1 Samuel 17:11 Komentář

David is the man whom God now delights to honour, for he is a man after his own heart. We read in the foregoing chapter how, after he was anointed, Providence made him famous in the court; we read in this chapter how Providence made him much more famous in the camp, and, by both, not only marked him for a great man, but fitted him for the throne for which he was designed. In the court he was only Saul's physician; but in the camp Israel's champion; there he fairly fought, and beat Goliath of Gath. In the story observe, I. What a noble figure Goliath made, and how daringly he challenged the armies of Israel (Sa1 17:1-11). II. What a mean figure David made, when Providence brought him to the army (v. 12-30). III. The unparalleled bravery wherewith David undertook to encounter this Philistine (Sa1 17:31-39). IV. The pious resolution with which he attacked him (Sa1 17:40-47). V. The glorious victory he obtained over him with a sling and a stone, and the advantage which the Israelites thereby gained against the Philistines (Sa1 17:48-54). VI. The great notice which was hereupon taken of David at court (Sa1 17:55-58).

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 17 This chapter relates how the armies of Israel, and of the Philistines, prepared for battle, and where, Sa1 17:1, describes a champion of the Philistines, who defied the armies of Israel, Sa1 17:4, and while he was so doing, it informs us that David came into the camp, and he heard his words, and signified to one and another his inclination to fight with him, Sa1 17:12, which being reported to Saul, David was sent for by him, and much discourse passed between them about it, Sa1 17:31 when we are told the manner in which he engaged with the Philistine, and the victory he obtained over him, Sa1 17:38 upon which the Philistines fled, and Israel pursued them; and on account of this action David was taken notice of by Saul, and brought to court again, as the following chapter shows, Sa1 17:52.

When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine,.... For they were delivered with such a tone and strength of voice, as to be heard very generally, at least by many, and which soon was reported through the whole army: they were dismayed, and greatly afraid; which may seem strange, when there were so many valiant men among them, as Saul himself, who had behaved with so much courage against the Ammonites, Philistines, and Amalekites; but now the Spirit of God was departed from him, and he was become timorous and fearful; and though he was much better than he had been, yet still he was not the man of spirit and resolution as before: there was also Abner, the general of his army, a very valiant man, a great man in Israel, and yet appears not on this occasion; and, what is more wonderful, Jonathan the son of Saul was present, as appears from Sa1 18:1 who had not only smitten a garrison of the Philistines, but with one man more only had attacked another garrison, and routed the whole army of the Philistines, and yet now shows not his head against a single man: so it is when God cuts off the spirits of princes, or takes away their courage; victory over this man, and the glory of it, were reserved for David; and all this fear and dread throughout the armies of Israel were suffered, that he might appear the more glorious.

The Philistines gather together against Israel at Ephes-dammim, and Saul and his men pitch their camp near the valley of Elah, Sa1 17:1-3. Goliath of Gath, a gigantic man, whose height was six cubits and a span, defies the armies of Israel, and proposes to end all contests by single combat; his armor is described, Sa1 17:4-11. Saul and his host are greatly dismayed, Sa1 17:12. David, having been sent by his father with provisions to his brethren in the army, hears the challenge, inquires into the circumstances, thinks it a reproach to Israel that no man can be found to accept the challenge, is brought before Saul, and proposes to undertake the combat, vv. 13-32. Saul objects to his youth and inexperience, Sa1 17:33. David shows the grounds on which he undertakes it, Sa1 17:34-37. Saul arms him with his own armor: but David, finding them an encumbrance, puts them off, and takes his staff, his sling, and five stones out of the brook, and goes to meet Goliath, Sa1 17:38-40. The Philistine draws near, despises, defies, and curses him, Sa1 17:41-44. David retorts his defiance, Sa1 17:45-47. They draw near to each other, and David slings a stone, hits Goliath in the forehead, slays him, and cuts off his head with his own sword, Sa1 17:48-51. The Philistines flee, and are pursued by the Israelites, Sa1 17:52, Sa1 17:53. David brings the head of the Philistine to Jerusalem, Sa1 17:54. Conversation between Saul and Abner concerning David, who is in consequence brought before Saul, Sa1 17:55-58.

Saul and all Israel - were dismayed - They saw no man able to accept the challenge.

THE ISRAELITES AND PHILISTINES BEING READY TO BATTLE. (Sa1 17:1-3) the Philistines gathered together their armies--twenty-seven years after their overthrow at Michmash. Having now recovered their spirits and strength, they sought an opportunity of wiping out the infamy of that national disaster, as well as to regain their lost ascendency over Israel. Shocoh--now Shuweikeh, a town in the western plains of Judah (Jos 15:35), nine Roman miles from Eleutheropolis, toward Jerusalem [ROBINSON]. Azekah--a small place in the neighborhood. Ephes-dammim--or, "Pas-dammim" (Ch1 11:13), "the portion" or "effusion of blood," situated between the other two.