Reading Plan · Day 83
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1 Samuel 16-18
Day 83
Previously · Day 82 · 1 Samuel 13-15
The previous day's reading covered Saul's rebellion against God and Samuel's last encounter with Saul.
Day 83 Read
Where You Stopped
1 Samuel 16
1And Jehovah said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from being king over Israel? fill thy horn with oil, and go: I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite; for I have provided me a king among his sons.
1And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth–lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Commentary · verse 1
2And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And Jehovah said, Take a heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to Jehovah.
3And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
2And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.
3And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
Commentary · verses 2-3
Samuel was fearful of Saul. Did Samuel have some insight into Saul's thought process? Did Samuel know how Saul would act towards anyone who posed a threat to his reign?
4And Samuel did that which Jehovah spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
4And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth–lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
Commentary · verse 4
The elders of Beth-lehem were afraid when Samuel came to their city. Were they doing something wrong?
5And he said, Peaceably; I am come to sacrifice unto Jehovah: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
6And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely Jehovah’s anointed is before him.
7But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.
5And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
6And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.
7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Commentary · verses 5-7
God told Samuel to not look at the outward appearance, the effects. God looked on the heart, on the causes. God had already stated He would find a man after God's own Heart. God's Heart was to help people to profitably grow by making them aware of their issues. A man after God's own Heart would always respond to God's chastening by growing. He would see God's confrontation/chastening as a benefit. Saul responded to God's chastening by defending himself because of his pride.
Doctrines on this passage
8Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this.
9Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this.
10And Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Jehovah hath not chosen these.
11And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he is keeping the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he come hither.
12And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.
8Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
9Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
10Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.
11And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
12And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
Commentary · verses 8-12
David was out with the sheep, like Rachel in Genesis 29:6. God told Samuel that David would be king. David's outward appearance was the opposite of Saul's. Saul was taller than everyone by a full head. David was the youngest of Jesse's sons.
13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Commentary · verse 13
Samuel anointed David and the Spirit of God was upon him from that day forward. It appeared that during this 5th Dispensation (the Law) the Holy Spirit was in the prophets and in/on the Judges and/or kings. Notice, during David's life, he always responded to God's chastening with growth. This did not mean David didn't make mistakes or sin but when he made mistakes or sinned, he always responded with growth: by confession and repentance.
14Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him.
14But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
Commentary · verse 14
It appeared the Holy Spirit could only be in/on one king at a time. When the Holy Spirit was upon David, the Holy Spirit ceased to be upon Saul.
An "evil spirit" troubled Saul. This "evil spirit" was from God. Notice how important it is to understand God's Nature in this instance:
- God Nature being always and completely Right and always and completely Just proves true, even in the context of God sending an "evil spirit" to trouble someone. In this case, it was Just of God to do so in response to Saul's disobedience.
- If God's Nature was "love," how would this hold true? It wouldn't hold true because it would be a contradiction.
15And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
15And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
Commentary · verse 15
The evil spirit from God came from the outside. This was why Saul's servants knew about it.
More clarity on God sending this "evil spirit":
How could God send an "evil spirit"?
- Good meant "right and just" and the effect was "creation in the long term."
- Evil meant "wrong and unjust" and the effect was "destruction in the long term."
Isaiah 45:7 stated God created "evil." If God was not able to destroy, then He could not be Just, He could not equal out Justice on those who deserve to lose. God tried to lead Saul from the inside with the Holy Spirit, through understanding. This failed because Saul chose to harden his heart. The only way left for God to lead Saul was from the outside through experience. Learning through experience is painful.
16Let our lord now command thy servants, that are before thee, to seek out a man who is a skilful player on the harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
17And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
18Then answered one of the young men, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is skilful in playing, and a mighty man of valor, and a man of war, and prudent in speech, and a comely person; and Jehovah is with him.
16Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
17And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
18Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth–lehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
Commentary · verses 16-18
Among David's many abilities, he was skillful in playing the harp. He was also prudent in speech. "Prudent" meant "to discern, understand, consider." David was a master with his words. He had understanding and he knew the right words for the situation. Second only to being a man after God's own Heart, was David's ability with words.
19Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, who is with the sheep.
20And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
21And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armorbearer.
19Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
20And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
21And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.
