1 Samuel 17:51

Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

Therefore David {H1732} ran {H7323}, and stood {H5975} upon the Philistine {H6430}, and took {H3947} his sword {H2719}, and drew {H8025} it out of the sheath {H8593} thereof, and slew {H4191} him, and cut off {H3772} his head {H7218} therewith. And when the Philistines {H6430} saw {H7200} their champion {H1368} was dead {H4191}, they fled {H5127}.

Then David ran and stood over the P'lishti, took his sword, drew it out of its sheath, and finished killing him, cutting off his head with it. When the P'lishtim saw that their hero was dead, they fled.

David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him; and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.

Then David ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

Commentary

Context

1 Samuel 17:51 marks the dramatic climax of the iconic confrontation between David and Goliath. Prior to this verse, the Philistine champion Goliath had terrorized the Israelite army for forty days, challenging them to send a single warrior to decide the battle (1 Samuel 17:10). Fear gripped King Saul and his men until the young shepherd David, driven by unwavering faith in God, stepped forward. Having felled Goliath with a single stone from his sling (1 Samuel 17:49), this verse describes David's final, decisive act and its immediate consequence, solidifying the Israelite victory in the Valley of Elah.

Key Themes

  • Divine Victory and Empowerment: The verse powerfully illustrates that true victory comes not from human might or impressive weaponry, but from God's intervention through a faithful servant. David's triumph over the seemingly invincible Philistine giant was a clear demonstration of God's power at work, proving that God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • Faith in Action: David's immediate and confident action—running towards Goliath, taking his sword, and cutting off his head—is a testament to his unwavering faith. He didn't hesitate; he acted decisively on the victory God had already granted him. This highlights the theme of faith leading to bold action, trusting God for the outcome.
  • The Humiliation of the Enemy: Goliath, who had defied the armies of the living God, is not only killed but is decapitated by his own sword. This act symbolizes the complete and utter defeat and humiliation of God's enemies, demonstrating God's sovereign justice.
  • The Flight of Adversaries: The Philistines' immediate flight upon seeing their champion dead underscores how the defeat of a key adversary can demoralize and scatter the opposition. One decisive act of faith can turn the tide of an entire battle, causing widespread panic among the enemy forces.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stood upon the Philistine" (Hebrew: va-ya'amod al ha-pelishti) emphasizes David's complete dominance and mastery over the fallen giant. It's not merely standing nearby, but standing over, signifying authority, triumph, and the final subjugation of the enemy. The detail of David using "his sword" (Goliath's own sword) adds a layer of ironic justice, where the instrument of the oppressor becomes the means of his demise, a powerful symbol of poetic justice.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 17:51 offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as David faced Goliath, we often encounter "giants" in our lives—insurmountable challenges, spiritual battles, overwhelming fears, or oppressive circumstances. This verse reminds us:

  • God equips the unlikely: Don't underestimate what God can do through ordinary people who trust Him. Our capabilities are less important than God's power working through us.
  • Decisive action follows faith: Once we have acted in faith, we must follow through with decisive steps, trusting God to complete the victory. Faith is not passive but active.
  • God will give victory over our "Goliaths": When we confront our challenges with God's strength, not our own, we can expect to see them fall. This echoes the principle that we are more than conquerors through Christ.
  • The enemy's defeat scatters fear: A decisive victory, empowered by God, can break the spirit of fear and demoralize opposing forces in our lives, leading to a broader sense of peace and triumph.
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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:34 (6 votes)

    Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

  • 1 Samuel 21:9 (6 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.

  • 2 Samuel 23:21 (4 votes)

    And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

  • Hebrews 2:14 (1 votes)

    ¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • Psalms 7:15 (1 votes)

    He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

  • Psalms 7:16 (1 votes)

    His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

  • Esther 7:10 (1 votes)

    So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.