1 Samuel 17:45

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

Then said {H559} David {H1732} to the Philistine {H6430}, Thou comest {H935} to me with a sword {H2719}, and with a spear {H2595}, and with a shield {H3591}: but I come {H935} to thee in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of the armies {H4634} of Israel {H3478}, whom thou hast defied {H2778}.

David answered the P'lishti, "You're coming at me with a sword, a spear and a javelin. But I'm coming at you in the name of ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of the armies of Isra'el, whom you have challenged.

But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

Commentary

Context

This powerful declaration comes at a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as a young shepherd named David confronts Goliath, the formidable Philistine champion. For forty days, Goliath had defied the armies of Israel, striking fear into the hearts of Saul and his soldiers in the Valley of Elah. While Goliath stood as a symbol of overwhelming physical might and military prowess, David, armed only with a sling and five smooth stones, steps forward as a testament to faith. This verse captures David's defiant response to Goliath's taunts, setting the stage for one of the most iconic battles in history, vividly detailed from 1 Samuel 17:1 onward.

Key Themes

  • Faith Over Physical Might: David contrasts Goliath's reliance on conventional weaponry ("sword, and... spear, and... shield") with his own trust in the invisible, yet all-powerful, God. This highlights the theme that spiritual strength far surpasses human capabilities.
  • The Power of God's Name: David comes "in the name of the LORD of hosts." This is not a mere incantation but an invocation of God's character, authority, and power. It signifies that David is acting as God's representative, with God's backing and presence.
  • God as the True Warrior: David reminds Goliath, and implicitly Israel, that the battle is not merely between two individuals but between the Philistine god(s) and the true God of Israel. It is the "God of the armies of Israel" who will fight on David's behalf.
  • Courage Born of Conviction: David's unwavering courage stems from his deep conviction that God is sovereign and will deliver His people, regardless of the odds. This echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 3:5-6, which speaks to trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "LORD of hosts" translates the Hebrew Yahweh Sabaoth. This powerful title for God emphasizes His role as the commander of heavenly armies, or the celestial host. It presents God as a divine warrior, capable of overcoming any earthly foe. By invoking this name, David declares that he is not fighting alone, but with the backing of the supreme commander of all creation. Goliath had "defied" (Hebrew: charaph) the armies of Israel, meaning he had insulted, reproached, and blasphemed them, specifically targeting the God whom they served.

Practical Application

David's declaration in 1 Samuel 17:45 offers profound lessons for believers today. We all face "Goliaths" in our lives—whether they are overwhelming challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, personal fears, or spiritual adversaries. This verse teaches us that our ultimate strength does not lie in our own resources, intelligence, or physical might, but in our faith and reliance on God. When we confront our giants "in the name of the LORD of hosts," we are acknowledging His supreme power and inviting His intervention. It calls us to embody a similar courage rooted in trust, remembering that the Lord will fight for us when we stand firm in our faith, just as David did against Goliath, leading to his eventual victory as seen in 1 Samuel 17:49.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4 (27 votes)

    (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

  • 2 Chronicles 32:8 (25 votes)

    With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:5 (24 votes)

    Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

  • Philippians 4:13 (23 votes)

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Psalms 18:2 (20 votes)

    The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

  • Psalms 124:8 (17 votes)

    Our help [is] in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

  • Psalms 125:1 (17 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.