1 Samuel 17:29

KJV

And David said, What have I now done? [Is there] not a cause?

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559}, What have I now done {H6213}? Is there not a cause {H1697}?

Complete Jewish Bible

David said, "What have I done now? I only asked a question."

Berean Standard Bible

“What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?”

American Standard Version

And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 17:29, 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 concern over Goliath's blasphemous defiance of Israel's God was genuine, 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Eliab's harsh rebuke of David in [1 Samuel 17:28](/1-samuel/17-28 "1 Samuel 17:28 - Eliab's Rebuke to David"), where he accuses David of pride and neglect of his duties. David's inquiry about Goliath's challenge and the reward for defeating him, initially made to those standing nearby ([1 Samuel 17:26](/1-samuel/17-26 "1 Samuel 17:26 - David's First Inquiry About Goliath")), stirred Eliab's jealousy and anger. David's response in [1 Samuel 17:29](/1-samuel/17-29 "1 Samuel 17:29 - David's Response to Eliab") serves to highlight the stark contrast between his Spirit-led conviction and the human, fleshly reactions of those around him, including his own family. It sets the stage for David's subsequent bold declaration to King Saul and his ultimate confrontation with Goliath, emphasizing that his motivation was not personal glory but the vindication of God's name.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in the [Valley of Elah](/1-samuel/17-2 "1 Samuel 17:2 - The Valley of Elah"), a strategic border region between Philistia and Judah. For forty days, the Philistine champion, [Goliath of Gath](/1-samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath's Challenge"), had issued a daily challenge for single combat, a common practice in ancient warfare to resolve conflicts without full-scale battle. His taunts were not merely against Israel but against "the armies of the living God" ([1 Samuel 17:26](/1-samuel/17-26 "1 Samuel 17:26 - Goliath Defies the Armies of the Living God")), a profound blasphemy in the eyes of a faithful Israelite. The Israelite army, including King Saul ([1 Samuel 17:11](/1-samuel/17-11 "1 Samuel 17:11 - Saul and Israel Dismayed")), was paralyzed by fear, a stark contrast to David's youthful courage and faith. David, a shepherd, was accustomed to facing dangers to protect his flock, a background that had 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](/1-samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath") and the broader book. 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 were timid. Secondly, it highlights the **Divine Purpose vs. Human Misunderstanding**, as David's God-given calling is met with skepticism and jealousy from his own brother, a common pattern for those chosen by God. Thirdly, it is a pivotal moment in revealing David's **Courage and Faith** in the living God, distinguishing him from the fearful Israelite army and even King Saul. His question implies a moral and spiritual imperative to act, rooted in his deep trust that [the battle belongs to the Lord](/1-samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cause (Hebrew, _davar'_):** The Hebrew word דָּבָר (*davar*) is remarkably versatile, meaning "word," "thing," "matter," "affair," "reason," or "cause." In this context, David's use of *davar* is emphatic. It's not merely an idle "thing" or a trivial "matter" he's inquiring about. Instead, he's asserting that there is a profound, legitimate, and compelling "reason" or "cause" for his concern and inquiry. Goliath's defiance of God and Israel was a "weighty matter" that demanded attention and a response, not dismissal. David is essentially saying, "Isn't this a significant issue that needs to be addressed?" or "Is there not a valid reason for me to be concerned about this?"

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said,"**: This simple introductory clause sets the stage for David's response, emphasizing his direct and immediate address to Eliab. It signals a shift from Eliab's accusation to David's defense and counter-question.
* **"What have I now done?"**: This is a rhetorical question expressing astonishment, indignation, and a challenge to Eliab's unfounded accusation. David is not asking for information but implying that he has done nothing wrong to warrant such a rebuke. His actions were merely inquiring about a significant public matter, not engaging in mischief or pride as Eliab suggested.
* **"[Is there] not a cause?"**: This is the crux of David's response. It is another rhetorical question, but this one is affirmative in its implication. David is asserting that there *is* indeed a legitimate, compelling, and urgent reason for his inquiry and concern. The "cause" is the dishonor brought upon God's name and Israel by Goliath's taunts, and the army's failure to respond. David highlights the gravity of the situation that Eliab and others seem to be overlooking or dismissing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey David's character and the 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 statement, challenging Eliab's premise and asserting David's moral high ground and the legitimacy of his concern. 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 and faith. Furthermore, **Irony** is present, as Eliab, the older brother, attempts to put David in his place, yet it is David, the younger and seemingly insignificant shepherd, who possesses the true insight and courage needed for the moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's response encapsulates a profound theological truth: that 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. His question, "Is there not a cause?", is a 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 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 misunderstand. It underscores the theme that God often uses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His mighty purposes, bypassing the proud and self-sufficient.

* [Psalm 119:126](/psalms/119-126 "Psalm 119:126 - Time for the Lord to Act")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [Matthew 10:36](/matthew/10-36 "Matthew 10:36 - A Man's Foes Will Be Those of His Own Household")

### 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. 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 or fear. 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. 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt a "cause" stirring within you to act for God's honor, despite potential criticism or misunderstanding?**
* **How do you discern between genuine righteous indignation and mere personal offense or pride?**
* **What "Goliaths" in your life or community are defying God, and what is your "cause" to respond?**
* **How can you remain focused on God's will when facing opposition from those you expect support from?**

### FAQ
**Why was Eliab so angry with David?**

Answer: Eliab's anger stemmed from a combination of factors, primarily jealousy and misunderstanding. As David's eldest brother, Eliab likely felt a sense of responsibility and perhaps resentment that David, the youngest, was gaining attention. 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](/1-samuel/17-28 "1 Samuel 17:28 - Eliab's Rebuke to David"), where he accuses David of "pride" and "naughtiness of thy heart." Eliab, like many, was focused on external appearances and traditional roles, 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.

**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 "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](/1-samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath").

### 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](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own") and even His family ([Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - Jesus Misunderstood by His Family")). David's righteous indignation against Goliath's blasphemy, seeing it as an affront to the living God, mirrors Christ's zeal for His Father's house and His unwavering commitment 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](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), to destroy the works of the devil ([1_john/3-8](/1-john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Appeared to Destroy the Devil's Works")), and to reconcile humanity to God. 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling the ultimate "cause" of God's redemptive plan.

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 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Acts 11:2

And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

Acts 11:4

But Peter rehearsed [the matter] from the beginning, and expounded [it] by order unto them, saying,

Proverbs 15:1

¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

1 Corinthians 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.