2. (1 Sam 17:45-47) David, full of faith, replies to Goliath
Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands."
You come to me with a sword, spear and javelin: David makes a contrast between himself and Goliath without giving credit to Goliath. David recognizes that Goliath has some of the best weapons of the time, but David knows his victory will come from God.
This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands: David speaks with as much courage as Goliath had done, but David has better grounds, confiding not in his own strength, but in the Divine, and expecting through it, certain victory, not only over Goliath, but over the whole army of the Philistines. David was careful to say, "The LORD will deliver you up into my hands." David was bold, but bold in God and not in himself. He knew the battle belonged to the LORD.
That all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel: This whole incident made David famous. But that is not why he did it. He did it for the fame and the glory of the LORD, not for his own glory. He wanted all the earth to know that there is a God in Israel.
For the battle is the LORD'S: Although we possess no special psalm composed by David on this occasion of his battle with Goliath, we find in many of the psalms David trusts in God to deliver him from all his enemies. ("For I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me. But You have saved us from our adversaries, and You have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted all day long, and we give thanks to Your name forever" Psalm 44:6-8.) ("The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory; nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield" Psalm 33:16-20.)
He will give you into our hands: Again, notice David's humility. It isn't, "He will give you into my hands." David knows this was a battle he was fighting on behalf of Israel. It they were not trusting in the LORD, David would trust for them.
3. (1 Sam 17:48-49) David kills Goliath
Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground.
When the Philistine rose: Goliath was seated, as was the custom with armies in ancient times when they were not engaged in conflict. When Goliath saw David emerge from the ravine, he rose, and carrying his vast load of armor, moved slowly towards his enemy.
David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine: Many Christians struggle at this point. Is God supposed to do it or am I supposed to do it? The answer is, "Yes!" God does it, and we do it. Trust God, rely on Him, and then get to work. Work as hard as you can and run right at the enemy. That is how the work of God is done.
David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it: Slinging stones had been practiced among the Israelites to a masterful perfection. Many years before this time, we read: "Out of all these people 700 choice men were left-handed; each one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss" Judges 20:16. It appears this skill had been passed down through the ages to David.
Struck the Philistine on his forehead: Goliath's helmet had no visor protecting his forehead. (That form of protection had yet to be invented.) Instead, Goliath's only protection came from his armor-bearer in front of him. Since Goliath was a giant, and his armor-bearer was just average height, Goliath's face was exposed to an assault by David. While the rest of the Israeli army thought, "Goliath is so big, I cannot beat him." David thought, "Goliath is so big, I cannot miss him." A man of less faith might have been too nervous to take proper aim.
The stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground: Just as the Philistine god Dagon fell on his face before the LORD (1 Samuel 5:2-5), so now the worshiper of Dagon falls on his face.
4. (1 Sam 17:50-54) David beheads Goliath, and Israel romps over the Philistines
Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David's hand. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. The men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the slain Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron. The sons of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camps. Then David took the Philistine's head and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his weapons in his tent.
David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone: David's great victory was extraordinary. It required immense courage as well as perfect skill. Only the front of Goliath's head would have been exposed. If David would have hit Goliath on any other part of his body, the blow would have had no avail due to Goliath's body armor. Using just a sling, which was probably not considered as deadly of a weapon as a sword, David subdues the giant.
Then David ran...and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him: Like many other times in the Bible, God uses the enemy's own weapon to slay the enemy. When Gideon and his 300 men blow the trumpets around the outskirts of the Midianite's camp, God uses the Midianites' own swords to slay the Midianites (Judges 7:21-22). Throughout the Psalms, we read of how God uses the enemy's own snare to cause destruction on the enemy. ("They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down. They have dug a put before me; into the midst of it they themselves have fallen" Psalm 57:6.) God loves to use the enemy to bring destruction on himself. This is another incredible reminder that we do not need fancy weapons or heavy armor to defeat the enemy. All we need is faith in God, and He will provide the victory.
And cut off his head: This was not done to show Goliath's death, but it was done as a trophy to be shown to King Saul. The heads of the slain enemies were regarded in the East as tokens of victory. A very similar scene is played out when King Saul dies during a battle with the Philistines. ("It came about on the next day when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. They cut off his head and stripped off his weapons, and sent them throughout the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people" 1 Samuel 31:8-10.)
