1 Samuel 17

1 Samuel 17:1

Now. Ch. 1 Samuel 17:1 reads on chronologically from 1 Samuel 16:13 (see note on 1 Samuel 16:14). An author’s right is claimed for placing the later episode here (1 Samuel 16:14, 1 Samuel 16:23), in order to connect and contrast the two spirits with Saul and David. The canonical order alternates David’s call and Saul’s. See notes on 1 Samuel 16:14; 1 Samuel 18:12.

1 Samuel 17:2

men. Hebrew. ’ish. App-14.

by = in. About sixteen miles south-west of Jerusalem.

1 Samuel 17:4

champion. Hebrew. ’ish-habbenayivl = “the man between the two [hosts]”, or, the duellist. This accords with the subscription of Psa 8 (see note there)

Muth-labben = the death of the man between; i.e. the death of the champion (Goliath) which Psalms 8 celebrates. Psalms 144, which has the same words, “What is man” has for its title in Septuagint. “A Psalm of David concerning Goliath”(compare 1 Samuel 8:4 with Psalms 144:3). See 1 Samuel 17:23.

six. Note this number “6” stamped like a “hallmark” on this “man” (as on Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel 3) Compare the six pieces of armour, verses: 1 Samuel 17:5-7.

cubits. See App-51.

span. See App-51.

1 Samuel 17:5

And. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton in verses: 1 Samuel 17:5-7. App-6. Note the six pieces of armour thus emphasised; and see App-10.

1 Samuel 17:6

target. Hebrew. kedon, a small shield. Translated “shield “in 1 Samuel 17:45.

1 Samuel 17:7

shield. Hebrew zinnah, a shield of the largest size, covering the whole body. Same word in 1 Samuel 17:41, not 1 Samuel 17:6 and 1 Samuel 17:45.

1 Samuel 17:8

man. Hebrew. ’ish. App-14.

1 Samuel 17:11

greatly afraid = feared exceedingly. Compare 1 Samuel 17:24.

1 Samuel 17:12

eight sons. David was now between sixteen and seventeen years old. See note on 1 Samuel 16:5.

men. Hebrew ’enosh. App-14.

for an old man. Septuagint and Syriac read “was old”, advanced in years.

1 Samuel 17:14

was = he [was].

1 Samuel 17:16

forty. The number significant of probation. App-10.

1 Samuel 17:17

ephah. See App-51.

1 Samuel 17:18

their pledge: i.e. a token from them of their welfare = a message or letter, or a lock of hair. Compare Genesis 37:13, Genesis 14:32, Genesis 14:33.

1 Samuel 17:20

as = according as.

fight = place of battle.

1 Samuel 17:22

carriage = baggage: i. e, goods carried.

1 Samuel 17:23

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

armies = ranks.

1 Samuel 17:24

men. Hebrew. ’ish. App-14.

man. Hebrew. ’ish. App-14.

were sore afraid = feared exceedingly. Compare 1 Samuel 17:11.

1 Samuel 17:25

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton. App-6.

1 Samuel 17:26

men. Heb, ’enosh. App-14.

defy = reproach.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4. “Living”, always in contrast with idols.

1 Samuel 17:30

manner = word.

1 Samuel 17:32

Let no man’s heart fail. Septuagint reads “Let not the heart of my lord fail”.

man’s. Hebrew. ’adam. App-14.

1 Samuel 17:34

kept = was keeping. Compare 1 Samuel 16:11.

his. Some codices, quoted in the Massorah, read “my”.

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) in verses: 1 Samuel 17:34-36.

1 Samuel 17:35

beard = mane, or throat.

1 Samuel 17:36

them. The Septuagint adds “them” and reads “[Shall I not go and smite him, and turn aside reproach to-day from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine] that he hath”, &c.

defied = reproached.

living God, Both these words in plural in Hebrew Compare 1 Samuel 17:26.

1 Samuel 17:37

The LORD = Jehovah. App-4.

paw . . . hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for power put forth by it. App-6.

1 Samuel 17:39

assayed = tried, or, was content to start: assay French essayer.

1 Samuel 17:40

staff = club, one of the three equipments of the Eastern shepherd: crook for the sheep’s help, club for sheep’s defence, and the bag for himself.

1 Samuel 17:42

ruddy. Compare 1 Samuel 16:12, 1 Samuel 16:13.

dog. No stronger term of contempt. 2 Kings 8:13. Matthew 15:26.

gods = god, as in Judges 16:23.

1 Samuel 17:44

field. Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read “earth”.

1 Samuel 17:45

shield. See note on “target”, 1 Samuel 17:6.

the LORD of hosts. See note on 1 Samuel 1:3.

1 Samuel 17:46

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton in verses: 1 Samuel 17:46-47. give. Septuagint reads “give [thy limbs and] the carcasses”, &c.

that there is a God in Israel = that Israel bath a God.

1 Samuel 17:47

assembly = assembled host. Compare Numbers 22:4, “company”.

1 Samuel 17:51

drew it out; showing that Goliath had not deigned to do so.

champion. Hebrew. gibbor = mighty man. App-14. Not the same word as in 1 Samuel 17:4 and 1 Samuel 17:23.

1 Samuel 17:52

the valley. Septuagint reads “entrance into Gath”.

wounded = stricken, or slain.

1 Samuel 17:53

children = sons.

tents = camps.

1 Samuel 17:54

Jerusalem. Jerusalem (west of Moriah) had been taken by Judah, who dwelt there. The Jebusites were still holding Jebus, or Zion, the mount immediately south of Moriah. Compare Joshua 15:63. Judges 1:7, Judges 1:8. Zion was taken later by David. See 2 Samuel 5:7, and App-68.

1 Samuel 17:55

whose son . . . ? Though Saul had just had an interview with David, he did not know his father, whom he had promised (1 Samuel 17:25) to make free in Israel. Note in all these passages (verses: 55, 56, 58) Saul’s inquiry is not about David, but about David’s father.

thy soul = thyself (emph.) Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.