Chapter 17

1 The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle, 4 Goliath cometh proudly forth to challenge a combat. 12 David, sent by his father to visit his brethren, taketh the challenge. 28 Eliab chideth him. 30 He is brought to Saul. 32 He sheweth the reason of his confidence. 38 Without armour, armed by faith, he slayeth the giant. 55 Saul taketh notice of David.

1. Shochoh. Correctly spelled Socoh in Joshua 15:35. The modern Khirbet ФAbbaЖd, situated about halfway between Jerusalem and the Philistine city of Gath, was a town belonging to the tribe of Judah. It was about 17 mi. (27 km.) southwest of Jerusalem.

Ephes-dammim. Or, Pas-dammim, as in 1 Chron. 11:11–13, where the roster of David’s mighty men is given. The name is of uncertain meaning.

2. Valley of Elah. A fertile valley with gentle slopes rising on the east and the west, running for several miles in a northwesterly direction from Socoh.

3. A valley between them. The Valley of Elah has a wadi running through the center called the Wadi esРSant spoken of in this verse as a “valley,” Heb. gayeХ. This is quite different from the “valley,” Heb. Фemeq, of Elah (v. 2). The first Hebrew word is used of a ravine watered by a torrent during the rainy season, the latter, of a wide fertile valley. This gayeХ was well-nigh impassable except at certain spots, and in this respect similar to the wadi in front of Michmash (see on ch. 14:4–10). Saul and his army encamped in the hills on the eastern side of this gayeХ, and the Philistines fortified the hills to the west (see 1 Chron. 11:13).

4. Goliath. A resident of Gath, but probably not a Philistine except in the sense that he lived among that people. He is thought to have descended from the Anakim (see on Deut. 9:2). His height of 6 cu. and a span, or 6 1/2 cu., would be equivalent to 9 1/2 ft. (2.9 m.). Others have suggested that the name Goliath may mean “conspicuous.” But this, like “exile,” is based on the possibility that Goliath was a Semitic name.

Gath. One of the five chief towns of Philistia. The exact site is not known. (See on 2 Kings 12:17.)

5. Mail. Soldiers’ body armor made of metal scales 2 to 8 in. long, sewn on a leather or fabric base. It protected the wearer’s upper body. Wherever the metal parts did not meet perfectly, the wearer was vulnerable at that joint (1 Kings 22:34). Goliath’s armor was of bronze.

Five thousand shekels. About 125 lb. (6.58 kg.).

6. Greaves. Thin plates of metal worn on the front of the leg below the knee. Greaves were worn by Greeks but not by Semitic or Egyptian soldiers. The Philistines, who came from Crete, may have adopted them from their Greek neighbors.

Target. Here, a javelin (RSV), evidently carried slung between the shoulders.

7. Spear’s head. Its weight would be about 15 lb. (6.82 kg.). The ball used in the sport of shot-putting weighs 16 lb. (7.27 kg.). Although the champion’s armor was bronze, the spear tip was iron, a relatively new and more expensive metal.

8. A Philistine. Literally, “the Philistine.” The use of the definite article here implies egotism on the part of David’s antagonist. He was proud of his ability and gloried in his distinguishing title. This title for Goliath is used more than 25 times in the chapter in contrast to his personal name, which is used but twice (vs. 4, 23). The Philistines knew, of course, of the superiority of Israel’s Deity over Dagon (ch. 5:1–7). They had fled in terror from Mizpah (ch. 7:10–13). Then, after years of quiet (ch. 7:13), they had witnessed the surprise attack of Jonathan that deprived them of much war matйrial (ch. 14:31, 32). Convinced against their will, the Philistines were of the same opinion still, and, finding a champion, decided to renew the attack.

9. If I prevail. It was often the custom in ancient times to decide tribal warfare by single combat, in which the army of the losing king or leader was considered to have been defeated. When Jehoshaphat went with Ahab to war against the Syrians, the king of Damascus commanded his captains to fight “only with the king of Israel” (1 Kings 22:31). This was not, however, in single combat. When the contest was waged between the house of Saul and that of David, 12 men were chosen from each side to determine the outcome. As a result “Abner was beaten” (2 Sam. 2:12–17), though he took no part in the conflict.

