1 Samuel 17:48

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when the Philistine {H6430} arose {H6965}, and came {H3212} and drew nigh {H7126} to meet {H7125} David {H1732}, that David {H1732} hasted {H4116}, and ran {H7323} toward the army {H4634} to meet {H7125} the Philistine {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the P'lishti got up, approached and came close to meet David, David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the P'lishti.

Berean Standard Bible

As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:48 vividly captures the decisive moment in the epic confrontation between David and Goliath, portraying David's extraordinary and proactive faith. As the Philistine giant began his advance, David, rather than retreating or waiting, swiftly and eagerly ran forward to meet his formidable foe, demonstrating an unwavering conviction in God's power to deliver victory through him. This verse underscores the dramatic reversal of expectations and the profound courage born of divine trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of the narrative in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). For forty days, Goliath, the Philistine champion, had [taunted the armies of Israel](/1_samuel/17-10 "1 Samuel 17:10 - Goliath's Challenge"), striking paralyzing fear into King Saul and his soldiers, who dared not answer the challenge. Young David, a humble shepherd boy, arrives at the battlefield to bring provisions to his brothers and is appalled by Goliath's blasphemous defiance of the living God. Fueled by righteous indignation and an unshakeable faith, David volunteers to fight the giant, rejecting King Saul's cumbersome armor in favor of his simple shepherd's tools—a staff, five smooth stones, and a sling. He boldly declares that the battle belongs to the Lord, not to human strength or weaponry ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord")). Verse 48 describes the precise instant of direct, head-on confrontation, where the colossal Philistine and the seemingly insignificant Israelite youth finally engage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Valley of Elah, a strategic border region between Philistia and Israel, often a site of military tension. The Philistines were a formidable military power, known for their superior iron weaponry and well-organized army, contrasting sharply with Israel's less advanced military technology and often fearful leadership under Saul. The practice of single combat, where champions from opposing armies would fight to decide the outcome of a battle, was a recognized ancient Near Eastern custom, intended to minimize casualties. Goliath's immense size (over nine feet tall) and heavy armor would have made him an intimidating sight, explaining the Israelite army's terror. David, a shepherd, was from Bethlehem, a relatively small town, and his choice of simple weapons over military gear would have appeared foolish to contemporary observers, highlighting the unconventional nature of God's chosen instruments.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 17:48](/1_samuel/17-48 "1 Samuel 17:48 - David Runs to Meet Goliath") powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the book of Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it showcases the theme of **divine sovereignty and intervention**, demonstrating that God's power is not limited by human weakness or overwhelming odds. David's courage is not born of self-confidence but of absolute trust in God's ability to deliver. Secondly, it highlights the **contrast between human fear and divine faith**, starkly juxtaposing the paralyzed Israelite army with David's proactive advance. This emphasizes that true victory comes through reliance on God, not on human might or military prowess ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")). Thirdly, the narrative underscores the theme of **God using the weak to confound the strong**, a recurring motif in Scripture ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")). David, the youngest and least likely, becomes the vessel for God's glory, demonstrating that God's ways are often contrary to human wisdom. Finally, David's zeal for God's name and his willingness to risk everything for the honor of the Lord foreshadows his role as a king after God's own heart and points to the ultimate champion who would come from his lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hasted (Hebrew: מָהַר, _mahar'_):** This verb signifies to hurry, to be eager, to show promptness or alacrity. It conveys a sense of urgency and deliberate speed, indicating that David's movement was not hesitant or reluctant, but rather an immediate and purposeful response. It highlights his readiness and conviction, driven by faith rather than fear.
* **Ran (Hebrew: רוּץ, _ruts'_):** This verb means to run, to rush, or to move quickly. When combined with "hasted," it intensifies the description of David's swift and determined advance. It paints a picture of a young man charging forward with full commitment, directly engaging the threat rather than waiting for it to fully materialize. This active, forward motion is a powerful visual of proactive faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David":** This opening clause sets the scene, describing Goliath's movement. He "arose," indicating a shift from a stationary position, perhaps preparing for his final, menacing approach. He "came and drew nigh," signifying a slow, deliberate, and intimidating advance, characteristic of a giant confident in his overwhelming size and power. The expectation is that David would recoil or prepare for defense.
* **"that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine":** This is the pivotal counter-action. Instead of waiting for Goliath to reach him, David "hasted, and ran." The repetition of these verbs emphasizes his extraordinary eagerness and swiftness. Crucially, he ran "toward the army," not just Goliath. This detail signifies his complete lack of fear and his intention to engage not just the champion, but to confront the entire Philistine threat head-on, demonstrating absolute confidence in God's victory over Israel's enemies. He actively "met" the Philistine, seizing the initiative.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Juxtaposition** and **Antithesis**, creating a powerful visual and thematic contrast. Goliath's slow, menacing advance is sharply juxtaposed with David's swift, eager charge. This highlights the antithesis between Goliath's reliance on physical might and David's reliance on divine power. The giant, representing human strength and worldly intimidation, is met by the youth, symbolizing humble faith and God's chosen instrument. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** for the reader, who knows David's eventual victory, making his bold rush even more significant in contrast to the fear of the Israelite army. The act of David running *towards* the enemy, rather than away, is a powerful **Symbolism** of proactive faith and courage in the face of overwhelming odds, serving as a model for spiritual warfare.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 17:48 is a profound theological statement on the nature of faith and divine power. It unequivocally declares that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and that true victory comes not through human might or strategic advantage, but through unwavering trust in the Lord. David's proactive charge embodies a faith that steps out boldly, refusing to be paralyzed by fear, and instead actively engages with the challenges, confident that God will fight on behalf of His people. This moment is a powerful reminder that when God is on our side, no foe is too great, and no obstacle insurmountable. It calls believers to move beyond passive hope to active, courageous engagement, knowing that the battle ultimately belongs to the Lord.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.")
* [2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The battle is not yours, but God's.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's audacious sprint towards Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:48 offers a timeless and potent lesson for believers navigating the "giants" of their own lives. Whether these giants manifest as overwhelming financial burdens, debilitating illnesses, spiritual attacks, relational conflicts, or daunting career challenges, David's example calls us to a proactive, courageous faith. Instead of shrinking back in fear, we are invited to "run toward" our challenges, not in reckless self-reliance, but in absolute dependence on God's power. This means actively engaging in prayer, seeking God's wisdom, and taking Spirit-led steps of obedience, even when the odds seem stacked against us. It encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness and to declare His sovereignty over every seemingly insurmountable obstacle, knowing that the victory belongs to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" are you currently facing in your life that tempt you to shrink back in fear?**
* **How can David's proactive "running toward" the Philistine inspire you to engage your challenges with greater faith and courage?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate a "hasted and ran" faith, trusting God to be your strength in the face of adversity?**

