1 Samuel 17:8

1 Samuel 17:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me.

King James Version KJV

And 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.

American Standard Version ASV

Bible in Basic English BBE

He took up his position and in a loud voice said to the armies of Israel, Why have you come out to make war? Am I not a Philistine and you servants of Saul? Send out a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.

Free Bible Version FBV

Goliath stood and shouted at the lines of Israelite soldiers, “Why have you come and lined for battle? I am the Philistine, and you're Saul's servants. Pick one of your men and have him come down and fight me.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he stoode, and cried against the hoste of Israel, and saide vnto them, Why are yee come to set your battell in aray? am not I a Philistim, and you seruaunts to Saul? chuse you a man for you, and let him come downe to me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he standeth and calleth unto the ranks of Israel, and saith to them, 'Why are ye come out to set in array the battle? [am] not I the Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose for you a man, and let him come down unto me;

World English Bible WEB

He stood and cried to the armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why have you come out to set your battle in array? Am I not a Philistine, and you servants to Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he stood and cried to the armies of Israel, and said to them, Why have 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And standing he cried out to the bands of Israel, and said to them: Why are you come out prepared to fight? am not I a Philistine, and you the servants of Saul? Choose out a man of you, and let him come down and fight hand to hand.

Translation for Translators T4T

Goliath stood there and shouted to the Israeli army, “Why are you all lined up for battle? I am the great Philistine soldier, and I think [RHQ] you are merely Saul’s slaves. Choose one man to fight for all of you, and send him down here to me!

Plain English Version PEV

Every day, Goliath used to go out into the middle and call out to the Israel mob like this, “Hey Israel mob. What are you waiting for? You call yourselves soldiers? Look at me. I’m a real soldier, from Philistia. You mob are just Saul’s working men. Listen. You pick one man and send him to me, so the 2 of us can fight.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:8

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 17:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֗ד וַ/יִּקְרָא֙ אֶל מַעַרְכֹ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר לָ/הֶ֔ם לָ֥/מָּה תֵצְא֖וּ לַ/עֲרֹ֣ךְ מִלְחָמָ֑ה הֲ/ל֧וֹא אָנֹכִ֣י הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֗י וְ/אַתֶּם֙ עֲבָדִ֣ים לְ/שָׁא֔וּל בְּרוּ לָ/כֶ֥ם אִ֖ישׁ וְ/יֵרֵ֥ד אֵלָֽ/י

וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֗ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וַ/יִּקְרָא֙ qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מַעַרְכֹ֣ת maʻărâkâh H4634 rank N-fp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/הֶ֔ם Prep | Suff

לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

תֵצְא֖וּ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

לַ/עֲרֹ֣ךְ ʻârak H6186 to arrange Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִלְחָמָ֑ה milchâmâh H4421 battle N-fs

הֲ/ל֧וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

אָנֹכִ֣י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron

הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֗י Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Art | Ngmsa

וְ/אַתֶּם֙ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

עֲבָדִ֣ים ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

לְ/שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul Prep | N-proper

בְּרוּ bârâh H1262 to eat V-Qal-Impv-2mp

לָ/כֶ֥ם Prep | Suff

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

וְ/יֵרֵ֥ד yârad H3381 to go down Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms

אֵלָֽ/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:8

וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֗ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

וַ/יִּקְרָא֙ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

מַעַרְכֹ֣ת maʻărâkâh H4634 "rank" N-fp

It refers to a row or rank, often used for military arrays or armies, as in a battle-line or ordered place.

Definition: 1) row, rank, battle-line 1a) battle-line 1b) rank 1c) row Also means: ma.a.rah (מַעֲרָה "army" H4630)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: army, fight, be set in order, ordered place, rank, row. See also: Exodus 39:37; 1 Samuel 17:21; 1 Chronicles 12:39.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לָ/הֶ֔ם "" Prep | Suff

לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

תֵצְא֖וּ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

לַ/עֲרֹ֣ךְ ʻârak H6186 "to arrange" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.

Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable

Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.

מִלְחָמָ֑ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" 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.

הֲ/ל֧וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

אָנֹכִ֣י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֗י 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.

וְ/אַתֶּם֙ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

עֲבָדִ֣ים ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

לְ/שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" Prep | 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.

בְּרוּ bârâh H1262 "to eat" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

To eat or feed is what this Hebrew word means, also to choose or select food. It is used in various forms, like causing someone to eat or devour.

Definition: 1) to eat, consume 1a) (Qal) to eat 1b) (Piel) for eating, devouring 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to eat

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: choose, (cause to) eat, manifest, (give) meat. See also: 1 Samuel 17:8; 2 Samuel 13:5; Lamentations 4:10.

לָ/כֶ֥ם "" Prep | Suff

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

וְ/יֵרֵ֥ד yârad H3381 "to go down" Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms

To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.

Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.

אֵלָֽ/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:8

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Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 17:8 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:8
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:8
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:8
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Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:8

Context — Goliath’s Challenge

6and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him.

8And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me.

9If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and work for us.” 10Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 8:17	He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.
2	1 Chronicles 21:3	But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?”
3	1 Samuel 17:26	David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
4	2 Samuel 11:11	Uriah answered, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!”

1 Samuel 17:8 Summary

[In 1 Samuel 17:8, Goliath is trying to intimidate the army of Israel by challenging them to a one-on-one battle. He wants them to choose a champion to fight against him, and the outcome will determine the winner of the war. This approach is meant to make the Israelites doubt their God and trust in their own strength instead, but as we see in Psalm 20:7, trusting in God's power is the key to true victory. By studying this verse, we can learn to trust in God's power and provision, rather than in human strength or abilities, and remember that with God on our side, we can overcome even the biggest challenges, as seen in Jeremiah 17:5-8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Goliath's strategy in 1 Samuel 17:8?

