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Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 verses 1–11
It was not long ago that the Philistines were soundly beaten, and put to the worse, before Israel, and they would have been totally routed if Saul's rashness had not prevented; but here we have them making head again. Observe,
I. How they defied Israel with their armies, Sa1 17:1. They made a descent upon the Israelites' country, and possessed themselves, as it should seem, of some part of it, for they encamped in a place which belonged to Judah. Israel's ground would never have been footing for Philistine-armies if Israel had been faithful to their God. The Philistines (it is probable) had heard that Samuel had fallen out with Saul and forsaken him, and no longer assisted and advised him, and that Saul had grown melancholy and unfit for business, and this news encouraged them to make this attempt for the retrieving of the credit they had lately lost. The enemies of the church are watchful to take all advantages, and they never have greater advantages than when her protectors have provoked God's Spirit and prophets to leave them. Saul mustered his forces, and faced them, Sa1 17:2, Sa1 17:3. And here we must take notice, 1. That the evil spirit, for the present, had left Saul, Sa1 16:23. David's harp having given him some relief, perhaps the alarms and affairs of the war prevented the return of the distemper. Business is a good antidote against melancholy. Let the mind have something without to fasten on and employ itself about, and it will be the less in danger of preying upon itself. God, in mercy to Israel, suspended the judgment for a while; for how distracted must the affairs of the public have been if at this juncture the prince had been distracted! 2. That David for the present had returned to Bethlehem, and had left the court, Sa1 17:15. When Saul had no further occasion to use him for the relief of his distemper, though, being anointed, he had a very good private reason, and, having a grant of the place of Saul's armour-bearer, he had a very plausible pretence to have continued his attendance, as a retainer to the court, yet he went home to Bethlehem, and returned to keep his father's sheep; this was a rare instance, in a young man that stood so fair for preferment, of humility and affection to his parents. He knew better than most do how to come down again after he had begun to rise, and strangely preferred the retirements of the pastoral life before all the pleasures and gaieties of the court. None more fit for honour than he, nor that deserved it better, and yet none more dead to it.
II. How they defied Israel with their champion Goliath, whom they were almost as proud of as he was of himself, hoping by him to recover their reputation and dominion. Perhaps the army of the Israelites was superior in number and strength to that of the Philistines, which made the Philistines decline a battle, and stand at bay with them, desiring rather to put the issue upon a single combat, in which, having such a champion, they hoped to gain the victory. Now concerning this champion observe,
1.His prodigious size. He was of the sons of Anak, who at Gath kept their ground in Joshua's time (Jos 11:22), and kept up a race of giants there, of which Goliath was one, and, it is probable, one of the largest. He was in height six cubits and a span, v. 4. They learned bishop Cumberland has made it out that the scripture-cubit was above twenty-one inches (above three inches more than our half-yard) and a span was half a cubit, by which computation Goliath wanted but eight inches of four yard in height, eleven feet and four inches, a monstrous stature, and which made him very formidable, especially if he had strength and spirit proportionable.
2.His armour. Art, as well as nature, made him terrible. He was well furnished with defensive armour (Sa1 17:5, Sa1 17:6): A helmet of brass on his head, a coat of mail, made of brass plates laid over one another, like the scales of a fish; and, because his legs would lie most within the reach of an ordinary man, he wore brass boots, and had a large corselet of brass about his neck. The coat is said to weigh 5000 shekels, and a shekel was half an ounce avoirdupois, a vast weight for a man to carry, all the other parts of his armour being proportionable. But some think it should be translated, not the weight of the coat, but the value of it, was 5000 shekels; so much it cost. His offensive weapons were extraordinary, of which his spear only is here described, Sa1 17:7. It was like a weaver's beam. His arm could manage that which an ordinary man could scarcely heave. His shield only, which was the lightest of all his accoutrements, was carried before him by his esquire, probably for state; for he that was clad in brass little needed a shield.