When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled: The Philistines had agreed to consider this single fight as decisive. They had no fears as to its result, and when they saw their highly exalted champion fall, they were seized with sudden panic. Their adversaries, the Israelites, on the other hand, seeing the unarmed shepherd boy with the head of the great warrior who had so long defied them in his hand, felt that the old power had come back to them. At last, their Invisible King was back with them. At once, with a triumphal shout, the Israelites charged their defeated foes, and the battle, as far as the Philistines were concerned, became a total rout.
Then David took the Philistine's head and brought it to Jerusalem: There are no indications that Jerusalem had yet attained any importance either as a political or religious center. The citadel still remained in the hands of the Jebusites, but the lower part of the city had been captured by Israel. ("Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem to this day" Joshua 15:63.) Some historians believe David deposited Goliath's head at some "place of arms" located in Jerusalem. Other historians believe David deposited Goliath's head as a votive offering in the tabernacle at Nob which was close to Jerusalem.
He put his weapons in his tent: The Hebrew word ohel rendered as "tent" here, can also mean "dwelling". Some believe David took Goliath's weapons back to his home in Bethlehem, and at some later time presented them to the tabernacle at Nob. Other historians believe this is a future action. When David has made Jerusalem his royal seat, he orders the skull of Goliath to be set up as a victory trophy. The expression "in his tent" refers to the tent of God. God's tabernacle is referred to as "the tent of David" in Acts 15:16. David is given such a claim to fame since in 2 Samuel 6:17, he pitches a tent for the Ark of the Covenant in his own city, Jerusalem. ("So they brought the Ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD" 2 Samuel 6:17.)
5. (1 Sam 17:55-58) Saul meets a victorious David
Now when Saul saw David going out against the Philistines, he said to Abner the commander of the army, "Abner, whose son is this young man?" And Abner said, "By you life, O king, I do not know." The king said, "You inquire whose son the youth is." So when David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the Philistine's head in his hand. Saul said to him, "Whose son are you, young man?" And David answered, "I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite."
Whose son is this young man: This phrase does not necessarily mean that Saul did not recognize David. Saul is simply asking about David's family background. Saul promised his daughter to the man who killed Goliath, and Saul may just have wanted to know something about his future son-in-law. It is also quite possible that Saul indeed did not recognize David. Some historians believe that David played his music behind a screen or curtain. So, Saul may have never seen David's face. Others believe that since a distressing spirit was upon Saul, he was not entirely in his right mind.
Moreover, Saul may not have recognized David because David did not spend all his time in Saul's court. In 1 Samuel 17:15, we read that David went home to tend the sheep. It is very possible David's appearance changed during his time away from Saul. David would have been in his teens or 20's and easily could have grown in height and matured into a young man. Additionally, it is sometimes hard to recognize people when they are out of place. I know it has happened to me many times when I see someone, perhaps a grocery store clerk at the doctor's office or my doctor at the grocery store, and I simply do not recognize the person. Saul may not have recognized David outside his palace and without a musical instrument in his hand.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Saturday, November 18, 2017
1 Samuel Chapter 17 Part Two (Verses 31-44)
C. David prepares to fight Goliath
1. (1 Sam 17:31-32) David's confident words become known to Saul
When the words which David spoke were heard, they told them to Saul, and he sent for him. David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine."
They told them to Saul: It was not as if David's words were all that bold. He never said, "If I went out to fight against that Philistine, I would easily defeat him!" David did not talk like that, but at least he stood up to Goliath. David did not show a lot of backbone, but at least he showed more courage than anyone else in Israel. So it was worth reporting to Saul.
Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine: These are bold words! This is the first time David specifically volunteers to go in to battle with Goliath. It is one thing to say, "Someone someone should do something about the enemy." It is entirely another matter to say, "I will do something about the enemy."
Saul waited a long time (at least 40 days) for someone to say these words. But to hear them now from the mouth of this young shepherd boy probably seemed like a cruel joke. "The good news is that someone is finally willing to fight Goliath. The bad news is that he is a young shepherd boy." David's words to Saul almost made the matter worse. "Let no man's heart fail on account of him." These words almost seem like David says, "All right everyone. Calm down. I have the situation completely under control." It seemed ridiculous coming from such a youth. It probably seemed like boastful pride and overconfidence, but it was not.