10. Defy. Literally, “reproach” or “taunt,” that is, for not accepting Goliath’s challenge. He branded the men of Israel as being most unsportsmanlike and cowardly. The wadi separating the opposing forces was so difficult to cross that if either side ventured a frontal attack it was almost sure of defeat. The Philistines were so confident that no physical match could be found for their champion that they proposed to decide the battle by single combat. This challenge continued daily for more than a month (v. 16).

11. They were dismayed. In ch. 2:10 this same verb form is translated, “broken to pieces.” The primary meaning is “to be shattered,” in reference to either a mental or physical state. Here Saul, an egotistical despot, was confronted by another braggart, and knew not what to do. Furthermore, Saul was a giant among his own people, and was the logical one to accept the challenge. He stood head and shoulders above his fellows and had a bronze helmet and coat of mail (v. 38), yet trembled before Goliath. Although he had forfeited the presence and protection of the Spirit of God, he realized that he must win this stalemate or lose face with his people. His spirit was broken, his conscience troubled him, and he realized that the dilemma in which he had placed himself and his army was becoming more difficult with every passing hour. The length of the deep ravine running through the Valley of Elah could not be more than a few miles. This would indicate that the contending armies were not very large, or before a month had passed one side or the other would have made a flanking movement around the ends of the valley.

Battle of David and Goliath

15. David went and returned. It is not clear whether this refers to David’s attendance at court to play and sing for Saul, or to repeated trips to and from the Israelite camp to carry food. The fact that the statement occurs in the context of the Goliath narrative would seem to imply the latter explanation. David may have been a member of the supply train to provide food for the men at the front. On the other hand, vs. 13–15 may explain why David—already placed at the court of Saul according to the preceding chapter (ch. 16:19–23)—was now at home rather than with Saul. The author of 1 Samuel perhaps felt it necessary to explain this fact for his readers, and did so by stating that David was not permanently attached to Saul’s court but appeared there only occasionally. The author notes further that David was but a youth (ch. 17:14, 42, 56), in contrast to his older brothers, who “followed Saul” (v. 14).

Commentators are not agreed as to whether this engagement with the Philistines occurred before or after David went to court to play for Saul (ch. 16:18–23). The fact that Saul later did not recognize David (ch. 17:55–58), together with the repetitions of the names of his brothers in ch. 17:13, 14 (see ch. 16:6–11), rather indicates that the sequence of these chapters could be reversed without encountering any serious chronological difficulty. Many times the Bible carries one thought or account on to its conclusion before returning to take up another thread of argument or narrative, in order to make each unit complete in itself (see on Gen. 25:19; 27:1; 35:29; Ex. 16:33, 35; 18:25). If such be the case here, the statement of Saul’s courtier concerning David as “a mighty valiant man, and a man of war” (1 Sam. 16:18) would appear more meaningful. On the other hand, if David had already slain Goliath, the speaker would probably have referred to him as the great national hero (ch. 18:5–9). But if David had already distinguished himself as the victor over Goliath, would Saul have needed to be told who David was? Furthermore, from the time David slew Goliath, “Saul took him …, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house” (ch. 18:2; cf. PP 649). Yet when Saul sent to Jesse for David to play and sing at court he referred to David as “thy son, which is with the sheep” (ch. 16:19), and even at the beginning of the Goliath narrative David was tending sheep at Bethlehem (ch. 17:15). See also on chs. 17:55; 18:1.

16. Forty days. For more than a month Goliath made his daily challenge. The fact that during this time the Philistines had made no attempt to outflank the army of Israel implies that since their disastrous defeat at Michmash the Philistines had not been strong enough for a full-scale attack. They were now relying on intimidation and the possibility of victory through single combat. This conclusion is strengthened by their precipitous retreat once Goliath was vanquished.

17. Corn. That is, grain, probably barley or wheat.

18. The captain. Thought for the captain of the regiment in which Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah served was designed to lead him to notice and look with favor on these three privates in his force.

Take their pledge. Or, “bring some token from them” (RSV).

20. David rose up early. It was a distance of only about 15 mi. by the road from Bethlehem to Socoh. Familiar with the country, David probably knew of short cuts that would reduce the traveling distance considerably (see Battle of David and Goliath). It would seem that he was not more than four or five hours in making the journey. Perhaps it was late morning when David arrived, about the time Goliath strode forth to make his challenge (see v. 16).

