed by those from whom they had reason to expect support and assistance; but must humbly go on with their work, in the face not only of their enemies' threats, but of their friends' slights and suspicions.
If you don’t mind, however, let us refer to a theme in our preaching earlier, so that by bringing the whole story to mind we may learn that nothing is stronger than the person protected by help from on high, and nothing is more vulnerable than the person deprived of this help, surrounded though he may be with countless armies. So this man David, quite young though he was and living in his father’s house on account of his immaturity, heard the call of destiny for his virtue to become conspicuous; he was urged by his father to observe his brothers; he obeyed and was sent off to them. So, after coming on the scene to observe them, he saw the battle line drawn against the foreigner Goliath and the whole people of Saul’s company withdrawing in fright and the king himself placed in particular danger. For a while he was happy to be an onlooker and went to see the strange and unusual sight of one person pitted against so many thousands. But his brothers could not tolerate the manliness of his bearing; they were moved to hatred and said to him, “Have you come for no other reason than to see the war.” You haven’t really come to observe us.Notice, however, his good sense and great restraint. Instead of saying anything rash to them, anything harsh, he extinguished the flame of their hatred; he mollified their hatred by saying, “Isn’t it only a word?” I mean, surely you haven’t observed me taking position in the ranks? I simply wanted to watch and find out the source of this man’s extraordinary frenzy. “After all, who is this foreigner who reproaches the ranks of the living God?” Then, on hearing the man’s awful arrogance and the unspeakable cowardice of those who had gone with Saul, he said, “What will be given to the man who cuts off his head?” He showed great boldness of spirit through these words and caused amazement in every one. Realizing this, Saul sent for the young man, who had experience of nothing other than shepherding, and when he saw his age he made fun of him. Then he learned from him how he dealt with bears when they raided his flocks; you see, this remarkable young man was obliged to describe this, not out of a wish to blow his own trumpet but because he had no choice if the king was to be inspired with courage and to have regard not for the poor impression he gave but for the faith concealed within him and the assistance from on high that made the young man stronger than the grown-ups, the unarmed stronger than the armed men, the shepherd than the soldiers.
Now when David came, one of his brothers rebuked him, saying, “Why did you leave those few sheep and come to the battle?” This elder brother, maliciously chiding David who typified our Lord, signified the Jewish people who jealously slandered Christ the Lord even though he had come for the salvation of the human race, for they frequently chastised him with many insults. “Why did you leave the sheep and come to the battle?” Does it not seem to you as though through his lips the devil is speaking in envy of the salvation of humankind? It is as though he said to Christ: “Why did you leave the ninety-nine sheep who had strayed and come looking for the one which was lost, in order that you might call him back to your sheepfold, after freeing him with the staff of the cross from the hand of the spiritual Goliath, that is, from the power of the devil?” “Why did you leave those few sheep?” He spoke the truth, although in a wicked and haughty spirit. Jesus intended to leave the ninety-nine sheep, as was already said, in order to seek the one and to bring it back to his sheepfold, that is, to the company of the angels.
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SUMMARY
In David's concise yet profound response to his elder brother Eliab's unwarranted accusation reveals his righteous indignation and unwavering focus on God's honor. Having arrived at the battlefront to deliver provisions, David's genuine concern over Goliath's blasphemous defiance of Israel's God was not born of pride or idleness. His rhetorical question challenges Eliab's misjudgment, asserting that the dire situation—the Philistine's taunts against the living God—was a weighty matter demanding a courageous response, far beyond mere curiosity or personal ambition. This verse encapsulates David's Spirit-led conviction and sets the stage for his heroic confrontation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows Eliab's harsh and unfounded rebuke of David in 1 Samuel 17:28, where he accuses David of pride, neglect of his duties, and a desire to merely "see the battle." David's initial inquiries about Goliath's challenge and the potential reward for defeating him, made to those standing nearby (1 Samuel 17:26), stirred Eliab's jealousy and anger. David's calm yet firm response in 1 Samuel 17:29 serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the stark contrast between his Spirit-led conviction and the human, fleshly reactions of those around him, including his own family. It not only defends David's character but also redirects the focus from personal squabbles to the profound spiritual crisis at hand, thus preparing the narrative for David's subsequent bold declaration to King Saul and his ultimate confrontation with Goliath. This exchange underscores that David's motivation was not personal glory but the vindication of God's name and the honor of Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context: The dramatic scene unfolds in the Valley of Elah, a strategic border region between Philistia and Judah, which had long been a contested area. For forty days, the formidable Philistine champion, Goliath of Gath, had issued a daily challenge for single combat, a common practice in ancient warfare to resolve conflicts without full-scale battle, thereby minimizing casualties. His taunts were not merely against Israel's army but, more significantly, against "the armies of the living God" (1 Samuel 17:26), a profound act of blasphemy in the eyes of any faithful Israelite. The Israelite army, including King Saul (1 Samuel 17:11), was paralyzed by fear, a stark contrast to David's youthful courage and unwavering faith. David, a shepherd from Bethlehem, was accustomed to facing dangers to protect his flock from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-37), a background that had uniquely prepared him for this moment, though it was largely unknown to his family and the army.