2. (1 Sam 17:33-37) David's training as a shepherd prepared him
Then Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth." But David said to Saul, "Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God." And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go and may the LORD be with you."
You are not able...you are but a youth: Saul thought David was disqualified because of his age, size and inexperience. Saul thought David was but a novice when it came to his military skills. Saul thought David was no match to Goliath's long standing war record. Saul essentially told David, "He's been a soldier longer than you have been alive. How can you defeat him?" Again, this shows that Saul only looked at outward appearances and not at the spiritual dimension of this battle.
Your servant was tending his father's sheep: Here follows a conversation between the king and a young boy. It is a simple, brave narrative in which many children listen with wide-eyed anticipation. Fierce wild animals, the terror of every Mid-Eastern shepherd, had attacked David's father's flock. And David met and slayed these fierce beasts, almost without any arms.
When a lion or a bear came: In these ancient times, when the forests of Israel had not been cleared, it was the habitat of wild animals which usually frequented the mountains of Lebanon and the thickets of the Jordan River valley. From Lebanon, bears descended the heights into the lowlands of Israel. From the Jordan River region, the lion prowled the plains of Israel. The bears in this region are said to have been especially ferocious and appears to have been more dreaded than the lion. Currently, it is rare to find lions and bears in Israel.
God prepared David for this battle when David was a lowly shepherd. A lion attacked his father's sheep, and David fought the lion. A bear came against the defenseless sheep, and David battled the bear. All along, God prepared David to fight Goliath. David had been preparing for this battle for his entire life. This generally is God's pattern for preparation. He calls us to be faithful right where we are. Then, He uses our faithfulness to accomplish greater things. If David ran scared at the lion or the bear, he would have never been ready to fight Goliath.
I seized him by his beard: Neither the bear nor the lion in this part of the world has a beard. The literal Hebrew translation is "the chin" or "the place where the beard grows". It is clear from this description that David grabbed the beast by its chin and slew it with his shepherd's staff.
This uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them: Goliath degraded himself below a wild beast by his blasphemy, and therefore, he now carried no more terror with him to David than a lion or a bear.
He has taunted the armies of the living God: Here we see the foundation of David's confidence and success. The Philistine had defiled the living God in defying His armies and had openly avowed himself to be God's enemy. David therefore comes forward, as God's friend, to support God's cause. It is as if David said, "The lion and the bear were only enemies to me and to my father's sheep. And it was only in defense of them that I attacked these beasts. But this Philistine is an enemy to God and His people. And it is for their honor that I attack him."
The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion: As a shepherd facing bears and lions, David had no idea he was being trained to fight a giant. In the midst of our preparation, we rarely see how God will use it. Yet now, David can look back and know that the same God who delivered him before will also deliver him now. David knew that God's help in times past is a prophecy of His help in the future.
And Saul said to David, "Go...: The king's consent was necessary before David could act as the champion of the Israelites. It was a courageous act in Saul to give his permission, considering the dangerous combat conditions. But the two arguments given by David persuaded Saul. The first argument being David's strong confidence in God, insuring his courage. And secondly, the coolness and bravery David had shown in these dangerous encounters with savage beasts.
3. (1 Sam 17:38-40) David prepared to fight Goliath
Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." And David took them off. He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.
Then Saul clothed David...with armor: King Saul was determined to omit no earthly means of securing victory to his young champion. Saul made David try on his own various pieces of fighting array, doubtless the best and costliest that Israel possessed. Saul's "garments" is a dress worn beneath the mail. Upon this was buckled on a heavy armor suit, which included a large fighting sword and a bronze helmet. It is not necessary to suppose David was at all the same proportions as Saul, for much of the dress could have been speedily adjusted to one shorter or thinner than the king. The results show that the armor was far too heavy and cumbersome for David to wear.
David...tried to walk, for he had not tested them: Saul tried to put his armor on David, but it did not work. It did not work because it was far too cumbersome for David. Moreover, it did not work because Saul's armor did not spiritually fit David. Armor, military technology or human wisdom could not win this battle. The LORD God of Israel would win this battle.
Often, people try to fight with another person's armor. They see God do something wonderful through someone else, and they try to copy it without making adjustments for their own strengths and weaknesses. God's work is never most effectively done in this way. Sadly, many people say the same thing about God's armor, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." Are you more familiar with the weapons and armor of the flesh or with the weapons and armor of the Spirit?
