1 Samuel 17:55

KJV

And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son [is] this youth? And Abner said, [As] thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Saul {H7586} saw {H7200} David {H1732} go forth {H3318} against {H7125} the Philistine {H6430}, he said {H559} unto Abner {H74}, the captain {H8269} of the host {H6635}, Abner {H74}, whose son {H1121} is this youth {H5288}? And Abner {H74} said {H559}, As thy soul {H5315} liveth {H2416}, O king {H4428}, I cannot {H518} tell {H3045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Sha'ul saw David go out to fight the P'lishti, he said to Avner, the army's commander, "Avner, whose son is this boy?""By your life, O king," Avner replied, "I don't know."

Berean Standard Bible

As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.”

American Standard Version

And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:55 captures a moment of profound dramatic irony and foreshadowing as King Saul, on the cusp of David's legendary confrontation with Goliath, asks his military commander Abner about the identity of the young man. This inquiry, coupled with Abner's frank admission of ignorance, starkly highlights David's humble and overlooked status within the royal court, setting the stage for his sudden and divinely orchestrated emergence from obscurity into national prominence through an act of extraordinary faith and courage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of the narrative leading up to David's confrontation with Goliath. Immediately preceding it, David has arrived at the battlefield, heard Goliath's taunts, and expressed his indignation, offering to fight the giant after Saul and the entire Israelite army have been paralyzed by fear for forty days, as detailed in [1 Samuel 17:1-11](/1-samuel/17-1-11 "1 Samuel 17:1-11 - Goliath's Challenge and Israel's Fear"). David's brothers, particularly Eliab, had initially scorned him, accusing him of pride, as recorded in [1 Samuel 17:28-29](/1-samuel/17-28-29 "1 Samuel 17:28-29 - Eliab's Anger at David"). Saul himself had initially dismissed David due to his youth, as seen in [1 Samuel 17:33](/1-samuel/17-33 "1 Samuel 17:33 - Saul Doubts David's Ability"). Yet, David's unwavering faith and testimony of God's past deliverance against lions and bears convinced Saul to allow him to face the Philistine champion. Saul's question in this verse, just as David steps out, underscores the king's profound lack of recognition and memory regarding David, despite David having previously served him as a skilled musician and armor-bearer, a fact established in [1 Samuel 16:19-23](/1-samuel/16-19-23 "1 Samuel 16:19-23 - David Serves Saul"). This lapse emphasizes the unexpected nature of David's challenge and the divine hand at work, elevating an unknown shepherd boy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, lineage and family background were paramount to one's identity, social standing, and eligibility for various roles, especially within the military or royal court. Knowing "whose son" someone was provided crucial information about their clan, tribe, and reputation. Saul's question to Abner, the commander of his army, reflects this cultural emphasis on pedigree, as he seeks to understand the background of this surprisingly courageous youth who is about to undertake a task no seasoned warrior dared. The Philistines were a formidable enemy, technologically superior with iron weaponry and militarily organized, posing an existential threat to Israel. The practice of champion warfare, where a single warrior from each side fought to decide the outcome, was a known, albeit risky, strategy to minimize casualties. Abner's ignorance of David's father, Jesse, highlights David's genuinely humble and unremarkable origins from Bethlehem, a small town in Judah, reinforcing that he was not a figure of renown within the established military or political circles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of [1 Samuel](/1-samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of David and Fall of Saul"). Firstly, it highlights **Saul's spiritual and physical decline**, manifested in his inability to recall or recognize David, God's chosen successor. Despite David's prior service and divine anointing, as described in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1-samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed by Samuel"), Saul's focus is on human appearance and military might, rather than divine anointing or spiritual discernment, a stark contrast to God's own perspective, which looks at the heart rather than outward appearance ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1-samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). Secondly, it underscores **God's pattern of choosing the humble and overlooked** to accomplish His mighty purposes. David, a mere shepherd boy, is elevated by God's sovereign hand, demonstrating that divine empowerment is not contingent upon human status or recognition. This theme resonates throughout biblical history, from Abraham to the apostles. Finally, this moment serves as a **pivotal point of revelation and transition** for David. His courageous act against Goliath, prompted by faith in the living God, transforms him from an obscure youth into a national hero, marking the true beginning of his public rise and paving the way for his eventual kingship over Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Youth (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** From H5288, this term refers to a boy or young man, typically from infancy to adolescence, implying active energy. By implication, it can also refer to a servant. Its use here emphasizes David's tender age and lack of conventional military experience, making his challenge to Goliath even more astonishing. It highlights the disparity between David's physical appearance and the immense spiritual courage he possesses, underscoring that God's power is made perfect in weakness.
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this word denotes a son, derived from the idea of building the family name. In ancient Israelite culture, knowing someone's "son" (i.e., their father and lineage) was fundamental to establishing their identity, social standing, and tribal affiliation. Saul's question, "whose son [is] this youth?", is not merely casual curiosity but a deep inquiry into David's background, seeking to understand his social and familial credentials, which would typically determine his suitability for such a perilous task or his potential for future reward.