Commentary · verses 19-21
David became Saul's armorbearer.
22And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favor in my sight.
23And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
22And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
23And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
Commentary · verses 22-23
When the evil spirit troubled Saul, David would play the harp and Saul would be refreshed and the spirit would leave. This ought to have made Saul see David as a blessing. However, Saul could also have associated the evil spirit with David.
Where You Stopped
1 Samuel 17
Commentary · verses 1-58
This chapter covers the famous story of David and Goliath.
1Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which belongeth to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
2And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
3And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.
1Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes–dammim.
2And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
3And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.
Commentary · verses 1-3
The Israelites and the Philistines were gathered for war.
4And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
4And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
Commentary · verse 4
Goliath was a "champion" of the Philistines from Gath, their most skilled and feared warrior. He was approximately 10 feet tall!
5And he had a helmet of brass upon his head, and he was clad with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.
5And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.
Commentary · verse 5
Goliath wore about 200 lbs. of brass armor.
6And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a javelin of brass between his shoulders.
7And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield-bearer went before him.
6And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.
7And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
Commentary · verses 6-7
The head of Goliath's spear alone weighed 25 lbs. A rifle used in the military today weighs less than 8 lbs.
8And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
9If he be able to fight with me, and kill me, then will we be your servants; but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.
8And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
9If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.
Commentary · verses 8-9
Saying these words disconnected the Israelites. Goliath attempted to make them feel like individuals and not a whole army. This was a negotiation: whoever wins a fight between just these two soldiers would win the entire war. Notice, Goliath also stated his will and a will for the Philistines in verse 9.
10And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.
11And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
10And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.
11When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
Commentary · verses 10-11
"Dismayed" meant "to be shattered or broken." Goliath was successful in causing the Israelites to feel disconnected from each other. His "negotiation" caused each of the Israelite soldiers to imagine fighting Goliath "one-on-one." This caused fear in each of them and caused them to forget about the strength they had together, as an army.
12Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man was an old man in the days of Saul, stricken in years among men.
13And the three eldest sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the first-born, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
14And David was the youngest; and the three eldest followed Saul.
15Now David went to and fro from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Beth-lehem.
12Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth–lehem–judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.
13And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
14And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.
15But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Beth–lehem.
Commentary · verses 12-15
David had not joined the Israelite army, presumably because of his age. However, he did travel back and forth from home to the battle.
16And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.
16And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.
Commentary · verse 16
Goliath had presented himself for forty days, in the morning and evening, to taunt Israel.
17And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to thy brethren; 18and bring these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
17And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;
18And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
Commentary · verses 17-18
The reason that Jesse sent David back and forth from home to the battle was to see how his brothers were doing. He would also deliver ten cheeses to the captain over the thousand that included his brothers, and to take their "pledge." This "pledge" meant David would bring back a token that proved his brothers were still alive.
19Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the vale of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
20And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the place of the wagons, as the host which was going forth to the fight shouted for the battle.
19Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
20And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
Commentary · verses 19-20
David left the sheep with a keeper. David cared for the well-being of his sheep, even when he was not with them. David was a true shepherd. In Hebrews 11:32, David was identified as an example of faith.
21And Israel and the Philistines put the battle in array, army against army.
22And David left his baggage in the hand of the keeper of the baggage, and ran to the army, and came and saluted his brethren.
23And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the ranks of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.
21For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.
22And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.
23And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.
Commentary · verses 21-23
David was a master of words and he heard Goliath's words. This was David's first experience of war in this battle, and the weapons were words.
24And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
24And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
Commentary · verse 24
The men of Israel reacted to Goliath's words with fear. What was David's reaction?
25And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.
26And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
25And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.
26And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
Commentary · verses 25-26
David's response was to find out what reward would be given to the man who responded to Goliath's words. Why? David saw Goliath as an unbeliever who defied the armies of the living God. Again, David was a master with words. Notice the importance of understanding that God was living...
27And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.
28And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why art thou come down? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
27And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.
28And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
Commentary · verses 27-28
Eliab accused David of coming just to see the battle. Eliab projected on David. Eliab said David's heart was naughty. "Naughtiness" meant "bad; evil." Eliab judged David. The weapon of words was being used against David, by his own brother!