And David took them off: David had to renounce Saul's armor. He desired to go forth into battle with the lightest possible armor--strong in the LORD and not in himself, armed not with heavy metal but with faith. Often we want a safe middle ground where we try to wear both kinds of armor. God wants us to trust in Him and Him alone.
He took his stick...five smooth stones...the shepherd's bag which he had, even his pouch, and his sling: David uses the same tools he used before as a shepherd to kill the lion and the bear. What God used before, He will use again. Why did David choose five stones? He only needed one to kill Goliath. Perhaps it was because Goliath had four brothers. (Now it came about after this that there was war again with the Philistines at Gob; then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was among the descendants of the giant. There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. There was war at Gath again, where there was a man of great stature who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number; and he also had been born to the giant. When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David's brother, struck him down. There four were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants" 2 Samuel 21:18-22.).
And he approached the Philistine: This is where it mattered. David could have said bold words, renounced Saul's armor, trusted in God's armor and gathered his shepherd's tools. But, if he never went into battle, what would it have mattered? Ultimately, David had the faith not just to talk, not just to renounce, not just to prepare, but to actually draw near the Philistine. That is real faith.
D. David defeats Goliath
1. (1 Sam 17:41-44) Goliath curses David and his God
Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine also said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field."
Then the Philistine came on...with the shield-bearer in front of him: Besides Goliath's height and military experience, Goliath also had with him an armor-bearer. Now the fight was two against one, making David's victory even more miraculous.
He disdained him: Goliath looked around, expecting to meet someone tall, someone with an extensive military career. But when he saw a young boy, he despised him. Goliath thought he was below his caliber to even enter into a fight with David. Fighting someone so insignificant would lessen the glory of Goliath's assumed victory. There was nothing in David which struck fear in Goliath's heart. Proverbs 16:18 seems fitting here: "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Am I a dog: Dogs in our current society are seen as man's best friend. They are cute, cuddly and many folks spend a fortune on them for food, clothing and other luxury items. In ancient times in the Mid-East, dogs were despised. They were not pets; they were free roaming nuisances. They attacked people and livestock. They were filthy creatures known to carry fleas and other diseases. So, being called a dog, was quite an insult.
The Philistine cursed David by his gods: Goliath invokes the vengeance of his idols against David, wishing that Dagon, Ashtaroth and the rest of his gods would confront and destroy David. The Romans used to curse their enemies in the same manner, saying, "All the gods and goddesses of Roman destroy my enemy!"
1. (1 Sam 17:31-32) David's confident words become known to Saul
When the words which David spoke were heard, they told them to Saul, and he sent for him. David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine."
They told them to Saul: It was not as if David's words were all that bold. He never said, "If I went out to fight against that Philistine, I would easily defeat him!" David did not talk like that, but at least he stood up to Goliath. David did not show a lot of backbone, but at least he showed more courage than anyone else in Israel. So it was worth reporting to Saul.
Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine: These are bold words! This is the first time David specifically volunteers to go in to battle with Goliath. It is one thing to say, "Someone someone should do something about the enemy." It is entirely another matter to say, "I will do something about the enemy."
Saul waited a long time (at least 40 days) for someone to say these words. But to hear them now from the mouth of this young shepherd boy probably seemed like a cruel joke. "The good news is that someone is finally willing to fight Goliath. The bad news is that he is a young shepherd boy." David's words to Saul almost made the matter worse. "Let no man's heart fail on account of him." These words almost seem like David says, "All right everyone. Calm down. I have the situation completely under control." It seemed ridiculous coming from such a youth. It probably seemed like boastful pride and overconfidence, but it was not.
2. (1 Sam 17:33-37) David's training as a shepherd prepared him
Then Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth." But David said to Saul, "Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God." And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go and may the LORD be with you."
You are not able...you are but a youth: Saul thought David was disqualified because of his age, size and inexperience. Saul thought David was but a novice when it came to his military skills. Saul thought David was no match to Goliath's long standing war record. Saul essentially told David, "He's been a soldier longer than you have been alive. How can you defeat him?" Again, this shows that Saul only looked at outward appearances and not at the spiritual dimension of this battle.