Trench. Or, “encampment” (RSV). Trench warfare was not practiced in ancient times.

22. Carriage. In modern English, “baggage.”

26. Who is this uncircumcised Philistine? Literally, “Who is the Philistine, this uncircumcised [one]?” David gave emphatic utterance to his disdain for the giant who held Saul and his men in terror. With faith in God, a faith that Saul might also have had, David was not in the least impressed by Goliath’s stature. Had Saul been obedient to God the victory might well have been his own; but God could not trust him with victory such as this. Goliath is referred to throughout the chapter as “the Philistine.” David could scarcely hide his contempt for such a braggart. Even his brother’s reproach (v. 28) did not deter him. He heard the story of Goliath from many mouths, and spoke so earnestly that the news was soon carried to Saul.

32. David said to Saul. What a contrast—a humble shepherd lad encouraging an experienced and successful warrior of Israel! Saul, the only giant of Israel (ch. 10:23), realized that he should have been the one to accept Goliath’s challenge. But a guilty conscience left him fearful and trembling. Had love for God been in his heart it would have been sufficient to cast out all fear; but he had none of the love of God abiding in him. In its place there was only the “torment” of a guilty conscience (see 1 John 2:5; 4:18). David, on the other hand, radiated that spirit of genuine optimism and courage that is the badge of “a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16; cf. Ps. 51:10, 11). David was as courageous as Saul was cowardly.

36. He hath defied. David was jealous for the good name of Israel and Israel’s God, as Moses had been before him (Ex. 32:12, 13; Num. 14:13–16; Deut. 9:26–29; cf. Eze. 20:9). The inactivity of God’s people in a time of shame and crisis was more than David could endure.

37. He will deliver. Saul had once asked great things of God and had attempted great things for Him. However, pride and self-glory had filled his heart, and now every obstacle appeared insurmountable. In his effort to vindicate himself he had forgotten that with God all things are possible. How could God better impress upon him his lack than by letting David rehearse the providential protection that had been over him personally in the past. The Spirit of God once took possession of Saul. Now he would have the opportunity of seeing what he himself might have been had he not rebelled against that Spirit. Again he was in a dilemma. If he refused to let David fight, the army would expect him, as king, to champion their cause. If he let David fight, and Goliath killed him, the battle would be lost and Israel would again be in bondage to the Philistines. It was to save his own life and reputation that Saul sent David forth to combat. But the very means Saul used in an effort to save his reputation as king and leader resulted in its loss (ch. 18:6–9). It became apparent that without God, Saul was powerless before his enemies (ch. 14:24; cf. 15:23), and that past victories for which he had personally taken credit were from God.

38. Saul armed David. Saul was in earnest and did all that was in his power to assure David of success. He trusted his armor; David trusted God (see v. 45).

39. He assayed to go. Or, “he tried in vain to go” (RSV).

I have not proved them. Or, “I am not used to them” (RSV). Saul was a coward! He had armor, but knew he could not meet Goliath in his own physical strength. With ostensible prudence he at first refused David permission to fight because of his youth. Then he gave further evidence of his folly by attempting to give his own armor to David.

David’s courteous reply, “I have not proved them,” is evidence of (1) his faith in other equipment that he had previously tested, and (2) his reliance on past experience in meeting new situations as they arose (see LS 196). David ascribed to the power of God victory even over wild animals. Danger had developed in him a sanctified courage, and faithfulness in little things had effectively prepared him for greater trusts. He had proved to be a trustworthy shepherd over his father’s sheep; now he was called to champion the cause of his heavenly Father’s flock (see Eze. 34:5, 23; 37:24; Matt. 9:36; 25:33; John 10:12, 13). The procedure he chose was determined by his own spiritual convictions rather than by the unsanctified judgment of others, irrespective of position. How much depends upon purity of motive when one is going forth on a perilous enterprise! David could not fight in Saul’s armor—he must be himself. God designs that every man shall work in his own harness. We see a man in public life who takes well with the people, and we copy his mannerisms, hoping to find success through them. But God wants men who will be themselves, men who will learn from each day’s experience what they need to know in order to solve tomorrow’s problems. Thank God for men who dare to use the equipment God has provided them.