* **Tell (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root means "to know," often implying ascertainment by seeing, and used in a wide variety of senses including observation, care, recognition, and instruction. Abner's declaration, "I cannot tell," using this verb, signifies a complete lack of knowledge or recognition of David's lineage. This is not merely a forgotten detail but a profound ignorance from the highest military commander, reinforcing David's humble and previously unremarkable status within the royal and military echelons.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine":** This clause vividly sets the scene, capturing the king's immediate attention at the precise moment David, having shed Saul's ill-fitting armor, steps onto the battlefield. David is armed only with his shepherd's staff, sling, and five smooth stones, a stark contrast to the heavily armed Goliath. Saul's observation is direct and striking, indicating a sudden, profound impression made by David's audacious and unexpected move.
* **"he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son [is] this youth?":** Saul's direct address to Abner, his chief military officer (H8269, _sar ha-tsabaʼ_), highlights his surprise and the urgency of his inquiry. The question "whose son [is] this youth?" reveals Saul's astonishing lack of recognition, despite David having served him previously. It indicates a profound disconnect or perhaps a troubled mind, unable to recall the young man who had ministered to him with his harp and carried his armor. This question is driven by a desire to understand the background and credentials of this unexpectedly courageous individual.
* **"And Abner said, [As] thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.":** Abner's response is a solemn oath, "As thy soul liveth" (H5315, _nephesh_ + H2416, _chay_), a common and weighty affirmation in ancient Israel, indicating the truthfulness and sincerity of his statement. His declaration, "I cannot tell" (H518, _ʼim_ + H3045, _yâdaʻ_), confirms that David's family and background were not known within the royal or military circles, reinforcing David's humble and previously unremarkable status. This mutual ignorance from the highest echelons of Israelite leadership underscores the divine nature of David's rise, as human wisdom and recognition were absent.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Saul, the king, is utterly unaware of the identity of the very individual God has anointed to succeed him, despite David having already served in his court. This dramatic irony is amplified by the reader's knowledge from [1 Samuel 16](/1-samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed and Serves Saul") that David is God's chosen. **Foreshadowing** is also at play; Saul's inquiry about David's lineage subtly sets the stage for the establishment of David's royal dynasty, which will be central to Israel's future. The **contrast** between Saul's fear and David's faith, and between Saul's towering stature and David's youthful appearance, is starkly highlighted, emphasizing that God's ways are not man's ways. Furthermore, the **dialogue** between Saul and Abner serves to underscore David's humble origins and the unexpected nature of his emergence, making his subsequent victory even more miraculous and clearly attributable to divine intervention rather than human prowess or pedigree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theological principle that God often chooses the humble, the overlooked, and the seemingly unqualified to accomplish His greatest purposes, thereby demonstrating His own power and wisdom, rather than relying on human strength or status. Saul's blindness to David's identity, despite David's prior service and divine anointing, serves as a poignant commentary on Saul's spiritual decline and his inability to discern God's hand at work. It highlights a recurring biblical theme: God's perspective on leadership and worth differs radically from human standards. While humans look at outward appearance and credentials, God looks at the heart and raises up those who are faithful to Him, regardless of their worldly standing. This divine pattern ensures that all glory redounds to Him alone, as He elevates the lowly and brings down the proud.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1-samuel/16-7 "God Looks at the Heart")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "God Elevates and Deposes")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1-corinthians/1-27-29 "God Chooses the Lowly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 17:55 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's call and preparation often occur in obscurity, far from the spotlight of human recognition. David’s time as a shepherd, honing his skills and developing his faith, was his divine training ground, unseen by the king or the army. This narrative encourages us to embrace seasons of apparent insignificance, trusting that God is at work, shaping our character and equipping us for His purposes, even when we feel overlooked or undervalued by others. It challenges us to cultivate a heart that seeks God's approval above human applause, knowing that true elevation comes from Him alone. Furthermore, it serves as a caution to those in positions of leadership: to remain humble, discerning, and open to how God might be raising up unexpected individuals, lest we, like Saul, miss or forget those whom God is preparing for significant roles in His kingdom. Our worth and potential are not defined by human accolades but by God's sovereign design and empowering presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might God be preparing me in obscurity for a greater purpose, even if I don't see it yet?**
* **In what areas of my life am I relying on human recognition or status rather than trusting in God's divine calling and timing?**
* **How does David's story encourage me to step out in faith despite my perceived limitations or lack of traditional qualifications?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul not recognize David, even though David had served him previously?**