Goliath's strategy was to intimidate the army of Israel by challenging them to a one-on-one battle, which would determine the outcome of the war, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:8-10. This approach was meant to undermine the Israelites' confidence and faith in their God.

Why did Goliath refer to the Israelites as 'servants of Saul'?

Goliath referred to the Israelites as 'servants of Saul' because he saw them as subjects of King Saul, rather than as servants of the one true God, as stated in 1 Samuel 17:8. This highlights the spiritual blindness of the Philistines, who did not acknowledge the God of Israel.

What can we learn from Goliath's boastful challenge?

Goliath's boastful challenge in 1 Samuel 17:8 teaches us that pride and arrogance can lead to a downfall, as seen in Proverbs 16:18. His confidence in his own strength and armor ultimately proved to be his undoing, as God intervened on behalf of the Israelites.

How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of faith and trust in God?

This verse relates to the broader biblical theme of faith and trust in God, as seen in verses like Psalm 20:7 and Jeremiah 17:5-8, which emphasize the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than in human strength or abilities.

Reflection Questions

What are the areas in my life where I am facing a 'giant' of fear, doubt, or uncertainty, and how can I trust God to help me overcome them?
How can I, like the Israelites, be tempted to rely on human strength and strategies rather than on God's power and provision?
What does Goliath's challenge reveal about the nature of spiritual warfare, and how can I apply this understanding to my own life and struggles?
In what ways can I, like David, trust in God's power and promises to overcome the 'giants' in my life, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:8

And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel,.... He stood in the valley between the two armies, and cried with a loud voice that he might be heard; and as he was of such a monstrous stature, no

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:8

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:8

That the battle may be decided by us two alone. Such offers were frequent in those times. And possibly he thought the valiant Jonathan, who had assaulted a whole army, would never have refused this challenge. But God so ordered the matter, that none should accept it, because he would reserve this honour for David, as a step to his kingdom.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:8

1 Samuel 17:8 And 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.Ver. 8. Am not I a Philistine?] Palesthinas ille; that famous Philistine, on whom all my nation leaneth and layeth their weight; who also have done for them so many exploits? And ye servants to Saul?] Whom you look upon as a tall fellow, but to me he is a very dwarf, a Zany; of no prowess or power to look me in the face. Choose you a man for you.] A champion, a dueller.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:8

(8) Am not I a Philistine?—The literal rendering here gives a far more forcible reading: Am not I the Philistine? the famous warrior whom you know too well? The Targum of Jonathan adds here the proud boast of the giant warrior that it was he who had slain Hophni and Phinehas (the sons of Eli, the high priest), and had carried the Ark to the temple of Dagon. This Targum, although comparatively a late compilation, doubtless embodied many ancient national traditions. And ye servants to Saul.—Thus taunting the soldiers of Israel with the memory of the former glory of their king. Will none of the famous servants of the warrior king dare to meet me? Must we not deem it probable that the fact of the separation of the prophet from the king had been made public in Philistia, and that the present daring challenge was owing to their knowledge that the Spirit of the Lord—whom we know these enemies of the Hebrews dreaded with so awful a dread—had departed from Saul and his armies?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:8

Verse 8. I a Philistine] The Targum adds much to this speech. This is the substance: "I am Goliath the Philistine of Gath, who killed the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas the priests; and led into captivity the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and placed it in the temple of Dagon my god; and it remained in the cities of the Philistines seven months. Also, in all our battles I have gone at the head of the army, and we conquered and cut down men, and laid them as low as the dust of the earth; and to this day the Philistines have not granted me the honour of being chief of a thousand men. And ye, men of Israel, what noble exploit has Saul, the son of Kish, of Gibeah, done, that ye should have made him king over you? If he be a hero, let him come down himself and fight with me; but if he be a weak or cowardly man, then choose you out a man that he may come down to me."

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:8

8. am not I a Philistine] Rather, the Philistine; the representative of the nation. The Targum puts a long speech into Goliath’s month. “l am Goliath the Philistine of Gath, who slew the two sons of Eli the priest, Hophni and Phinehas, and carried away captive the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and brought it into the house of Dagon my error [i.e. idol], and it was there in the cities of the Philistines seven months. Moreover in all the wan of the Philistines I go forth at the head of the army, and we have been victorious in war, and have cast down the slain as the dust of the earth, and hitherto the Philistines have not honoured me, to make me captain of a thousand over them. But as for you children of Israel, what valiant deed has Saul the son of Kish of Gibeah wrought for you, that ye have made him king over you? If he be a valiant man, let him come down and do battle with me; but if he be a coward, choose you, &c.”

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:8

8. Am not I a Philistine — In the Hebrew, Philistine is made emphatic by the article, but the word servants is without it. Thus: Am not I THE Philistine, etc. Am not I the great warrior of the Philistine army?

Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:8

	Sermon	Description
	The Testing of David by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David, highlighting how God chose David for his faithfulness and concern for God's glory, contrasting him with Saul, who failed God's tests. Da
	(Gaining God's Approval) 7. the Testing of David by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting his faithfulness in mundane tasks, concern for God's glory, and refusal to take revenge agai
	Destroy Satan's Fortresses in Your Mind by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on the story of David and Goliath, emphasizing David's intense concern for God's name and the honor of God's people. David's willingness to face Goliath stemmed
	The Armies of the Living God. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the stark contrast between David and the soldiers of Saul, who viewed God as distant and absent, while David experienced God as a living presence in his life.

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