3.His challenge. The Philistines having chosen him for their champion, to save themselves from the hazard of battle, he here throws down the gauntlet, and bids defiance to the armies of Israel, Sa1 17:8-10. He came into the valley that lay between the camps, and, his voice probably being as much stronger than other people's as his arm was, he cried so as to make them all hear him, Give me a man, that we may fight together. He looked upon himself with admiration, because he was so much taller and stronger than all about him; his heart (says bishop Hall) nothing but a lump of proud flesh. He looked upon Israel with disdain, because they had none among them of such a monstrous bulk, and defies them to find a man among them bold enough to enter the list with him. (1.) He upbraids them with their folly in drawing an army together: "Why have you come to set the battle in array? How dare you oppose the mighty Philistines?" Or, "Why should the two armies engage, when the controversy may be sooner decided, with only the expense of one life and the hazard of another?" (2.) He offers to put the war entirely upon the issue of the duel he proposes: "If your champion kill me, we will be your servants; if I kill him, you shall be ours." This, says bishop Patrick, was only a bravado, for no nation would be willing thus to venture its all upon the success of one man, nor is it justifiable; notwithstanding Goliath's stipulation here, when he was killed the Philistines did not stand to his word, nor submit themselves as servants to Israel. When he boasts, I am a Philistine, and you are servants to Saul, he would have it thought a great piece of condescension in him, who was a chief ruler, to enter the lists with an Israelite; for he looked on them as no better than slaves. The Chaldee paraphrase brings him in boasting that he was the man that had killed Hophni and Phinehas and taken the ark prisoner, but that the Philistines had never given him so much as the command of a regiment in recompence of his services, whereas Saul had been made king for his services: "Let him therefore take up the challenge."
4.The terror this struck upon Israel: Saul and his army were greatly afraid, Sa1 17:11. The people would not have been dismayed but that they observed Saul's courage failed him; and it is not to be expected that, if the leader be a coward, the followers should be bold. We found before, when the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul (Sa1 11:6), none could be more daring nor forward to answer the challenge of Nahash the Ammonite, but now that the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him even the big looks and big words of a single Philistine make him change colour. But where was Jonathan all this while? Why did not he accept the challenge, who, in the last war, had so bravely engaged a whole army of Philistines? Doubtless he did not feel himself stirred up of God to it, as he did in the former case. As the best, so the bravest men, are no more than what God makes them. Jonathan must now sit still, because the honour of engaging Goliath is reserved for David. In great and good actions, the wind of the Spirit blows when and where he listeth. Now the pious Israelites lament their king's breach with Samuel.
In my discourse I showed that Goliath was protected by the power of his weapons and the strength of a full set of armor, whereas David had none of that panoply. But he was fortified by his faith.Goliath had the external protection of his glittering breastplate and shield; David shone from within with the grace of the Spirit. This is why a boy prevailed over a man, this is why the one wearing no armor conquered the one fully armed, this is why the shepherd’s hand crushed and destroyed the bronze weapons of war.
Yet there stands Goliath, monstrous in his pride, swollen with his earthly power, confident that he can do everything by himself, with his head, hands and entire body clad in much bronze, having his own armor bearer behind him who, though he does not himself fight, nevertheless furnishes this Goliath with all kinds of aid in bronze and iron. And it is not surprising if Scripture, foreseeing our present situation, comments appropriately when it says, “The Philistines were standing on top of the mountain on this side,” since the individual who is attacking the [Pelagian] heresy is now being banished from the church, while the heretic is found to be nourished at its very breast! Because of this, it is so stated by the Holy Spirit that on the other side Israel was standing, while on this side, the enemy. And such is often the way. For even King David, who was always the righteous father toward his unrighteous son, having laid aside his royal robes, was forced to flee from Jerusalem, whereupon the tyrant Absalom immediately entered. There now stands Goliath—oh, what sorrow!—on this side, that is, within the church; and he not only stands but even offers challenges. And at the same time, over the course of many days, he reproaches holy Israel for its well-known fear of God.
And a bronze helmet on his head, etc. If you inquire what a chain mail is, read in Virgil, a coat linked with hooks, and triple with gold.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:5 offers a precise and vivid depiction of Goliath's formidable armor, specifically detailing his brass helmet and the immense weight of his coat of mail. This meticulous portrayal immediately establishes the Philistine champion's overwhelming physical might, advanced military technology, and sheer intimidation factor. The verse serves to underscore the seemingly insurmountable challenge he presented to the Israelite army, heightening the dramatic tension and setting the stage for a narrative that profoundly contrasts human strength and reliance on material power with divine intervention and unwavering faith.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is an integral part of an extended and deliberate description of Goliath, the Philistine champion, which commences in 1 Samuel 17:4 and meticulously continues through 1 Samuel 17:7. The narrative intentionally pauses to provide a comprehensive inventory of Goliath's physical attributes, weaponry, and protective gear before his audacious challenge is issued in 1 Samuel 17:8-10. This detailed exposition serves to magnify Goliath's imposing and terrifying presence, cultivating a deep sense of dread and hopelessness among the Israelite forces. By emphasizing the seemingly insurmountable odds David would later confront, the text elevates the miraculous nature of his eventual victory. The meticulous cataloging of Goliath's armor, particularly its astonishing weight, highlights the Philistine's reliance on brute force and superior military technology, thereby establishing a sharp and deliberate contrast with David's humble appearance and profound reliance on God's power.