Your servant was tending his father's sheep: Here follows a conversation between the king and a young boy. It is a simple, brave narrative in which many children listen with wide-eyed anticipation. Fierce wild animals, the terror of every Mid-Eastern shepherd, had attacked David's father's flock. And David met and slayed these fierce beasts, almost without any arms.
When a lion or a bear came: In these ancient times, when the forests of Israel had not been cleared, it was the habitat of wild animals which usually frequented the mountains of Lebanon and the thickets of the Jordan River valley. From Lebanon, bears descended the heights into the lowlands of Israel. From the Jordan River region, the lion prowled the plains of Israel. The bears in this region are said to have been especially ferocious and appears to have been more dreaded than the lion. Currently, it is rare to find lions and bears in Israel.
God prepared David for this battle when David was a lowly shepherd. A lion attacked his father's sheep, and David fought the lion. A bear came against the defenseless sheep, and David battled the bear. All along, God prepared David to fight Goliath. David had been preparing for this battle for his entire life. This generally is God's pattern for preparation. He calls us to be faithful right where we are. Then, He uses our faithfulness to accomplish greater things. If David ran scared at the lion or the bear, he would have never been ready to fight Goliath.
I seized him by his beard: Neither the bear nor the lion in this part of the world has a beard. The literal Hebrew translation is "the chin" or "the place where the beard grows". It is clear from this description that David grabbed the beast by its chin and slew it with his shepherd's staff.
This uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them: Goliath degraded himself below a wild beast by his blasphemy, and therefore, he now carried no more terror with him to David than a lion or a bear.
He has taunted the armies of the living God: Here we see the foundation of David's confidence and success. The Philistine had defiled the living God in defying His armies and had openly avowed himself to be God's enemy. David therefore comes forward, as God's friend, to support God's cause. It is as if David said, "The lion and the bear were only enemies to me and to my father's sheep. And it was only in defense of them that I attacked these beasts. But this Philistine is an enemy to God and His people. And it is for their honor that I attack him."
The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion: As a shepherd facing bears and lions, David had no idea he was being trained to fight a giant. In the midst of our preparation, we rarely see how God will use it. Yet now, David can look back and know that the same God who delivered him before will also deliver him now. David knew that God's help in times past is a prophecy of His help in the future.
And Saul said to David, "Go...: The king's consent was necessary before David could act as the champion of the Israelites. It was a courageous act in Saul to give his permission, considering the dangerous combat conditions. But the two arguments given by David persuaded Saul. The first argument being David's strong confidence in God, insuring his courage. And secondly, the coolness and bravery David had shown in these dangerous encounters with savage beasts.
3. (1 Sam 17:38-40) David prepared to fight Goliath
Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." And David took them off. He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.
Then Saul clothed David...with armor: King Saul was determined to omit no earthly means of securing victory to his young champion. Saul made David try on his own various pieces of fighting array, doubtless the best and costliest that Israel possessed. Saul's "garments" is a dress worn beneath the mail. Upon this was buckled on a heavy armor suit, which included a large fighting sword and a bronze helmet. It is not necessary to suppose David was at all the same proportions as Saul, for much of the dress could have been speedily adjusted to one shorter or thinner than the king. The results show that the armor was far too heavy and cumbersome for David to wear.
David...tried to walk, for he had not tested them: Saul tried to put his armor on David, but it did not work. It did not work because it was far too cumbersome for David. Moreover, it did not work because Saul's armor did not spiritually fit David. Armor, military technology or human wisdom could not win this battle. The LORD God of Israel would win this battle.
Often, people try to fight with another person's armor. They see God do something wonderful through someone else, and they try to copy it without making adjustments for their own strengths and weaknesses. God's work is never most effectively done in this way. Sadly, many people say the same thing about God's armor, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." Are you more familiar with the weapons and armor of the flesh or with the weapons and armor of the Spirit?
And David took them off: David had to renounce Saul's armor. He desired to go forth into battle with the lightest possible armor--strong in the LORD and not in himself, armed not with heavy metal but with faith. Often we want a safe middle ground where we try to wear both kinds of armor. God wants us to trust in Him and Him alone.