### FAQ
**Why did David run *toward the army* and not just Goliath?**

Answer: The text states David "ran toward the army to meet the Philistine." This detail signifies David's complete and utter lack of fear, not just of Goliath personally, but of the entire Philistine military force. It underscores his unwavering conviction that God was fighting for Israel, and that the victory would not just be over Goliath, but over the entire enemy army. His charge was a direct challenge to the Philistine might and a profound statement of faith in the God of Israel, who would deliver His people from their oppressors. It also suggests that David understood that defeating Goliath was merely the catalyst for the larger battle, which would then ensue between the two armies, as indeed it did ([1 Samuel 17:52](/1_samuel/17-52 "1 Samuel 17:52 - Israel Pursues the Philistines")).

**What does David's speed and eagerness signify in this context?**

Answer: David's "hasted, and ran" signifies several crucial things. Firstly, it demonstrates his **unwavering faith and zeal for God's honor**. He was not hesitant or reluctant, but eager to defend the name of the Lord, which Goliath had blasphemed. Secondly, it highlights his **proactive and decisive nature**. Unlike the Israelite army, which was paralyzed by fear for forty days, David immediately took action. This proactive faith is a powerful example of trusting God's enablement and moving forward, rather than passively waiting for circumstances to change. Thirdly, it underscores the **divine empowerment** at work. David's courage and speed were not merely human attributes, but a manifestation of God's Spirit working through him, enabling him to defy all human logic and confront an impossible foe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's audacious sprint toward Goliath in [1 Samuel 17:48](/1_samuel/17-48 "1 Samuel 17:48 - David Runs to Meet Goliath") serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Champion and Deliverer. Just as David, the humble shepherd, willingly ran towards an overwhelming foe to secure the salvation of Israel, so too did Jesus, the Good Shepherd, willingly and proactively "run" towards the cross to secure the salvation of humanity. He did not shrink from the ultimate "giant" of sin and death, but "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). Christ's entire earthly ministry was a deliberate, purposeful advance towards Calvary, where He would confront and utterly defeat the powers of darkness, principalities, and spiritual forces ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Devil's Work")), not by human might, but by divine love and sacrificial obedience. David's victory over Goliath was a physical triumph, but Christ's victory on the cross was a cosmic triumph, securing eternal deliverance for all who believe, demonstrating that the battle truly belongs to the Lord, and He has won it decisively through His Son.

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

Proverbs 28:1

¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [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?