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Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 verses 48–58
Here is 1. The engagement between the two champions, Sa1 17:48. To this engagement the Philistine advanced with a great deal of state and gravity; if he must encounter a pigmy, yet it shall be with the magnificence of a giant and a grandee. This is intimated in the manner of expression: He arose, and came, and drew nigh, like a stalking mountain, overlaid with brass and iron, to meet David. David advanced with no less activity and cheerfulness, as one that aimed more to do execution than to make a figure: He hasted, and ran, being lightly clad, to meet the Philistine. We may imagine with what tenderness and compassion the Israelites saw such a pleasing youth as this throwing himself into the mouth of destruction, but he knew whom he had believed and for whom he acted. 2. The fall of Goliath in this engagement. He was in no haste, because in no fear, but confident that he should soon at one stroke cleave his adversary's head; but, while he was preparing to do it solemnly, David did his business effectually, without any parade: he slang a stone which hit him in the forehead, and, in the twinkling of an eye, fetched him to the ground, Sa1 17:49. Goliath knew there were famous slingers in Israel (Jdg 20:16), yet was either so forgetful or presumptuous as to go with the beaver of his helmet open, and thither, to the only part left exposed, not so much David's art as God's providence directed the stone, and brought it with such force that it sunk into his head, notwithstanding the impudence with which his forehead was brazened. See how frail and uncertain life is, even when it thinks itself best fortified, and how quickly, how easily, and with how small a matter, the passage may be opened for life to go out and death to enter. Goliath himself has not power over the spirit to retain the spirit, Ecc 8:8. Let not the strong man glory in his strength, nor the armed man in his armour. See how God resists the proud and pours contempt upon those that bid defiance to him and his people. None ever hardened his heart against God and prospered. One of the Rabbin thinks that when Goliath said to David, Come, and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of the air, he threw up his head so hastily that his helmet fell off, and so left his broad forehead a fair mark for David. To complete the execution, David drew Goliath's own sword, a two-handed weapon for David, and with it cut off his head, Sa1 17:51. What need had David to take a sword of his own? his enemy's sword shall serve his purpose, when he has occasion for one. God is greatly glorified when his proud enemies are cut off with their own sword and he makes their own tongues to fall upon them, Psa 64:8. David's victory over Goliath was typical of the triumphs of the son of David over Satan and all the powers of darkness, whom he spoiled, and made a show of them openly (Col 2:15), and we through him are more than conquerors. 3. The defeat of the Philistines' army hereupon. They relied wholly upon the strength of their champion, and therefore, when they saw him slain, they did not, as Goliath had offered, throw down their arms and surrender themselves servants to Israel (Sa1 17:9), but took to their heels, being wholly dispirited, and thinking it to no purpose to oppose one before whom such a mighty man had fallen: They fled (Sa1 17:51), and this put life into the Israelites, who shouted and pursued them (David, it is probable, leading them on in the pursuit) even to the gates of their own cities, Sa1 17:52. In their return from the chase they seized all the baggage, plundered the tents (Sa1 17:53), and enriched themselves with the spoil. 4. David's disposal of his trophies, Sa1 17:54. He brought the head of the Philistine to Jerusalem, to be a terror to the Jebusites, who held the strong-hold of Sion: it is probable that he carried it in triumph to other cities. His armour he laid up in his tent; only the sword was preserved behind the ephod in the tabernacle, as consecrated to God, and a memorial of the victory to his honour, Sa1 21:9. 5. The notice that was taken of David. Though he had been at court formerly, yet, having been for some time absent (Sa1 17:15), Saul had forgotten him, being melancholy and mindless, and little thinking that his musician would have spirit enough to be his champion; and therefore, as if he had never seen him before, he asked whose son he was. Abner was a stranger to him, but brought him to Saul (Sa1 17:57), and he gave a modest account of himself, Sa1 17:58. And now he was introduced to the court with much greater advantages than before, in which he owned God's hand performing all things for him.