He took his stick...five smooth stones...the shepherd's bag which he had, even his pouch, and his sling: David uses the same tools he used before as a shepherd to kill the lion and the bear. What God used before, He will use again. Why did David choose five stones? He only needed one to kill Goliath. Perhaps it was because Goliath had four brothers. (Now it came about after this that there was war again with the Philistines at Gob; then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was among the descendants of the giant. There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. There was war at Gath again, where there was a man of great stature who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number; and he also had been born to the giant. When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David's brother, struck him down. There four were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants" 2 Samuel 21:18-22.).
And he approached the Philistine: This is where it mattered. David could have said bold words, renounced Saul's armor, trusted in God's armor and gathered his shepherd's tools. But, if he never went into battle, what would it have mattered? Ultimately, David had the faith not just to talk, not just to renounce, not just to prepare, but to actually draw near the Philistine. That is real faith.
D. David defeats Goliath
1. (1 Sam 17:41-44) Goliath curses David and his God
Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine also said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field."
Then the Philistine came on...with the shield-bearer in front of him: Besides Goliath's height and military experience, Goliath also had with him an armor-bearer. Now the fight was two against one, making David's victory even more miraculous.
He disdained him: Goliath looked around, expecting to meet someone tall, someone with an extensive military career. But when he saw a young boy, he despised him. Goliath thought he was below his caliber to even enter into a fight with David. Fighting someone so insignificant would lessen the glory of Goliath's assumed victory. There was nothing in David which struck fear in Goliath's heart. Proverbs 16:18 seems fitting here: "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Am I a dog: Dogs in our current society are seen as man's best friend. They are cute, cuddly and many folks spend a fortune on them for food, clothing and other luxury items. In ancient times in the Mid-East, dogs were despised. They were not pets; they were free roaming nuisances. They attacked people and livestock. They were filthy creatures known to carry fleas and other diseases. So, being called a dog, was quite an insult.
The Philistine cursed David by his gods: Goliath invokes the vengeance of his idols against David, wishing that Dagon, Ashtaroth and the rest of his gods would confront and destroy David. The Romans used to curse their enemies in the same manner, saying, "All the gods and goddesses of Roman destroy my enemy!"
Sunday, November 12, 2017
1 Samuel Chapter 17 Part One (Verses 1-30)
DAVID AND GOLIATH
A. Goliath challenges Israel
1. (1 Sam 17:1-3) The Philistines gather for battle
Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they were gathered at Socoh which belongs to Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammin. Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines. The Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them.
Now the Philistines gathered their armies: There is nothing to tell us how much time has elapsed since Saul fought the Amelekites and the other events which transpired in chapter 16. The compiler of this book is from this time forth mainly concerned with the story of David, and how he gradually rose to power and popularity with the people. The history presented in 1 Samuel does not profess to give anything like a consecutive account of the reign and wars of Saul.
Socoh: This was one of 14 villages located along the Shephelah, a region of low hills of limestone which created a boundary between the plain of the Mediterranean Sea and the higher mountains to the east. Socoh belonged to the tribe of Judah, which shows how strong a footing the Philistines had on Israel.
They camped between Socoh and Azekah: This location was about 12-15 miles southwest of Jerusalem and about 9-10 miles from Bethlehem, the home of Jesse and his family.
Ephes-dammin: The meaning of Ephes-dammin is the boundary of blood, so called from the continual fighting which took place there.
Valley of Elah: The Valley of Elah is now known as Wady-es-Sunt, which runs in a northwest direction from the hills of Judah near Hebron past Gath to the Mediterranean Sea near Ashdod. Elah is named after the terebinth tree which still can be found in a large quantity in this region. (The region's current name, es-Sunt, is named after the acacia trees found there.)
The Philistines stood on the mountain: The Israelites camped on the eastern slopes while the Philistines camped on the western slopes of the valley. In the middle of the broad, open valley, there is a deep stream-bed, which has deep vertical sides. This makes the valley impassable except in certain places, making it a valley within a valley and creating a natural barrier between the two hosts.
2. (1 Sam 17:4-10) The Philistine Goliath challenges Israel
Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, "Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us." Again the Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together."
A champion: The literal Hebrew is "a man between two camps". It was a person who did not fight in the ranks like an ordinary soldier, but he came forth into the space between the two camps to challenge the mightiest man of his enemies to come forth and fight him.
Goliath from Gath: It is very likely that Goliath was a survivor of the ancient race of Anakim. A remnant found refuge in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod when they were exterminated by Joshua from the mountains of Judah. ("Then Joshua came at that time and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab and from all the hill country of Judah and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. There were no Anakim left in the land of the sons of Israel; only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod some remained" Joshua 11:21-22.)
