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1 Samuel 17:13

1 Samuel 17:13 in Multiple Translations

The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah.

And 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.

And 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.

And the three oldest sons of Jesse had gone with Saul to the fight: the names of the three who went to the fight were Eliab, the oldest, and Abinadab the second, and Shammah the third.

Jesse's three oldest sons had joined Saul's army. These were Eliab (the firstborn), Abinadab (second), and Shammah (third).

And the three eldest sonnes of Ishai went and followed Saul to the battel: and the names of his three sonnes that went to battell, were Eliab the Eldest, and the next Abinadab, and the thirde Shammah.

and the three eldest sons of Jesse go, they have gone after Saul to battle; and the name of his three sons who have gone into battle [are] Eliab the first-born, and his second Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

The three oldest sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle; and the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

And 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 first-born, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

And his three eldest sons followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle, were Eliab the firstborn, and the second Abinadab, and the third Samma.

Jesse’s three oldest sons, Eliab and Abinadab and Shammah, had gone with Saul to fight the Philistines.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:13

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 17:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת בְּנֵֽי יִשַׁי֙ הַ/גְּדֹלִ֔ים הָלְכ֥וּ אַחֲרֵי שָׁא֖וּל לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה וְ/שֵׁ֣ם שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת בָּנָ֗י/ו אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָלְכוּ֙ בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה אֱלִיאָ֣ב הַ/בְּכ֗וֹר וּ/מִשְׁנֵ֨/הוּ֙ אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב וְ/הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁ֖י שַׁמָּֽה
וַ/יֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp
יִשַׁי֙ Yishay H3448 Jesse N-proper
הַ/גְּדֹלִ֔ים gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Art | Adj
הָלְכ֥וּ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אַחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 after Prep
שָׁא֖וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
בָּנָ֗י/ו bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
הָלְכוּ֙ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs
אֱלִיאָ֣ב ʼĔlîyʼâb H446 Eliab N-proper
הַ/בְּכ֗וֹר bᵉkôwr H1060 firstborn Art | N-ms
וּ/מִשְׁנֵ֨/הוּ֙ mishneh H4932 second Conj | N-ms | Suff
אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב ʼĂbîynâdâb H41 Abinadab N-proper
וְ/הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁ֖י shᵉlîyshîy H7992 third Conj | Art | Adj
שַׁמָּֽה Shammâh H8048 Shammah N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:13

וַ/יֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשַׁי֙ Yishay H3448 "Jesse" N-proper
Jesse was the father of King David and a member of the tribe of Judah, and his name means 'I possess', showing his importance in the family and community.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Obed (H5744); father of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J) Also named: Iessai (Ἰεσσαί "Jesse" G2421) § Jesse = "I possess" son of Boaz and the father of king David
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Jesse. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 72:20.
הַ/גְּדֹלִ֔ים gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הָלְכ֥וּ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אַחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
שָׁא֖וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
בָּנָ֗י/ו bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הָלְכוּ֙ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
אֱלִיאָ֣ב ʼĔlîyʼâb H446 "Eliab" N-proper
Eliab was a common name in the Bible, including a leader of Zebulun and a brother of David, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:6 and Numbers 1:9.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.1; son of: Tohu (H8459); father of: Jeroham (H3395); also called Eliab at 1Ch.6.27; Eliel at 1Ch.6.34; Another name of e.li.hu (אֱלִיהוּ "Elihu" H0453G) § Eliab = "my God is father" or "God is father" 1) son of Helon, leader of Zebulun in the wilderness 2) a Reubenite chief, father of Dathan and Abiram 3) David's oldest brother 4) a Levite musician 5) a Gadite warrior for David 6) a Kohathite
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Eliab. See also: Numbers 1:9; 1 Samuel 16:6; 2 Chronicles 11:18.
הַ/בְּכ֗וֹר bᵉkôwr H1060 "firstborn" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
וּ/מִשְׁנֵ֨/הוּ֙ mishneh H4932 "second" Conj | N-ms | Suff
Mishneh means a second or duplicate, like a copy of a document, or something that is double in amount, also referring to a second in order or rank, like a secondary position or a copy of a law.
Definition: 1) double, copy, second, repetition 1a) double 1b) copy (of law) 1c) second (in order) 1c1) second rank 1c2) second in age 1d) second quarter or district
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: college, copy, double, fatlings, next, second (order), twice as much. See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 15:18; Isaiah 61:7.
אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב ʼĂbîynâdâb H41 "Abinadab" N-proper
Abinadab was the name of several Israelites, including a man who sheltered the ark and a brother of King David. His name means 'my father is noble' or 'my father is willing'. These men played important roles in biblical history.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.11; father of: Ben-abinadab (H1125) § Abinadab = "my father is noble" or "my father is willing" 1) a man of Gibeah who sheltered the ark 2) second son of Jesse, David's older brother 3) a son of Saul, slain with him by the Philistines
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Abinadab. See also: 1 Samuel 7:1; 2 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 13:7.
וְ/הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁ֖י shᵉlîyshîy H7992 "third" Conj | Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
שַׁמָּֽה Shammâh H8048 "Shammah" N-proper
Shammah was a man in the tribe of Judah and brother of King David. He was first mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:9 and was also known as Shimea. Shammah's father was Jesse and he had several siblings.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.16.9; son of: Jesse (H3448); brother of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J); father of: Jonadab (H3122); also called Shimei (KJV: Shimea) at 2Sa.21.21; Shammah at 1Sa.16.9; 17.13; Shimea at 1Ch.2.13; 20.7; Another name of shim.ah (שִׁמְעָה "Shimeah" H8093) § Shammah = "astonishment" 1) son of Reuel, grandson of Esau, and a chief of Edom 2) the 3rd son of Jesse and a brother of David 3) son of Agee the Hararite and one of the 30 of David's mighty warriors 4) the Harodite, one of the 30 of David's mighty warriors 5) another Hararite, one of the 30 of David's mighty warriors
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Shammah. See also: Genesis 36:13; 1 Samuel 17:13; 1 Chronicles 1:37.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 2:13 Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; Abinadab was born second, Shimea third,
2 2 Samuel 21:21 and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him.
3 1 Samuel 17:28 Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!”
4 2 Samuel 13:32 But Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah, spoke up: “My lord must not think they have killed all the sons of the king, for only Amnon is dead. In fact, Absalom has planned this since the day Amnon violated his sister Tamar.
5 1 Samuel 16:6–9 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”
6 2 Samuel 13:3 Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man,