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SUMMARY
Immediately following David's astonishing victory over Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:56 captures King Saul's command to his commander Abner: "Enquire thou whose son the stripling [is]." This seemingly simple directive marks a pivotal moment, signaling the beginning of David's public recognition, his integration into the royal court, and the initial steps in the divine orchestration of his eventual rise from shepherd boy to the future king of Israel, a trajectory that would profoundly shape the nation's history and the lineage of the Messiah.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated at the climax of the dramatic confrontation between David and Goliath. The preceding verses vividly describe the Philistine challenge, Israel's paralysis by fear, and David's audacious, faith-filled response, culminating in Goliath's swift defeat, as detailed in the account of David's victory over Goliath. The immediate context in 1 Samuel 17:55 reveals Saul's initial inquiry about David's identity before the battle, suggesting a surprising lack of recognition despite David having already served in his court as a musician and armor-bearer, a fact recorded earlier in 1 Samuel 16:21. Verse 56 thus reiterates and formalizes this inquiry, setting the stage for David's formal introduction to Saul and the subsequent unfolding of his destiny within the royal household, leading to his eventual kingship.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israelite society, lineage and family identity were paramount. A person's "son of" designation was not merely a descriptor but a statement of their heritage, social standing, and often, their future prospects. Saul's question, "whose son the stripling [is]," reflects this cultural emphasis. It was a formal inquiry to understand the background of this extraordinary young man who had just saved the nation. Furthermore, the Philistine threat was a constant and existential danger to Israel during this period, making David's victory not just a personal triumph but a national deliverance. The king's immediate concern would be to reward the hero and potentially integrate him into the military or court, and knowing his family background was a crucial first step in that process. This inquiry was a standard procedure for assessing a person's suitability for royal service or reward.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Empowerment Over Human Pedigree. David's victory was not due to his family's status, military training, or physical prowess, but to God's anointing and power, as seen when the Spirit of the Lord came upon David. Saul's focus on "whose son" he is underscores the human tendency to value lineage and outward appearance, while God's choice demonstrates His preference for faithfulness and humility. Secondly, it underscores Saul's Diminished Awareness and Spiritual Decline. His inability to fully recognize David, despite their prior interactions, subtly points to his spiritual disconnect and perhaps a preoccupation with his own troubles, contrasting sharply with God's active working among His people. Finally, it introduces the theme of God's Unexpected Choice and Exaltation of the Humble, setting the stage for David's dramatic rise from obscurity to national prominence, a pattern seen repeatedly throughout biblical history.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Irony and Foreshadowing. The Irony is multi-layered: Saul, whose own name means "asked for," is now asking about the identity of David, the one truly chosen by God, highlighting the contrast between human desire and divine election. Furthermore, it is ironic that Saul, who had David serving in his court, fails to recognize him fully, indicating his spiritual decline and perhaps a self-absorbed state that blinds him to God's work. This lack of recognition also serves as Foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the future conflict between Saul and David. Saul's inquiry about David's lineage is also ironic because David's power comes not from his human lineage, but from his divine anointing, which Saul, the anointed king, has lost.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign choice and His unconventional methods. It demonstrates that God's criteria for leadership and effectiveness are vastly different from human standards. While Saul and the nation focused on lineage, stature, and military experience, God looked upon the heart, as revealed in 1 Samuel 16:7. David's victory, and Saul's subsequent inquiry, serve as a divine declaration that God raises up whom He wills, often from the most unexpected places, to accomplish His purposes, thereby ensuring that the glory redounds to Him alone. This narrative thread reinforces the biblical principle that divine power is often manifested through human weakness, challenging human pride and self-reliance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 17:56 reminds us that God's ways are often contrary to human expectations. We, like Saul, can be prone to judging by outward appearances, pedigree, or perceived qualifications. Yet, God consistently chooses the humble, the overlooked, and the seemingly unqualified to accomplish His greatest works. This should be a profound encouragement to every believer: your background, your perceived weaknesses, or your lack of conventional credentials do not disqualify you from being used mightily by God. What matters is a heart devoted to Him, a willingness to step out in faith, and a reliance on His power rather than your own. Our true identity and worth are not found in our lineage or human achievements, but in being children of God, called and equipped by Him for His glory. This verse challenges us to look beyond the superficial and to recognize God's hand at work in unexpected places and through unexpected people, including ourselves, and to embrace the truth that our sufficiency is from Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did King Saul not recognize David, despite David having served him previously?
Answer: Saul's failure to fully recognize David, despite David having served in his court as a musician and armor-bearer, as noted in 1 Samuel 16:21, is a point of significant theological and narrative interest. Several factors likely contribute to this. Firstly, David's role as a musician and occasional armor-bearer was likely a more informal, perhaps intermittent, position, not one that would necessarily make him a prominent figure in the king's inner circle or military command. Secondly, Saul's mental and spiritual state was in decline; he was plagued by an evil spirit, as described in 1 Samuel 16:14, and increasingly consumed by his own troubles and insecurities. This preoccupation could have led to a diminished awareness or a selective memory regarding those around him. Thirdly, David's appearance on the battlefield was dramatically different from his role as a court musician—he was dirty from the sheepfold, perhaps wearing different clothes, and certainly acting in a way that would make him unrecognizable to someone who only knew him in a different context. Finally, and most significantly, this narrative detail serves a theological purpose: it highlights Saul's spiritual blindness and God's sovereign hand in bringing David to national prominence in a way that would clearly demonstrate divine intervention, rather than human recognition or planning. It underscores that God's chosen one was not obvious to human eyes, especially those clouded by spiritual decline.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 17:56, with Saul's bewildered inquiry about the "stripling" David, powerfully foreshadows the coming of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Just as David, a humble shepherd boy, was overlooked by human standards yet chosen and empowered by God to deliver Israel from its formidable enemy, so too was Jesus, the Son of God, born in the obscure town of Bethlehem, as prophesied in Micah 5:2, and raised in Nazareth, a place from which "nothing good" was expected, as questioned in John 1:46. The world, like Saul, often failed to recognize Him, looking for a king of earthly power and pedigree, not a humble servant who would conquer sin and death through self-sacrifice, as depicted in Isaiah 53:2-3. Yet, it was this "stripling" from an unexpected background, the "Lamb of God," who would take away the sin of the world, as declared in John 1:29, ultimately triumphing over the ultimate enemy, Satan, and establishing an eternal kingdom, not by human might but by divine power and perfect obedience. Saul's question, "whose son the stripling [is]," finds its ultimate answer in the New Testament: He is the Son of David, as recorded in Matthew 1:1, the Son of God, affirmed at His baptism in Matthew 3:17, the one truly chosen and anointed by God to be King of kings and Lord of lords, a title proclaimed in Revelation 19:16.