(Side note: The Anakim were a race of giants, notorious for fighting wars (Deuteronomy 2:10, 2:21, 9:2). The Anakim's ancestry has been traced back to Anak, the son of Arba (Joshua 15:13, 21:11). Arba was regarded as the "greatest man among the Anakim" (Joshua 14:15).)
Six cubits and a span: The cubit, or the distance from the elbow to the middle finger, is variously estimated from 18-21 inches. A span is the distance between the thumb and the little finger in an outstretched hand. So, Goliath's height was between nine feet nine inches and eleven feet four inches. The most probable estimate is about ten feet three inches.
He had a bronze helmet on his head: The helmet was usually made of skins of beasts or of leather and covered in either iron or bronze.
He was clothed with scale-armor: More accurately, this was a breastplate of scales. The armor was made of metal scales, like those of a fish. This coat of mail was flexible and covered the back and the sides of the wearer.
Five thousand shekels of bronze: The common shekel was about a fourth of an ounce. So five thousand shekels would be 1250 ounces (or about 78 pounds).
Greaves: Armor that protected the shin. The coat of mail was usually long and covered the wearer's thighs. Greaves needed to be worn on the shins to protect the lower legs in battle.
His spear weighed 600 shekels of iron: This would be about 9.3 pounds.
However tall and strong Goliath might have been, with this vast array of heavy armor, his movements would have been slow and labored. Goliath might have been invincible if attacked with a sword or spear, but he was too encumbered with defensive armor to be capable of fighting someone lightly armed.
Am I not the Philistine: It is worthy to note the article "the" used for Goliath to describe himself. He is not "a" Philistine, but "THE" Philistine. The Hebrew is very forceful here and emphasizes Goliath's pride. Jewish tradition states that Goliath was the warrior who had slain Hophni and Phinehas (the sons of Eli the high priest) and had carried the Ark of the Covenant to the temple of Dagon.
3. (1 Sam 17:11) The fear of Saul and all Israel
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly terrified.
When Saul...heard these words: Saul had special reason to be afraid. Goliath was the giant among the Philistines, and Saul was head and shoulders taller than the other Israelites ("He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people" 1 Sam 9:2.). Saul was the logical choice to pair up with Goliath.
They were dismayed and greatly terrified: This was Goliath's intention in issuing the challenge. Goliath came out in full battle armor and paraded around in front of the Israelite army. He wanted them to be "dismayed and greatly terrified". Goliath defeated the Israelites on fear alone.
In any contest, it is always useful to demoralize your opponent and strike fear in their hearts. It may keep you from ever going to battle with them because they are afraid. Additionally, if they do fight you in battle, they will do so with fear and apprehension. So with just using words, Goliath was able to win the battle against Saul and his army before it ever began. This is a significant strategy the devil uses against believers.
Dismayed and greatly terrified: As battle loomed, this was Saul's emotional state. At one time, he was known as a fierce and successful military leader. But that was before the Spirit of the Lord departed from him (1 Sam 16:14). As the Spirit left Saul, so too did his courage.
B. David comes to the camp of Israel
1. (1 Sam 17:12-15) David, the youngest of eight brothers, splits his time between the palace and the pasture
Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. The three older 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 the second to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. David was the youngest. Now the three oldest followed Saul, but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father's flock at Bethlehem.
The Ephrathite: Ephrath is an old name for the city of Bethlehem. ("Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath (the same is Bethlehem)" Genesis 35:19.)
David went back and forth from Saul: David left Saul's court, with his permission, to tend his father's sheep. David most likely returned back to his father after his father sent his three oldest sons to serve Saul in his army. It seems David was only called to the palace as needed, when Saul was afflicted by the distressing spirit. Although David was appointed to be Saul's armor-bearer (1 Samuel 16:21), it probably was a nominal appointment. David was young and inexperienced. His attendance in camp was probably not required. Joab had ten armor-bearers ("And ten young men who carried Joab's armor gathered around and struck Absalom and killed him" 2 Samuel 18:15.). Saul probably had many more armor-bearers than this. Only the strongest and most loyal probably followed Saul into this battle.
