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Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 verses 1–11
It was not long ago that the Philistines were soundly beaten, and put to the worse, before Israel, and they would have been totally routed if Saul's rashness had not prevented; but here we have them making head again. Observe,
I. How they defied Israel with their armies, Sa1 17:1. They made a descent upon the Israelites' country, and possessed themselves, as it should seem, of some part of it, for they encamped in a place which belonged to Judah. Israel's ground would never have been footing for Philistine-armies if Israel had been faithful to their God. The Philistines (it is probable) had heard that Samuel had fallen out with Saul and forsaken him, and no longer assisted and advised him, and that Saul had grown melancholy and unfit for business, and this news encouraged them to make this attempt for the retrieving of the credit they had lately lost. The enemies of the church are watchful to take all advantages, and they never have greater advantages than when her protectors have provoked God's Spirit and prophets to leave them. Saul mustered his forces, and faced them, Sa1 17:2, Sa1 17:3. And here we must take notice, 1. That the evil spirit, for the present, had left Saul, Sa1 16:23. David's harp having given him some relief, perhaps the alarms and affairs of the war prevented the return of the distemper. Business is a good antidote against melancholy. Let the mind have something without to fasten on and employ itself about, and it will be the less in danger of preying upon itself. God, in mercy to Israel, suspended the judgment for a while; for how distracted must the affairs of the public have been if at this juncture the prince had been distracted! 2. That David for the present had returned to Bethlehem, and had left the court, Sa1 17:15. When Saul had no further occasion to use him for the relief of his distemper, though, being anointed, he had a very good private reason, and, having a grant of the place of Saul's armour-bearer, he had a very plausible pretence to have continued his attendance, as a retainer to the court, yet he went home to Bethlehem, and returned to keep his father's sheep; this was a rare instance, in a young man that stood so fair for preferment, of humility and affection to his parents. He knew better than most do how to come down again after he had begun to rise, and strangely preferred the retirements of the pastoral life before all the pleasures and gaieties of the court. None more fit for honour than he, nor that deserved it better, and yet none more dead to it.
II. How they defied Israel with their champion Goliath, whom they were almost as proud of as he was of himself, hoping by him to recover their reputation and dominion. Perhaps the army of the Israelites was superior in number and strength to that of the Philistines, which made the Philistines decline a battle, and stand at bay with them, desiring rather to put the issue upon a single combat, in which, having such a champion, they hoped to gain the victory. Now concerning this champion observe,
1.His prodigious size. He was of the sons of Anak, who at Gath kept their ground in Joshua's time (Jos 11:22), and kept up a race of giants there, of which Goliath was one, and, it is probable, one of the largest. He was in height six cubits and a span, v. 4. They learned bishop Cumberland has made it out that the scripture-cubit was above twenty-one inches (above three inches more than our half-yard) and a span was half a cubit, by which computation Goliath wanted but eight inches of four yard in height, eleven feet and four inches, a monstrous stature, and which made him very formidable, especially if he had strength and spirit proportionable.
2.His armour. Art, as well as nature, made him terrible. He was well furnished with defensive armour (Sa1 17:5, Sa1 17:6): A helmet of brass on his head, a coat of mail, made of brass plates laid over one another, like the scales of a fish; and, because his legs would lie most within the reach of an ordinary man, he wore brass boots, and had a large corselet of brass about his neck. The coat is said to weigh 5000 shekels, and a shekel was half an ounce avoirdupois, a vast weight for a man to carry, all the other parts of his armour being proportionable. But some think it should be translated, not the weight of the coat, but the value of it, was 5000 shekels; so much it cost. His offensive weapons were extraordinary, of which his spear only is here described, Sa1 17:7. It was like a weaver's beam. His arm could manage that which an ordinary man could scarcely heave. His shield only, which was the lightest of all his accoutrements, was carried before him by his esquire, probably for state; for he that was clad in brass little needed a shield.