29And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
29And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
Commentary · verse 29
David wanted to know the cause of what he had done that would have resulted in his brother's projection on, and judgment of, him. Again, David was a master of words.
30And he turned away from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.
30And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.
Commentary · verse 30
Eliab and everyone else rebuked David and then did not answer his questions. David continued to be experiencing a battle with words, from the soldiers of his own nation! Perhaps Eliab and the rest of the soldiers were in condemnation because of their own lack of courage and displaced this pain onto David. David accumulated spiritual value because he handled this abuse well.
31And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul; and he sent for him.
32And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
31And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.
32And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
Commentary · verses 31-32
Eventually, David's words were stated so many times, soldiers were able to restate them to Saul. Saul sent for David. David told Saul that he would fight. David recognized the cause was in the heart.
Doctrines on this passage
33And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.
33And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.
Commentary · verse 33
Every male, including Saul, refused to affirm David. Every male, including Saul, continued to fight against David with their words.
34And David said unto Saul, Thy servant was keeping his father’s sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, 35I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
36Thy servant smote both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
37And David said, Jehovah that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and Jehovah shall be with thee.
34And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
35And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
36Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
37David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
Commentary · verses 34-37
David was in the "Faith Hall of Fame" (Hebrews 11:32-34). Here we see David built his own faith and Saul's faith by referencing his experience with God delivering him from a lion and a bear. David also referenced understanding by stating that Goliath had defied the armies of the living God. David understood God's Heart, God's causes. Verse 37 was David's proof of his faith.
38And Saul clad David with his apparel, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail.
39And David girded his sword upon his apparel, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
38And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
39And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
Commentary · verses 38-39
David refused Saul's armor because he had not proved them. He did not have faith in this armor.
40And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
40And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
Commentary · verse 40
David chose five smooth stones. 2 Samuel 21:22 stated Goliath had four sons and many people believe that David was preparing to fight them after Goliath, "just in case." Were Goliath's sons with him? We don't know for sure.
Although the above theory for the "five smooth stones" sounds great, another theory is that David grabbed five smooth stones because that's how many fit in his "shepherd's bag." David was fighting Goliath in faith. With the great amount of faith that David had, would he have been concerned about anything other than the task he was going towards?
41And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.
42And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance.
43And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
41And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.
42And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
43And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
Commentary · verses 41-43
Goliath mocked David and cursed him. The battle with words continued.
44And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the birds of the heavens, and to the beasts of the field.
45Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
44And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
45Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
Commentary · verses 44-45
David proved his faith when he stated to Goliath that David had come in the name of God. Goliath had confidence in the physical. David's confidence lay in the spiritual, in God.
46This day will Jehovah deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from off thee; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day unto the birds of the heavens, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47and that all this assembly may know that Jehovah saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is Jehovah’s, and he will give you into our hand.
46This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
47And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands.
Commentary · verses 46-47
David was firmly convinced (believed/had faith) that the battle was God's. David used his memory to build his faith. Here, David was using his imagination to prove his faith.
He stated four will's and two may's. The will's were stated about God and himself. The may's were stated about the beliefs of others: all the earth and all this assembly. David was a master with his words.
48And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
48And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
Commentary · verse 48
David ran toward Goliath. David's actions (running) proved his faith. He really believed God would deliver him. He really deserved to be in the "Faith Hall of Fame."
49And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth.
49And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
Commentary · verse 49
David slung a stone and it hit Goliath in the forehead so hard that it sunk in. Goliath fell forward.
50So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
51Then David ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
50So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
51Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
Commentary · verses 50-51
David used Goliath's own sword to cut off his head. The Philistines ran away when they saw that Goliath was dead.
What was this battle with Goliath really about? This battle, from the beginning to the end, was about words!....and the faith of those who used those words: the Israelite soldiers, David's brothers, Saul, Goliath, and of course David.
52And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou comest to Gai, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.
52And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.
Commentary · verse 52
David's actions affected the men of Israel and Judah. They were now courageous, their faith was built.
53And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their camp.
54And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.
53And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.
54And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.
Commentary · verses 53-54
David brought Goliath's head to Jerusalem but he kept the armor.
55And 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.
56And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is.
55And 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.
56And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is.
