1 Samuel 17:50

1 Samuel 17:50 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

King James Version KJV

So 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.

American Standard Version ASV

So 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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So David overcame the Philistine with his leather band and a stone, wounding the Philistine and causing his death: but David had no sword in his hand.

Free Bible Version FBV

This is how David defeated the Philistine with just a sling and a stone; with no sword in his hand David knocked the Philistine down and killed him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So Dauid ouercame the Philistim with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistim, and slew him, when Dauid had no sword in his hand.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David is stronger than the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smiteth the Philistine, and putteth him to death, and there is no sword in the hand of David,

World English Bible WEB

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

So 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And David prevailed over the Philistine, with a sling and a stone, and he struck, and slew the Philistine. And as David had no sword in his hand,

Translation for Translators T4T

Then David ran and stood over Goliath. He pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath and killed him with it, and then cut off his head. In that way David defeated the Philistine without having his own sword. He used only a sling and a stone! When the other Philistines saw that their great warrior was dead, they ran away.

Plain English Version PEV

And that’s how David won. He didn’t use a long knife. No, he killed that Philistia man dead just with a sling and a stone.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:50

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 17:50 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֨ק דָּוִ֤ד מִן הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּי֙ בַּ/קֶּ֣לַע וּ/בָ/אֶ֔בֶן וַ/יַּ֥ךְ אֶת הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י וַ/יְמִיתֵ֑/הוּ וְ/חֶ֖רֶב אֵ֥ין בְּ/יַד דָּוִֽד

וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֨ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֤ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּי֙ Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Art | Ngmsa

בַּ/קֶּ֣לַע qelaʻ H7050 sling Prep | N-ms

וּ/בָ/אֶ֔בֶן ʼeben H68 stone Conj | Prep | N-fs

וַ/יַּ֥ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Art | Ngmsa

וַ/יְמִיתֵ֑/הוּ mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

וְ/חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 sword Conj | N-fs

אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

בְּ/יַד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

דָּוִֽד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:50

וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֨ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with

Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.

דָּוִ֤ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּי֙ Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Art | Ngmsa

A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.

Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)

Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.

בַּ/קֶּ֣לַע qelaʻ H7050 "sling" Prep | N-ms

A curtain or hanging screen is what this word describes, like the ones used in the tabernacle or Solomon's temple to separate sacred spaces.

Definition: sling, slingstones

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: hanging, leaf, sling. See also: Exodus 27:9; Exodus 38:18; Zechariah 9:15.

וּ/בָ/אֶ֔בֶן ʼeben H68 "stone" Conj | Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.

Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.

וַ/יַּ֥ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Art | Ngmsa

Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.

וַ/יְמִיתֵ֑/הוּ mûwth H4191 "to die" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

וְ/חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" Conj | N-fs

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

בְּ/יַד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

דָּוִֽד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:50

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 17:50 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:50
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:50
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:50
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:50
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:50
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:50

Context — David Slays Goliath

48As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.

50Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

51David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. 52Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 15:15	He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men.
2	1 Samuel 17:39	David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not accustomed to them. “I cannot walk in these,” David said to Saul. “I am not accustomed to them.” So David took them off.
3	1 Samuel 23:21	“May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me.
4	1 Samuel 21:9	The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.”
5	1 Samuel 13:22	So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.
6	Judges 3:31	After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath. And he too saved Israel, striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad.

1 Samuel 17:50 Summary

This verse shows us that David trusted in God's power and provision to defeat the Philistine, and God gave him a great victory. David didn't need a sword to win, because he had faith in God, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47. This teaches us that we can trust in God's strength, not our own, to overcome our challenges, just as it says in Psalm 20:7. By trusting in God, we can have confidence that He will help us overcome any obstacle, just as He helped David defeat the giant Philistine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did David's faith in God play a role in his victory over the Philistine?

David's faith in God is evident in his trust in God's power and provision, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, where he declares his trust in the Lord and acknowledges that the battle belongs to Him.

What can we learn from David's use of a sling and a stone to defeat the Philistine?

David's use of a sling and a stone teaches us that God can use ordinary things to accomplish extraordinary things, just as He used a small stone to bring down a giant, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 17:49-50.

Why is it significant that David did not use a sword to kill the Philistine initially?

The fact that David did not use a sword to kill the Philistine initially highlights God's power and provision, as David trusted in God's strength rather than his own, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47 and Psalm 20:7.

How does David's victory over the Philistine relate to our own struggles and battles?

David's victory over the Philistine serves as a reminder that we can trust in God's power and provision in our own struggles, just as David did, and that He can give us victory over our enemies, as promised in Deuteronomy 20:4 and 2 Corinthians 2:14.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'giants' in my life that I need to trust God to help me overcome?
How can I, like David, trust in God's power and provision in the face of overwhelming odds?
What are some ordinary things in my life that God can use to accomplish extraordinary things?
In what ways can I apply the lesson of David's trust in God to my own life and circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:50

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone,.... And with them only, without any other warlike weapon: and smote the Philistine, and slew him; smote him with the stone, which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:50

So 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. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:50

1 Samuel 17:50 So 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.Ver. 50. So David prevailed over the Philistine.] By the help of his God, and by the force of his faith. “ Traiectamque cavo terebravit vnlnere frontem. ” - Prudentius. With a sling and with a stone,] Unlikely means to prostrate such a bulk. So Shamgar with an oxgoad, and Samson with the jaw bone of an ass, made great slaughters. So Christ by his cross destroyed the devil, yea, by death he foiled him that had the power of death, as David cut off Goliath’ s head with his own sword.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:50

(50) But there was no sword in the hand of David.—The story of the daring of the son of Jesse dwells, and with good reason, on the extraordinary valour and skill of the young champion of Israel. Had his heart for one instant failed him—as, indeed, it well might; had he not possessed a confidence which nothing could shake in an unseen Helper—or had his skill as a marksman failed him in the slightest degree, the Philistine with one blow would have laid David lifeless at his feet; or had the active shepherd boy eluded his giant antagonist, it must have been by flight. In any case, the single combat upon which Israel had staked so much would have gone against the chosen people.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:50

50. This verse is not found in the Sept. (B).

Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:50

	Sermon	Description
	When Tears Come to a Religious Man's House by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a story from Luke Chapter 7 where Jesus is dining at the house of a man named Simon. The preacher highlights how Simon, a religious man, fai
	The Qualifications for Soul Winning by D.L. Moody	D.L. Moody emphasizes the essential qualifications for soul winning, urging believers to shake off the vipers of formalism, pride, and self-importance that hinder the church's miss
	The Feeble Shall Be Like David by Joshua Daniel	This sermon focuses on the transformational power of God's grace and the promise that the feeble shall be strengthened like David. It emphasizes the need for humility, righteousnes
	Slippery When by Jack Hyles	In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of going door-to-door to evangelize. He encounters a man who is initially resistant but eventually sits down to listen. Th
	(I) the Gospel of God's Great Love - Part 7 (Kicking Against the Pricks) by Robert Wurtz II	Robert Wurtz II delves into the insightful pictures the Bible uses to express how God strives with man, likening it to a farmer plowing a field with oxen and using ox goads to dire