1 Samuel 17:41

KJV

And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield [went] before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Philistine {H6430} came {H3212} on {H1980} and drew near {H7131} unto David {H1732}; and the man {H376} that bare {H5375} the shield {H6793} went before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

The P'lishti, with his shield-bearer ahead of him, came nearer and nearer to David.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him.

American Standard Version

And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:41 vividly portrays the dramatic prelude to the iconic confrontation between David and Goliath. It captures the formidable Philistine champion's advance, accompanied by his shield-bearer, as he draws near to the young Israelite shepherd. This moment underscores the stark visual disparity between the two combatants, highlighting Goliath's overwhelming military might and professional support against David's apparent vulnerability, setting the stage for a divine intervention that defies all human expectations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the narrative in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"), immediately preceding the direct confrontation between David and Goliath. The preceding verses detail Goliath's forty-day challenge to Israel ([1 Samuel 17:8-10](/1_samuel/17-8 "1 Samuel 17:8-10 - Goliath's Challenge")), Saul's fear, and David's arrival in the camp, his indignation at Goliath's defiance of God, and his confident offer to fight the giant ([1 Samuel 17:26-37](/1_samuel/17-26 "1 Samuel 17:26-37 - David's Resolve")). David has just refused Saul's armor, choosing instead his shepherd's staff, sling, and five smooth stones ([1 Samuel 17:38-40](/1_samuel/17-38 "1 Samuel 17:38-40 - David Prepares for Battle")). Verse 41 therefore marks the point of no return, the final approach before the battle that will determine the fate of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern warfare, single combat between champions was a recognized practice, often used to decide the outcome of a larger conflict without extensive bloodshed. Goliath, a Philistine, represents a formidable military power known for its iron weaponry and martial prowess. The presence of a "man that bare the shield" (Hebrew: *šālîš*) was a common feature for elite warriors, especially those wielding large, heavy shields that offered extensive protection. This shield-bearer would carry or position the shield, allowing the primary warrior greater freedom of movement for offensive actions or providing an additional layer of defense. This detail emphasizes Goliath's professional military setup, his immense size (suggesting a shield so large it required a dedicated carrier), and the Philistine's confidence in their champion's overwhelming advantage.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Samuel 17:41 contributes significantly to several key themes within the chapter and the broader book of Samuel. Firstly, it accentuates the theme of **Disparity and Contrast**, highlighting the vast difference in appearance, equipment, and military backing between Goliath and David, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's impending victory. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, setting the stage for God to demonstrate His power through an unlikely champion, not through human strength or conventional warfare, a concept David explicitly articulates in [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Lord Saves Not by Sword or Spear"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Faith versus Fear**, as Goliath's confident advance, supported by his shield-bearer, stands in stark contrast to the fear that paralyzed the Israelite army, a fear that David, through his faith, transcends.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Philistine (Hebrew, _Pəlištî'_):** Refers to Goliath, identifying him by his ethnic and national origin. The Philistines were a formidable sea people who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, becoming a persistent and powerful enemy of Israel. Their military superiority, particularly in iron technology, posed a significant threat to Israel throughout the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Naming him as "the Philistine" emphasizes not just Goliath as an individual, but also the collective threat he represents to God's people.
* **drew near (Hebrew, _qārab'_):** This verb signifies a purposeful, direct approach, emphasizing the inevitability and immediacy of the confrontation. It conveys a sense of closing the distance, indicating that the moment of truth has arrived. The repetition of movement ("came on and drew near") heightens the tension and highlights Goliath's confident, aggressive posture as he advances to engage David.
* **man that bare the shield (Hebrew, _śā·lîš'_):** This term, often transliterated as *šālîš*, literally means "third man" or "captain of three," but in military contexts, it frequently denotes a high-ranking officer or, as here, a shield-bearer for a prominent warrior. The presence of such an attendant highlights Goliath's immense size, the likely massive weight and dimensions of his shield (which may have been too cumbersome for Goliath to carry and fight effectively simultaneously), and his status as an elite, professional warrior. It underscores his overwhelming advantage in conventional military terms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David;":** This clause establishes the direct, unyielding advance of Goliath towards David. The Philistine, representing the formidable enemy of Israel, initiates the final approach, signaling the imminent and unavoidable clash. The dual verbs "came on" and "drew near" emphasize the steady, purposeful closing of the distance, building tension and highlighting the direct confrontation. It signifies that Goliath is not merely approaching the Israelite lines but specifically targeting David, who has stepped forward as Israel's champion.
* **"and the man that bare the shield [went] before him.":** This second clause provides a crucial detail about Goliath's military setup. The presence of a dedicated shield-bearer (the *šālîš*) walking ahead of Goliath underscores the giant's professional military bearing, his immense size, and the formidable nature of his defensive equipment. The shield-bearer would likely carry Goliath's massive shield, allowing the giant to wield his other weapons more freely or providing a mobile, forward defense. This detail visually reinforces Goliath's overwhelming physical and military advantage, further accentuating the apparent impossibility of David's task from a human perspective.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 17:41 employs several powerful literary devices to heighten the drama and emphasize the theological message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Goliath's confident advance, supported by his shield-bearer, clearly signals the impending battle and the seemingly insurmountable odds David faces. This sets up the miraculous nature of God's intervention. **Contrast** is also central; the verse implicitly juxtaposes Goliath's heavily armed, professionally supported approach with David's unarmored, seemingly vulnerable stance, armed only with a sling and stones ([1 Samuel 17:40](/1_samuel/17-40 "1 Samuel 17:40 - David's Simple Weapons")). This stark difference highlights the theme that victory will not come through human might but through divine power. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of Goliath as representing the overwhelming worldly power and the shield-bearer as its steadfast support is evident. This setup serves to magnify the divine victory that is about to unfold, demonstrating that no human strength or preparation can stand against God's chosen instrument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 17:41, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It serves as a powerful illustration of God's method of working through apparent weakness to demonstrate His overwhelming strength. The formidable display of Goliath's military might, epitomized by his shield-bearer, represents the world's reliance on human power, prestige, and conventional wisdom. Yet, the narrative's trajectory shows that such worldly advantages are ultimately inconsequential when God chooses to act. This moment underscores the theological truth that God often chooses the humble and the seemingly unqualified to accomplish His purposes, thereby ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone. It challenges believers to trust in God's unconventional methods and His ability to deliver, even when circumstances appear insurmountable, rather than relying on human strength or resources.