3.His challenge. The Philistines having chosen him for their champion, to save themselves from the hazard of battle, he here throws down the gauntlet, and bids defiance to the armies of Israel, Sa1 17:8-10. He came into the valley that lay between the camps, and, his voice probably being as much stronger than other people's as his arm was, he cried so as to make them all hear him, Give me a man, that we may fight together. He looked upon himself with admiration, because he was so much taller and stronger than all about him; his heart (says bishop Hall) nothing but a lump of proud flesh. He looked upon Israel with disdain, because they had none among them of such a monstrous bulk, and defies them to find a man among them bold enough to enter the list with him. (1.) He upbraids them with their folly in drawing an army together: "Why have you come to set the battle in array? How dare you oppose the mighty Philistines?" Or, "Why should the two armies engage, when the controversy may be sooner decided, with only the expense of one life and the hazard of another?" (2.) He offers to put the war entirely upon the issue of the duel he proposes: "If your champion kill me, we will be your servants; if I kill him, you shall be ours." This, says bishop Patrick, was only a bravado, for no nation would be willing thus to venture its all upon the success of one man, nor is it justifiable; notwithstanding Goliath's stipulation here, when he was killed the Philistines did not stand to his word, nor submit themselves as servants to Israel. When he boasts, I am a Philistine, and you are servants to Saul, he would have it thought a great piece of condescension in him, who was a chief ruler, to enter the lists with an Israelite; for he looked on them as no better than slaves. The Chaldee paraphrase brings him in boasting that he was the man that had killed Hophni and Phinehas and taken the ark prisoner, but that the Philistines had never given him so much as the command of a regiment in recompence of his services, whereas Saul had been made king for his services: "Let him therefore take up the challenge."
4.The terror this struck upon Israel: Saul and his army were greatly afraid, Sa1 17:11. The people would not have been dismayed but that they observed Saul's courage failed him; and it is not to be expected that, if the leader be a coward, the followers should be bold. We found before, when the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul (Sa1 11:6), none could be more daring nor forward to answer the challenge of Nahash the Ammonite, but now that the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him even the big looks and big words of a single Philistine make him change colour. But where was Jonathan all this while? Why did not he accept the challenge, who, in the last war, had so bravely engaged a whole army of Philistines? Doubtless he did not feel himself stirred up of God to it, as he did in the former case. As the best, so the bravest men, are no more than what God makes them. Jonathan must now sit still, because the honour of engaging Goliath is reserved for David. In great and good actions, the wind of the Spirit blows when and where he listeth. Now the pious Israelites lament their king's breach with Samuel.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:8 presents the dramatic moment when Goliath, the Philistine champion, issues his audacious challenge to the Israelite forces. Standing defiantly in the Valley of Elah, Goliath's loud proclamation is a calculated act of psychological warfare, designed to demoralize Israel's army and compel them into a single-combat duel, thereby circumventing a full-scale engagement. His taunt emphasizes his formidable identity as a Philistine warrior while simultaneously demeaning the Israelites as mere "servants to Saul," questioning their resolve and implying their lack of a true, God-appointed champion. This verse masterfully sets the stage for the unfolding narrative, highlighting the profound spiritual and physical stakes of the impending conflict and foreshadowing David's unexpected and faith-driven intervention.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several Literary Devices to convey Goliath's intimidating presence and the gravity of the situation. Rhetorical Question is prominently used with "Why are ye come out...?" and "am not I a Philistine...?" These questions are not meant to elicit answers but to convey Goliath's contempt, challenge Israel's resolve, and assert his dominance. Contrast is central to Goliath's taunt, pitting his identity as a mighty Philistine against the Israelites, whom he dismissively labels "servants to Saul." This highlights the perceived disparity in strength, status, and divine favor. The sheer volume and public nature of Goliath's "cried" (Hebrew qârâʼ) can be seen as a form of Hyperbole or Exaggeration, emphasizing his larger-than-life persona and the overwhelming fear he seeks to instill. Finally, the entire challenge serves as Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the unexpected arrival of David, who will ultimately answer this challenge, demonstrating that true strength comes not from physical might but from unwavering faith in the Lord.