1 Samuel 17:13 Summary

This verse tells us about Jesse's three older sons who followed King Saul into battle. It helps us understand the context of the story of David and Goliath, and how David's family was involved in the battle. Just like how Jesse's sons were faithful to their king, we can be faithful to our leaders and trust in God's plan, as seen in Romans 13:1-7. By studying this verse, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and have courage in the face of challenges, just like David did when he faced Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45-51.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesse's three older sons follow Saul into battle?

The Bible does not give a specific reason why Jesse's three older sons followed Saul into battle, but it is likely because they were of age to fight and wanted to serve their king, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:12 where Jesse is described as old and well along in years, and his sons would have been grown men by this time.

What can we learn from the fact that David was not with his brothers in battle?

The fact that David was not with his brothers in battle, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 17:15, suggests that he was not considered old enough or experienced enough to fight, but instead was tasked with tending his father's sheep, similar to how Moses was tending his father-in-law's sheep when he encountered God in Exodus 3:1-4:17.

How does this verse fit into the larger story of David and Goliath?

This verse sets the stage for the story of David and Goliath by introducing David's family and his brothers' role in the battle, which contrasts with David's own courageous actions in 1 Samuel 17:45-51, where he trusts in God to defeat the giant Goliath.

What does this verse reveal about Jesse's family and their relationship with King Saul?

This verse reveals that Jesse's family was likely a faithful and patriotic family, as his three older sons followed Saul into battle, indicating their loyalty to the king, similar to how the Israelites were called to be loyal to their leaders in Deuteronomy 17:14-20.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, like David, may be overlooked or underestimated by others, and how can I trust in God's plan for my life?
  2. How can I, like Jesse's sons, demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness to my leaders and authorities, while also trusting in God's sovereignty?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be feeling like I am 'tending sheep' instead of being on the front lines of battle, and how can I trust that God has a purpose for me in those seasons?
  4. How can I, like David, cultivate a heart of courage and trust in God, even when faced with daunting challenges or giants in my life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:13

And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle,.... Either of their own accord, or rather at their father's motion, or however with his knowledge and consent, who because he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:13

Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. Compare the notes at 1 Samuel 16:14-23.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:13

1 Samuel 17:13 And 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.Ver. 13. And the three eldest sons of Jesse went.] These were sent by their old father, who held it “ Dulce et decorum pro patria mori. ” - Horat. Delightful and glorious to die for [your] country.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:13

12–31. David’s errand to the camp 12–31. This section is not found in the Vatican MS. of the Sept. On the difficulties it presents, and the question of its genuineness see Note VI. p. 241.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:13

12-31. By many critics this passage has been regarded as an interpolation, chiefly for the following reasons:(1.) It is wanting in the Vatican Codex of the Septuagint.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:13

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Winning God's Approval - Part 6 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God is in control of every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, jobs, and homes. He argues that if God, who runs the univer

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