Historical & Cultural Context: The narrative unfolds in the Valley of Elah, a strategically vital border region frequently contested between Philistine and Israelite territories. Historically, the Philistines were renowned for their advanced metallurgical capabilities, particularly in ironworking, which afforded them superior weaponry and armor compared to the Israelites, who often relied on less sophisticated bronze armaments, a disadvantage explicitly noted in 1 Samuel 13:19-22. The practice of "champion warfare," where two armies would select their strongest warriors to engage in single combat to determine the outcome of a larger battle, was a recognized military strategy in the ancient Near East. Goliath's elaborately described armor, therefore, was not merely for physical protection but also functioned as a potent psychological weapon. It was a conspicuous display of power and intimidation, meticulously designed to demoralize the enemy and shatter their will to fight even before the full battle commenced, aligning perfectly with the Philistine's sophisticated military tactics.
Key Themes: The meticulous description of Goliath's armor in this verse significantly contributes to several profound themes woven throughout the broader narrative of 1 Samuel and, more specifically, the iconic David and Goliath account. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the overwhelming human might of Goliath, creating a stark contrast with David's apparent weakness and complete lack of conventional military equipment. This juxtaposition sets the stage for the central theme of divine power triumphing over human strength, a recurring motif in biblical narratives where God intentionally uses the weak and overlooked to confound and shame the strong, as vividly illustrated in passages like Judges 7:2-7. Secondly, the armor itself serves as a potent symbol of intimidation and fear, effectively paralyzing the entire Israelite army and even King Saul, highlighting the pervasive spiritual battle against fear and the indispensable need for unwavering faith. Finally, the sheer weight and impenetrable nature of Goliath's armor serve as a stark representation of the obstacles that appear insurmountable from a human perspective, preparing the reader for the truly miraculous nature of David's victory, which will ultimately be attributed solely to the Lord of Hosts, rather than to human prowess or weaponry, a principle powerfully echoed in Psalm 20:7.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The description in 1 Samuel 17:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey Goliath's formidable presence and the narrative's overarching themes. Hyperbole is evident in the exaggerated description of Goliath's armor, particularly the immense, almost unbelievable, weight of his coat of mail. While the weight is likely accurate for a man of Goliath's described stature, the sheer numerical detail (5,000 shekels) functions to impress upon the reader the extraordinary scale of the threat, heightening the drama and emphasizing the human impossibility of defeating him. Symbolism is also profoundly at play; Goliath's heavy, gleaming brass armor symbolizes human strength, military might, and a reliance on material power and self-sufficiency. It represents the world's formidable obstacles and the overwhelming forces that appear impervious to ordinary human effort. Conversely, the armor's immense weight can also subtly symbolize the burdensome nature of self-reliance and the ultimate futility of trusting in one's own strength against divine purposes. Finally, this meticulous description serves as powerful Foreshadowing. By detailing Goliath's overwhelming strength and impenetrable protection, the narrative implicitly foreshadows the miraculous nature of David's victory, which will not be achieved through conventional military means but through direct divine intervention, thereby magnifying God's power and faithfulness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous account of Goliath's armor in 1 Samuel 17:5 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of true strength and security. From a human perspective, Goliath's brass helmet and incredibly heavy coat of mail represent the epitome of invincibility, a reliance on physical might, advanced technology, and an overwhelming display of power. This portrayal is designed to evoke a sense of hopelessness. However, the ensuing narrative of David and Goliath ultimately subverts this human-centric view, demonstrating unequivocally that true victory does not originate from superior weaponry, physical prowess, or intimidating displays, but from unwavering faith in the living God. This verse, therefore, establishes a profound contrast between the world's understanding of strength and God's divine perspective. It powerfully teaches that what appears insurmountable in human terms is precisely where God chooses to display His power, revealing that His strength is made perfect in weakness, and that those who trust in Him will never be put to shame, regardless of the "giants" they confront.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Goliath's armor, described with such intimidating and meticulous detail in 1 Samuel 17:5, stands as a vivid and enduring metaphor for the overwhelming challenges and "giants" we inevitably encounter in our contemporary lives—whether they manifest as personal struggles, spiritual battles, societal pressures, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our careers or relationships. Just as Goliath's immense physical might and impenetrable armor instilled paralyzing fear and despair in the Israelite army, our own "giants" can often make us feel utterly helpless, inadequate, and overwhelmed, leading us to rely on our own limited resources or to shrink back in utter despair. This verse urgently calls us to look beyond the daunting external appearances of our challenges and to remember that true, lasting victory is never determined by the size of the foe or the strength of its defenses, but solely by the omnipotent power of God. It serves as a powerful reminder that our confidence should never be placed in human might, clever strategies, or impressive material resources, but rather in the Lord of Hosts, who is supremely able to deliver us from any adversary, no matter how heavily armored or seemingly invincible. When faced with situations that appear too big to handle, we are profoundly encouraged to step forward in faith, knowing that God delights in using the seemingly weak, ill-equipped, and overlooked to demonstrate His extraordinary power, bringing unparalleled glory to His holy name.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How heavy was Goliath's armor, and why is this detail important for understanding the narrative?
