1 Samuel 17:54

And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.

And David {H1732} took {H3947} the head {H7218} of the Philistine {H6430}, and brought {H935} it to Jerusalem {H3389}; but he put {H7760} his armour {H3627} in his tent {H168}.

David took the head of the P'lishti and brought it to Yerushalayim, but he put the armor of the P'lishti in his tent.

David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent.

And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.

Commentary

1 Samuel 17:54 (KJV) details the immediate aftermath of David's extraordinary victory over the Philistine giant, Goliath, a pivotal moment in Israelite history.

Context

This verse concludes the dramatic narrative of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. After David, a young shepherd boy armed only with a sling and stones, miraculously defeated the champion of the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:49), he used Goliath's own sword to cut off his head (1 Samuel 17:51). This act spurred the Israelite army to rout the fleeing Philistines. Verse 54 describes David's actions with Goliath's head and armor, signifying the complete triumph and setting the stage for David's rise to prominence.

Key Themes

  • Decisive Victory and Proof: Bringing Goliath's head to Jerusalem served as undeniable proof of David's momentous victory and God's hand in it. It was a public display, affirming the defeat of Israel's formidable foe and humiliating the Philistines.
  • Symbolism of Jerusalem: The act of bringing the head to Jerusalem is significant. While Jerusalem was not yet the capital of Israel (that would come later when David conquered it from the Jebusites), it was already a known city. This act foreshadowed its future importance as the spiritual and political center of Israel, associated with the triumph of God's chosen leader.
  • Practicality vs. Trophy: David took Goliath's head as a powerful, symbolic trophy, but he stored the giant's impressive (but ultimately useless against God's chosen) armor in his own tent. This suggests David had no personal use for the armor itself, perhaps seeing it as mere spoils of war rather than a cherished memento. It highlights the contrast between the symbolic victory (head) and the practical disposition of war materials (armor).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "Philistine" to refer to Goliath, emphasizing his identity as the enemy of Israel. The term "armour" (Hebrew: כְּלִי, keli, or נֶשֶׁק, nesheq, referring to equipment or weapons) here represents the giant's formidable military gear. David's choice to take the "head" (רֹאשׁ, ro'sh) to Jerusalem, rather than the armor, highlights the symbolic weight of the head as the ultimate proof of victory and the defeat of the enemy's strength.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers that when God grants victory, it is often decisive and comprehensive. We are called to acknowledge God's deliverance and, like David, to understand the significance of our spiritual triumphs. Just as David brought Goliath's head to a place of future significance, we can dedicate our victories to God, acknowledging His power and working through us. Furthermore, it teaches us to discern what truly matters after a spiritual battle—the ultimate triumph of God's purpose, rather than merely accumulating the "spoils" that may hold no lasting value.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 4:7

    Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

  • Joshua 4:8

    And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.

  • Exodus 16:33

    And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.

  • 1 Samuel 21:9

    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.
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