Answer: Saul's failure to recognize David, despite David having previously served him as a skilled musician and armor-bearer ([1 Samuel 16:19-23](/1-samuel/16-19-23 "1 Samuel 16:19-23 - David Serves Saul")), can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, David's prior service was likely more personal and less public; he was a court musician and a personal attendant, not a prominent military figure. Kings had many servants, and it's plausible that in the chaos and stress of war, Saul's memory was clouded. Secondly, Saul was in a state of spiritual and mental decline, tormented by an evil spirit ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1-samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - An Evil Spirit from the Lord")). This troubled state could have impaired his memory and discernment. Thirdly, David's appearance on the battlefield, offering to fight Goliath, was so radically different from his previous role that it might have made him seem like a completely new person in Saul's eyes. This dramatic shift from a soothing musician to a courageous warrior could have genuinely surprised the king, leading him to inquire about David's background in this new context. It also serves as a subtle theological point: Saul, who consistently failed to trust God, was increasingly blind to God's chosen instruments, whereas the Lord was clearly with David ([1 Samuel 18:12](/1-samuel/18-12 "1 Samuel 18:12 - The Lord Was with David")).

**What is the significance of Abner's oath, "As thy soul liveth"?**

Answer: Abner's phrase, "[As] thy soul liveth, O king," is a common and very strong oath in ancient Hebrew culture. It means, "By your very life, O king, what I am about to say is absolutely true." It functions as a solemn affirmation, emphasizing the sincerity and certainty of the speaker's statement. In this context, Abner's use of the oath underscores his genuine ignorance of David's lineage. He is not merely saying "I don't know," but rather, "I swear by your life, O king, that I truly have no knowledge of this youth's father." This adds weight to the fact that David was indeed an unknown figure within the royal and military establishment, making his subsequent victory even more remarkable.

**Does this verse imply David was completely unknown before this moment?**

Answer: Not entirely, but it certainly emphasizes his lack of *prominence* or *recognition* in the royal court and military hierarchy. David was known to Saul personally as a musician and armor-bearer ([1 Samuel 16:19-23](/1-samuel/16-19-23 "1 Samuel 16:19-23 - David Serves Saul")), and he was known in his hometown of Bethlehem as Jesse's son. However, he was not a figure of national renown, a military commander, or from a prominent family that would be immediately recognized by the king or his chief general. This verse highlights that his public identity and reputation were about to be radically transformed by his encounter with Goliath. It signifies the moment he steps from personal service into public, divinely appointed leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 17:55, with Saul's profound ignorance of David's identity despite his prior service, beautifully foreshadows the Christ who came in humble obscurity, largely unrecognized by the very people He came to save. Just as David, the shepherd boy from Bethlehem, was God's anointed king-in-waiting, so too was Jesus, the Son of God, born in the humble town of Bethlehem, growing up in Nazareth, a place from which "nothing good" was expected ([John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can Anything Good Come from Nazareth?")). He was the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), yet He had "no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him" ([Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2 - He Had No Form or Majesty")). Many of His own people, including their religious leaders, failed to recognize Him as the Messiah, even though He performed miracles and taught with unparalleled authority ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - He Was in the World")). God consistently chooses what is "foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1-corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Lowly")), a principle perfectly exemplified in both David's and Christ's humble beginnings. David's victory over Goliath, the seemingly invincible foe, prefigures Christ's ultimate and decisive victory over the greater enemies of sin, death, and the devil, achieved not through worldly power but through self-sacrificial love on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Just as David, the shepherd, became king, Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), is the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose true identity and divine authority are revealed to those with eyes of faith.

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

1 Samuel 16:21

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

1 Samuel 16:22

And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.

1 Samuel 17:58

And Saul said to him, Whose son [art] thou, [thou] young man? And David answered, I [am] the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.