Key Themes: David's question powerfully contributes to several key themes within 1 Samuel chapter 17 and the broader narrative of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Righteous Indignation in the face of blasphemy and injustice, demonstrating David's holy zeal for God's honor when others, including his own brother and the entire army, were timid and fearful. Secondly, it highlights the Divine Purpose vs. Human Misunderstanding, as David's God-given calling and Spirit-led motivation are met with skepticism, jealousy, and misjudgment from his own family, a recurring pattern for those chosen and anointed by God. Thirdly, it is a pivotal moment in revealing David's profound Courage and Faith in the living God, distinguishing him sharply from the fearful Israelite army and even King Saul, who was taller and seemingly more imposing (1 Samuel 9:2). His question, "Is there not a cause?", implies a moral and spiritual imperative to act, rooted in his deep trust that the battle belongs to the Lord, a foundational theological truth that guides his actions.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey David's character and the intense tension of the moment. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question, used twice ("What have I now done?" and "Is there not a cause?"). These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make a strong, emphatic statement, challenging Eliab's premise and asserting David's moral high ground and the legitimacy of his concern. They force the listener (and reader) to confront the obvious truth David is pointing to. There is also a strong element of Contrast between David's spiritual sensitivity and righteous indignation and Eliab's worldly jealousy and misunderstanding. This contrast highlights David's unique calling, his faith-driven perspective, and his alignment with God's purposes, setting him apart from the fearful and carnal mindset of those around him. Furthermore, Irony is present, as Eliab, the older brother and presumably more experienced, attempts to put David, the younger and seemingly insignificant shepherd, in his place. Yet, it is David who possesses the true insight, courage, and spiritual discernment needed for the moment, ultimately proving to be the one chosen by God to deliver Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's response encapsulates a profound theological truth: genuine faith often manifests as righteous indignation against evil and a willingness to act when God's honor is at stake, even in the face of human opposition and misunderstanding. His question, "Is there not a cause?", is a powerful declaration that some situations are so dire, so offensive to God, that they demand a response from those who truly believe. This perspective contrasts sharply with the fear, apathy, and complacency that had gripped Israel, demonstrating that a heart aligned with God's purposes will perceive and respond to spiritual realities that others may ignore or dismiss. It underscores the theme that God often uses the humble, the overlooked, and the seemingly unqualified to accomplish His mighty purposes, bypassing the proud, the self-sufficient, and those consumed by human fears or jealousies. David's conviction highlights the priority of God's glory over personal comfort or reputation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's bold stance in 1 Samuel 17:29 offers a timeless model for believers facing misunderstanding and opposition while pursuing a divine calling. His refusal to be sidetracked by personal attacks, coupled with his unwavering focus on the "cause"—the honor of God—is a powerful lesson in spiritual resilience and discernment. We are called to cultivate a similar righteous indignation against sin, injustice, and anything that dishonors God in our world, rather than succumbing to apathy, fear, or the criticism of others. This means discerning when there is a legitimate "cause" for us to speak up, act, or stand firm, even if it means facing criticism from unexpected sources, including those closest to us or within our own spiritual communities. Our motivation, like David's, should always be the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom, trusting that He will vindicate His purposes and empower us to respond faithfully. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate human reactions and focus on the eternal significance of God's truth and honor.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Eliab so angry with David?
Answer: Eliab's anger stemmed from a complex mix of factors, primarily jealousy, pride, and a fundamental misunderstanding of David's character and divine anointing. As David's eldest brother, Eliab likely felt a sense of responsibility for David and perhaps resentment that the youngest was gaining attention or stepping outside traditional roles. He may have perceived David's inquiries as a display of arrogance or a desire to escape his assigned duties, rather than genuine concern for Israel's honor. This is evident in 1 Samuel 17:28, where he accuses David of "pride" and "naughtiness of thy heart." Eliab, like many, was focused on external appearances and traditional expectations, failing to recognize the divine anointing and spiritual insight that motivated David. His reaction reflects the common human tendency to misjudge God's chosen instruments, especially when they operate outside conventional expectations or threaten one's own perceived status.
What does "Is there not a cause?" mean for us today?
Answer: David's rhetorical question, "Is there not a cause?", serves as a timeless challenge for believers today. It compels us to consider whether there are legitimate, weighty matters that demand our attention and action in the name of God. In a world often characterized by moral relativism, spiritual apathy, and widespread injustice, David's question reminds us that there are indeed absolute truths and divine principles that, when violated, constitute a profound "cause" for righteous indignation and courageous intervention. This could manifest as speaking out against injustice, defending the vulnerable, upholding biblical truth in a hostile culture, or actively participating in God's mission to spread the Gospel. It calls us to move beyond passive observation to active engagement when God's honor is diminished or His people are threatened, much like the situation in 1 Samuel chapter 17. It is a call to spiritual discernment and courageous obedience.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's encounter with Eliab and his subsequent confrontation with Goliath beautifully foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ. Like David, who was misunderstood and rebuked by his own family for a "cause" they could not comprehend, Jesus was often misunderstood and rejected by His own people and even His family (Mark 3:21). David's righteous indignation against Goliath's blasphemy, seeing it as an affront to the living God, mirrors Christ's zealous commitment to His Father's house (John 2:17) and His unwavering resolve to confront the forces of evil. Jesus, the true and greater David, came to face a far more formidable foe than Goliath—Satan, sin, and death. He did not come for personal glory but for a divine "cause": to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10), to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and to reconcile humanity to God through His perfect obedience and sacrifice (Romans 5:10). Just as David secured victory for Israel, Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, achieved eternal victory over sin and death, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, thereby fulfilling the ultimate "cause" of God's redemptive plan for all humanity.