* [2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer for Victory")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene depicted in 1 Samuel 17:41 is a timeless reminder that life's greatest challenges often present themselves with overwhelming force and seemingly insurmountable support. Like Goliath, our "giants" — whether they be personal struggles, systemic injustices, or spiritual battles — can appear formidable, well-equipped, and confidently advancing. The presence of Goliath's shield-bearer symbolizes the layers of support, reputation, or apparent invincibility that our adversaries may possess. However, this verse, in its immediate context, serves as a powerful call to faith. It encourages us to look beyond the visible strengths of our adversaries and to remember that God's power is not limited by human logic or conventional means. Just as David faced Goliath not with armor but with faith in the living God, we are called to confront our challenges with a reliance on divine strength, knowing that God delights in demonstrating His power through the weak and the unlikely. This passage invites us to cultivate a radical trust that God is bigger than any giant we face, and His victory is assured for those who walk in faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Goliaths" in your life currently appear to be advancing with overwhelming force and support?**
* **How does the detail of Goliath's shield-bearer challenge your perception of what true strength and security are?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to step forward in faith, even when the odds seem stacked against you from a human perspective?**
* **How can remembering God's past victories, both in Scripture and in your own life, strengthen your trust when facing new challenges?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "man that bare the shield" in this verse?**

Answer: The "man that bare the shield" (Hebrew *šālîš*) is highly significant because it underscores Goliath's immense size, his status as an elite warrior, and the overwhelming military advantage he possessed. In ancient warfare, large shields were heavy and cumbersome, often requiring a dedicated attendant to carry or position them, allowing the main warrior greater freedom to wield weapons or providing an additional layer of protection. This detail visually emphasizes Goliath's professional military setup and his formidable nature, further highlighting the apparent impossibility of David's task from a human perspective and magnifying the miraculous nature of God's intervention. It shows that Goliath was not just a giant, but a fully supported, professional fighting machine, making David's simple approach even more striking.

**Why does the text emphasize Goliath "came on and drew near unto David"?**

Answer: The emphasis on Goliath "came on and drew near unto David" creates immediate tension and highlights the direct, unavoidable nature of the impending confrontation. It signifies that the challenge has been accepted, and the moment of truth has arrived. This detailed description of Goliath's advance builds dramatic suspense, portraying him as a confident, aggressive force closing in on his seemingly vulnerable opponent. It sets the stage for the ultimate display of God's power, which will manifest not in David's physical might, but in his faith, as he declares in [1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Declaration of Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The confrontation between David and Goliath, culminating in Goliath's advance in [1 Samuel 17:41](/1_samuel/17-41 "1 Samuel 17:41 - Goliath Approaches David"), finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, the unlikely champion who defeats the seemingly invincible foe, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Goliath represented the overwhelming power of sin and death that held humanity captive, Christ, in His humility, confronted the ultimate enemy. The world, like Goliath, came against Jesus with all its might, its accusations, and the seemingly insurmountable power of sin and the grave. Yet, Christ, without the conventional "armor" of worldly power or military might, but armed with divine authority and perfect obedience, decisively defeated these spiritual giants. His death on the cross, seemingly a moment of weakness and defeat, was in fact the ultimate victory, where He disarmed the spiritual forces of evil and triumphed over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through His resurrection, He conquered death itself, rendering its power null and void ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). Thus, the victory of David over Goliath foreshadows Christ's ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the devil, securing salvation and eternal life for all who trust in Him, demonstrating that true power belongs not to the mighty of this world, but to the humble 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")).

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.