1 Samuel 17:50

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but [there was] no sword in the hand of David.

So David {H1732} prevailed {H2388} over {H4480} the Philistine {H6430} with a sling {H7050} and with a stone {H68}, and smote {H5221} the Philistine {H6430}, and slew {H4191} him; but there was no sword {H2719} in the hand {H3027} of David {H1732}.

Thus David defeated the P'lishti with a sling and a stone, striking the P'lishti and killing him; but David had no sword in his hand.

Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

Commentary

1 Samuel 17:50 vividly recounts the climactic moment of David's legendary triumph over Goliath, the Philistine giant. This verse serves as a powerful summary of the battle's outcome, emphasizing the unexpected and divinely orchestrated victory.

Context

The narrative leading to this verse details the Philistine army's challenge to Israel, with their champion, Goliath, defying the armies of the living God for forty days. Fear gripped the Israelite camp, including King Saul. It was young David, a shepherd boy, who arrived at the battlefield and, filled with righteous indignation and unwavering faith, volunteered to face the giant. He famously refused Saul's armor, choosing instead his simple shepherd's tools: a sling and five smooth stones, trusting in the Lord God of Israel rather than human strength or weaponry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment: The verse highlights that David's victory was not due to superior weaponry or physical prowess, but rather God's hand enabling a young shepherd boy to overcome a seasoned warrior. This underscores the theme that "the battle is the Lord's" (1 Samuel 17:47).
  • Faith Over Might: David's simple sling and stone prevailed against Goliath's formidable armor and spear. This exemplifies the principle that God often uses the seemingly weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise and mighty, as later articulated in 1 Corinthians 1:27.
  • Unexpected Victory: The phrase "no sword in the hand of David" powerfully emphasizes the unconventional nature of the triumph. David did not finish the giant with Goliath's own sword until after the initial blow, reinforcing that his primary weapon was his faith and God's power working through a humble instrument.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prevailed" is gavar (גָּבַר), meaning "to be strong, mighty, to overpower." It signifies a decisive and complete victory, not just a temporary advantage. The repetition of "smote the Philistine, and slew him" emphasizes the finality and effectiveness of David's single blow, leading directly to Goliath's death.

Practical Application

This verse continues to resonate today as a timeless story of faith and courage. It teaches us that:

  • Facing Our "Giants": We all encounter "giants" in life—insurmountable challenges, overwhelming fears, or formidable obstacles. This narrative encourages us to confront them not with our own limited resources, but by relying on God's infinite strength.
  • God Uses Simple Tools: God can use ordinary people and humble means to accomplish extraordinary things. We don't need to possess great strength or worldly advantages; what matters is our willingness to be used by Him.
  • Trust in God, Not Self: David's victory reminds us to place our trust firmly in God, rather than in our own abilities, strategies, or material possessions. True success comes from aligning ourselves with God's will and power.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 15:15 (4 votes)

    And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.

  • 1 Samuel 21:9 (3 votes)

    And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it [is here] wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take [it]: for [there is] no other save that here. And David said, [There is] none like that; give it me.

  • 1 Samuel 23:21 (3 votes)

    And Saul said, Blessed [be] ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.

  • 1 Samuel 17:39 (3 votes)

    And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved [it]. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved [them]. And David put them off him.

  • Judges 3:31 (2 votes)

    ¶ And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

  • 1 Samuel 13:22 (2 votes)

    So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that [were] with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.