1 Samuel 17:32

And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

And David {H1732} said {H559} to Saul {H7586}, Let no man's {H120} heart {H3820} fail {H5307} because of him; thy servant {H5650} will go {H3212} and fight {H3898} with this Philistine {H6430}.

David said to Sha'ul, "No one should lose heart because of him; your servant will go and fight this P'lishti."

And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!”

And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 17:32, David, a young shepherd boy, boldly steps forward to confront the Philistine giant, Goliath, who has been taunting the armies of Israel for forty days. This verse encapsulates David's unwavering faith and courage in the face of overwhelming fear that had paralyzed King Saul and the entire Israelite army.

Context

The Israelite and Philistine armies were encamped on opposing hills, separated by a valley. For weeks, Goliath, a champion from Gath, had issued a challenge for single combat, proposing that the outcome would determine the victor of the war. His immense size and fearsome armor had instilled profound fear in the Israelites, preventing anyone from accepting his challenge. David arrived at the battlefield to deliver provisions to his brothers and witnessed Goliath's defiant taunts against the living God. Hearing the giant's blasphemies and seeing the Israelites' terror, David, filled with righteous indignation and faith, declared his readiness to fight.

Key Themes

  • Faith Over Fear: David's declaration, "Let no man's heart fail because of him," directly confronts the pervasive fear gripping Israel. His confidence stems not from his own might, but from his trust in God's ability to deliver.
  • Divine Empowerment and Courage: Despite his youth and lack of military experience, David exhibits extraordinary courage. This boldness is a hallmark of someone empowered by God, reminiscent of his anointing by Samuel and the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him.
  • Taking Initiative: While others cowered, David took responsibility. He saw a spiritual battle requiring a faithful response, not just a physical one.
  • Servanthood and Humility: David refers to himself as "thy servant" to King Saul, demonstrating humility even as he proposes to undertake a task no one else dared.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Let no man's heart fail" in Hebrew (אַל יִפֹּל לֵב אָדָם עָלָיו, 'al yippol lev 'adam 'alav) literally means "let not the heart of man fall upon him." The verb "fall" (נָפַל, naphal) here conveys a sense of despair, weakness, or utter collapse, emphasizing the paralyzing fear that had gripped the Israelite soldiers. David's words are an exhortation to courage and a rebuke of their cowardice, reflecting his conviction that God is greater than any earthly foe.

Practical Application

David's bold declaration in 1 Samuel 17:32 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. When facing "giants" in our lives—whether they are overwhelming challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or spiritual battles—we are called to respond with faith rather than fear. David's confidence came from his past experiences of God's faithfulness (as he later explains to Saul), and his reliance on the name of the Lord of Hosts. This verse encourages us to step out in courage, trusting that God can use even the least likely among us to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that with God, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 16:18 (9 votes)

    Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, [that is] cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD [is] with him.

  • Deuteronomy 20:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

  • Deuteronomy 20:3 (8 votes)

    And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

  • Psalms 3:6 (6 votes)

    I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.

  • Isaiah 35:4 (5 votes)

    Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

  • Psalms 27:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

  • Psalms 27:3 (4 votes)

    Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.