Commentary · verses 55-56
Saul wanted to know who was David's father. The previous chapter (verses 18-19) recorded Saul being told about David, including who David's father was. Did Saul forget? Did "warrior" David look different to Saul than "musician" David?
57And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
58And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.
57And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
58And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth–lehemite.
Where You Stopped
1 Samuel 18
1And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
1And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
Commentary · verse 1
Jonathan's soul was "knit" with David's soul. The word "knit" meant "bind; league." As we have seen in other uses in the Old Testament, the word league meant "covenant."
2And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
3Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
4And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his apparel, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
2And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
3Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
4And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
Commentary · verses 2-4
Saul prevented David from returning to his father's house, which may have been why Saul asked about David's father. Jonathan and David made a covenant together. When Jonathan gave David the robe and his armor, this was as if Jonathan was saying, "You will be the next king of Israel. You should be dressed and armed as the prince." This would have been very uncommon coming from the son of the king and would have been a great honor bestowed upon David.
5And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and it was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
6And it came to pass as they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with instruments of music.
7And the women sang one to another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.
5And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
6And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
7And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
Commentary · verses 5-7
How would Saul handle the people's acceptance and affirmation of David? This celebration could have been seen as a good thing by Saul. He could have thought, "yes, I did make a good decision in choosing David!"
8And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
8And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
Commentary · verse 8
David was wise: profitable actions in front of everyone. Remember, one could put one thousand to flight and two could put ten thousand to flight. David was in covenant with Jonathan. The saying "Saul hath slain his thousands and David his ten thousands" made Saul angry. Saul was jealous of David, which hardened his heart. David was officially seen as a threat to Saul's throne.
9And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
10And it came to pass on the morrow, that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as he did day by day. And Saul had his spear in his hand; 11and Saul cast the spear; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
9And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
10And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand.
11And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
Commentary · verses 9-11
It took one day for the evil spirit to come mightily on Saul after Saul got jealous. God responded to Saul through Justice. Saul threw a javelin at David twice but David dodged it both times.
12And Saul was afraid of David, because Jehovah was with him, and was departed from Saul.
12And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
Commentary · verse 12
Saul was afraid of David because he knew God was with David. How would he deal with this fear?
13Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
14And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and Jehovah was with him.
13Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
14And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
Commentary · verses 13-14
David behaved wisely, he made profitable decisions.
15And when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he stood in awe of him.
16But all Israel and Judah loved David; for he went out and came in before them.
15Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
16But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
Commentary · verses 15-16
Saul realized that Israel's and Judah's love for David grew.
17And Saul said to David, Behold, my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight Jehovah’s battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.
18And David said unto Saul, Who am I, and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?
17And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD’s battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.
18And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
Commentary · verses 17-18
David remained humble and grateful to Saul.
19But it came to pass at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.
20And Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
21And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son-in-law a second time.
19But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul’s daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife.
20And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
21And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
Commentary · verses 19-21
Saul was pleased to give Michal to David because he thought she would be a snare to him. Saul continued to do things for what he thought was his own best interest and at the expense of others.
22And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king’s son-in-law.
23And Saul’s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be the king’s son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
24And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David.
25And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
22And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king’s son in law.
23And Saul’s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king’s son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
24And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David.
25And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
Commentary · verses 22-25
Apparently, David was not anxious to be married: he had to be convinced. Saul told David to get 100 foreskins of the Philistines with hope that David would die.
26And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. And the days were not expired; 27and David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full number to the king, that he might be the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
26And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son in law: and the days were not expired.
27Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king’s son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
Commentary · verses 26-27
David was pleased to be the king's son-in-law. David got 200 foreskins, twice as much as Saul told him to get.
28And Saul saw and knew that Jehovah was with David; and Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him.
29And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul was David’s enemy continually.
28And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him.
29And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually.
Commentary · verses 28-29
Saul was now more afraid of David. Saul became his enemy continually even though David had done nothing less than be excellent. Saul's heart hardened.
30Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, as often as they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
30Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
Commentary · verse 30
It was little wonder that a man of faith who was a master of words would be the wisest person in the kingdom.
This day's reading covered David's rise to popularity which involved his victory over Goliath and his acquiring 200 Philistine foreskins.
God sent Samuel to Beth-lehem to find the next king. Jesse was the grandson of Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4:17, 22).