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Goliath's boastful challenge in 1 Samuel 17:8 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the futility of human pride and self-reliance when confronted with the sovereign power of God. Goliath, trusting in his own strength, stature, and the might of his people and their gods, attempts to dictate the terms of engagement and demoralize God's people. However, his taunt unwittingly sets the stage for a dramatic demonstration that the battle belongs to the Lord, not to the physically strongest or most intimidating. This verse highlights the spiritual warfare at play, where the enemy seeks to paralyze believers with fear and doubt, challenging their identity and their trust in God's provision. It underscores that God often chooses the weak and unexpected to confound the strong, revealing His glory through unlikely champions.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Goliath's challenge in 1 Samuel 17:8 resonates deeply with the "giants" we face in our own lives—overwhelming problems, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or adversaries that seek to intimidate and paralyze us with fear. Just as Goliath sought to make the Israelites question their purpose and identity as "servants to Saul," so too do the challenges of life often attempt to make us question our identity in Christ and our reliance on God. This verse calls us to examine where our true trust lies. Are we easily swayed by the boasts and threats of the world, or do we stand firm in the knowledge that our God is greater than any challenge? It encourages us to remember that God often uses unexpected means and seemingly unqualified individuals to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that the victory is not won by human might or strategy alone, but by faith and dependence on the Lord. When confronted by intimidating forces, our response should not be paralysis, but a courageous step forward, knowing that God is our ultimate champion and that He fights for His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of Goliath's challenge in 1 Samuel 17:8?
Answer: Goliath's challenge served multiple strategic and psychological purposes. Primarily, it was a proposal for "champion warfare," an ancient military custom where two chosen warriors would fight to determine the outcome of a conflict, thus avoiding a full-scale battle and minimizing casualties for both sides. Beyond this, it was a powerful act of psychological warfare. Goliath's imposing presence, loud voice, and contemptuous words were meticulously designed to demoralize the Israelite army, instill overwhelming fear, and break their will to fight before any physical engagement. He aimed to highlight his own overwhelming strength and the perceived weakness of Israel, particularly their reliance on King Saul rather than on God, as seen in his taunt: "[am] not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul?" This intimidation was highly effective, as 1 Samuel 17:11 states that "Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, and they were dismayed, and greatly afraid," leading to a forty-day stalemate.
Why did Goliath specifically call the Israelites "servants to Saul" instead of "servants of the Lord" or simply "Israelites"?
Answer: Goliath's use of the phrase "servants to Saul" was a deliberate and deeply demeaning rhetorical tactic, designed to diminish the Israelites' identity and status. By contrasting himself as a powerful "Philistine" warrior with them as mere "servants" or subjects of a human king, Goliath sought to strip them of their dignity and imply their lack of divine backing or independent strength. This was a psychological blow, aiming to make them feel inferior and incapable of facing him. It highlighted their human dependence and vulnerability, especially in comparison to his own formidable, seemingly self-sufficient might. This taunt also subtly challenged Israel's covenant relationship with God, implying that their God was either unable or unwilling to provide a champion, leaving them dependent on a fallible human king.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Goliath's challenge in 1 Samuel 17:8, with its intimidating boasts and demand for a champion, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual battle faced by humanity and the profound need for a divine Champion. Just as Goliath stood as a formidable adversary, taunting God's people and holding them in bondage to fear, so too do sin, death, and Satan stand as the ultimate enemies of humanity, boasting of their power and holding creation captive. The paralysis of the Israelite army reflects humanity's utter inability to overcome these spiritual giants through its own strength or wisdom. Yet, the narrative points forward to a greater David, Jesus Christ, who is the true and ultimate Champion. Unlike Saul, who was paralyzed by fear, Jesus, the Son of God, willingly "came down" to face our greatest adversaries. He did not come with human armor or a sword, but with the power of God, defeating sin on the cross and triumphing over death and the devil through His resurrection. Colossians 2:15 declares that He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Through His sacrifice, Jesus delivered those who "through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" (Hebrews 2:14-15). Thus, Goliath's taunt, which demanded a human champion, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who, by His divine power, crushed the head of the serpent and secured eternal victory for all who believe, proving that the battle truly belongs to the Lord (1 John 3:8).