Answer: Goliath's coat of mail weighed "five thousand shekels of brass." While the exact weight of an ancient shekel varied slightly by region and period, common scholarly estimates place it around 11.5 grams (or approximately 0.4 ounces). Therefore, 5,000 shekels would translate to an astonishing approximate weight of 57.5 kilograms, or about 127 pounds. This is an extraordinarily heavy weight for a single piece of armor, even for a man of Goliath's described immense stature. This detail is crucial because it serves to profoundly emphasize Goliath's immense physical strength and massive physique, portraying him as an almost superhuman, invincible figure. It highlights the sheer impossibility of any ordinary Israelite soldier challenging him through conventional military means, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of David's eventual victory, which was clearly not achieved by human strength or military advantage, but by divine intervention, as powerfully declared by David himself in 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
Why is Goliath's armor described in such meticulous detail in the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel?
Answer: The meticulous description of Goliath's armor in 1 Samuel 17:5 serves several key narrative and theological purposes within the biblical account. Firstly, it masterfully builds dramatic tension and underscores the overwhelming and terrifying challenge Goliath posed to the Israelite army. Every detail, from his brass helmet to the immense weight of his coat of mail, is designed to instill profound fear and dread, thereby explaining why King Saul and his entire army were so utterly terrified and paralyzed by his challenge, as explicitly stated in 1 Samuel 17:11. Secondly, and perhaps most significantly, it sets up a stark and powerful contrast between Goliath's reliance on physical might and impressive, technologically superior weaponry, and David's later, humble reliance on God's power, armed only with a simple sling and stones. This contrast is absolutely central to the theological message that God's power is most gloriously made manifest through apparent weakness, and that ultimate victory belongs solely to the Lord, not to human strength, military advantage, or material resources, a profound theme echoed consistently throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 33:16-17.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Goliath, with his impenetrable armor and overwhelming might described in 1 Samuel 17:5, serves as a powerful Old Testament type for the seemingly insurmountable spiritual foes that humanity faces: the oppressive power of sin, the ultimate dominion of death, and the deceptive schemes of the devil. Just as Goliath's armor rendered him impervious to conventional weapons, these spiritual enemies appear to hold humanity captive with an unbreakable grip, leading to despair and hopelessness. However, the narrative of David's miraculous victory, achieved not by human strength or military prowess but by divine power, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ. Christ is the true and greater David, who confronted the "giants" of sin and death not with the armor of human might or the weapons of this world, but with the profound humility of the cross and the power of His resurrection. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus decisively disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities of darkness, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross, as triumphantly declared in Colossians 2:15. He willingly entered into the very stronghold of death and, by His own death, utterly destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, thereby setting free all those who were held in lifelong slavery by their fear of death, as beautifully explained in Hebrews 2:14-15. Thus, Goliath's armor, symbolizing the world's formidable yet ultimately futile defenses, points us to the glorious and liberating reality that in Christ, every spiritual "giant" has been decisively defeated, and we are called to stand firm in the victory He has already secured for us, clothed not in brass, but in the full and spiritual armor of God, as exhorted in Ephesians 6:10-17.