44. I will give thy flesh. Probably a common, formal challenge to combat (see Rev. 19:17, 18).

45. Thou comest … I come. Here is a definite contrast between two distinct ways of life. Goliath represents the carnal security of personal strength, the pride of self-aggrandizement, the vanity of popular acclaim, the untamable fierceness of human passion. David manifests quiet trust in divine strength and the determination to glorify God by carrying out His will. David’s motive, expressed here and later in his life, was not to have his own way, nor to become famous in the eyes of his fellow men, but “that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (v. 46).

50. So David prevailed. How quickly one test followed another. This was David’s third victory in the one day. His first victory came when he was taunted by Eliab as being unfit for aught but caring for sheep. He might have made a justly sharp retort, but refused to reply in kind. Calmly composed, he merely said, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (v. 29). Such a character is not born in a moment. Had he not learned patience with his sheep, he could not have been shown patience with his jealous brothers. By ignoring the opportunity of entering into a petty quarrel, David showed himself a master of his own spirit. Thus it was with Christ, who, having demonstrated His meekness under the worst provocation, said, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt. 11:29). Only thus can any man become a true leader and guide of others.

David won his second victory when he was escorted into the presence of his king. Looking at the spirited youth, the king could not help contrasting the youthful blitheness and lack of military training with the cunning of the old-timer at war games. If Saul, with all his commanding personality, had refrained from the combat with Goliath, how could a stripling like David attempt it (1 Sam. 17:33)? Never dreaming of the possibility of a supernatural intervention, Saul planted seeds of doubt in David’s mind, and tempted him to wear the king’s own armor. But again with courteous deference, David won the victory over doubt by adhering to his Heaven-inspired purpose of maintaining faith in, and total dependence on, the Lord.

All of this prepared him well for his third victory—that over the Philistine, who was the very personification of blasphemy. It was a victory of spiritual forces over material brute strength. In view of the events of previous months, how necessary it was that Israel be taught this lesson! In reply to Goliath’s curse, David exultantly cried, “I come to thee in the name of the … God of the armies of Israel” (v. 45). A simple stone from the brook plus a lad’s skill and his confiding trust in the eternal God gave the Israelites a lesson they were never to forget, even though they seldom emulated it.

51. They fled. The perfidy of the Philistines became apparent the moment their champion was slain. They had promised to become the servants of the Israelites in the event that Goliath should be killed (v. 9). By running away they forfeited the consideration proposed in their own challenge to the army of Saul, and demonstrated, furthermore, that had Goliath been victorious they would have dealt unmercifully with Israel. Death would have been preferable to the slavery they had proposed as a gesture of magnanimity.

53. They spoiled their tents. Rather, “their camp.” When Israel pursued the foe, now scattering in all directions, they also probably devastated towns to the rear of the line of battle and killed many in addition to the Philistines at Socoh. Josephus (Antiquities vi. 9. 5) says they slew 30,000 and wounded twice as many more.

54. To Jerusalem. That is, eventually. David would not have taken the head to Jerusalem immediately, for the Jebusites still held that city, and it was not taken from them until after the coronation of David (see 1 Chron. 11:4–8; 2 Sam. 5:6–9). The historian here records the ultimate resting place of this trophy, without thought of the time element involved. Goliath’s armor apparently was taken to David’s home at Bethlehem (see on 2 Sam. 18:17; see also 1 Sam. 4:10; 13:2; etc.), and his sword, apparently to Nob (see ch. 21:9).

55. Whose son? See on ch. 18:1, 2.

I cannot tell. It is evident that Abner had not previously been acquainted with David, and that therefore David was not too well known at court. He had, apparently, been brought in only as a visiting musician, and had not become a member of the court (see PP 643).

Ellen G. White comments

1–58PP 644–648; 3T 218–220

4–83T 218

4–10PP 646

13   PP 644

15   Ed 152, 164

17, 18, 20, 26, 28       PP 645

29, 32  PP 646

32   3T 219

34, 35  DA 479; PP 644

37   PP 646

38, 39  Ev 684

38–47PP 647

39–473T 219

47   3T 269

48–54PP 648