2. (1 Sam 17:16-21) David brings gifts from home and comes into Israel's camp
The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand. Then Jesse said to David his son, "Take now for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves and run to the camp to your brothers. Bring also these ten cuts of cheese to the commander of their thousand, and look into the welfare of your brothers, and bring back news of them. For Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines." So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines drew up in battle array, army against army.
The Philistine came forward...for forty days: This verse picks back up the narrative, which was disturbed by the explanation about David's family relations. It is amazing that Goliath continues to taunt the Israelites for forty days, without either army advancing or retreating. Day after day, Goliath taunted and mocked the army of Israel, exposing them all (and especially Saul) to be cowards. In this time in history, most military battles lasted but a few days. It seems family and friends sought out to supply Israel's army with food during this long campaign.
Roasted grain: This was wheat or barley dried in a furnace or oven and ground into meal. The meal was then mixed with water, milk, butter, honey or oil and was very delicious. An ephah was as much as ten men could eat in a day.
Ten cuts of cheese to the commander: Jesse desired to give a gift to his son's commander, whose favor he might obtain with some dairy delights.
Left the flock with a keeper: This little observation shows the shepherd's heart of David. If he left the sheep to run an errand for his father, he made sure the sheep were still well cared for.
He came to the circle of the camp: This was the shape of camps in ancient times. They were protected against surprise attacks by having the wagons and baggage placed around them.
The army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry: This must have been the scene for forty days. The armies gathered on each hillside, screaming and shouting at each other across the valley. Goliath made his parade and shouted insults, and after a while, the Israelites walked back to their camp in shame.
3. (1 Sam 17:22-24) David sees Goliath's challenge and the fear of Israel's soldiers
Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers. As he was talking with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine from Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the army of the Philistines and he spoke these same words; and David heard them. When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid.
When the men of Israel saw the man, they fled: Upon seeing Goliath, the men of Israel drew back in haste from the edge of the ravine. It is very likely, Goliath only came to the edge of the ravine. Weighed down in armor weighing several hundred pounds, Goliath would have had great difficulty trying to traverse the steep ravine. In verse 40, we read that it was out of the ravine that David selected his smooth small stones, and being encumbered with no armor, it was easy for him to climb up the other side of the ravine and attack his heavily armed opponent.
4. (1 Sam 17:25-27) David hears of Saul's reward to the man who beats Goliath, but he speaks of God's honor
The men of Israel said, "Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel. And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel." Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" The people answered him in accord with this word, saying, "Thus it will be done for the man who kills him."
To defy Israel: Rather, a better translation would be "to cast scorn on" or "to dishonor Israel".
The king will enrich the man: The situation had become so desperate that King Saul needed to offer a three-part bribe--a cash reward, a princess and a tax exemption--to induce someone, anyone to fight and defeat Goliath.
Make his father's house free in Israel: Whoever fought and defeated Goliath, his father's house would be free from personal service in the army and from any other service due to the king. It also probably included exemption from taxation, contributions to war expenses and other contributions which may be required from the people of Israel.
And David spoke: Very vividly the historian depicts the scene that morning on the front lines. The dismayed soldiers of King Saul watch and listen to the boastful, impious words of Goliath as he shouted across the narrow ravine which separated the two armies. The young, enthusiastic shepherd boy, glowing with religious fervor, travels from group to group asking questions, and gleaning all the information he can about the insulter of his God.
Who is this uncircumcised Philistine: David expresses a high degree of indignation that Israel, who were the servants of the living God and fought under His banner, should be terrified of an idolater. The God of Israel was no match for a man who worshiped statues made with his own hands.
The living God: The god of the Philistines was a lifeless idol. The God of Israel was real and had performed countless miracles from leading Israel out of Egypt to providing manna from heaven to providing triumphal victories over Israel's enemies.
Other soldiers focused on the danger of the battle or the material rewards which could be won. It seems David alone focused on the reputation of Israel and the honor of the living God. This truly shows David to be a man after God's own heart. He cares about the things God cares about. He saw the problem in spiritual terms and not in material or fleshly terms.
5. (1 Sam 17:28-30) David is misunderstood and falsely accused by his brother
Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger burned against David and he said, "Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle." But David said, "What have I done now? Was it not just a question?" Then he turned away from him to another and said the same thing; and the people answered the same thing as before.
Eliab's anger burned against David: We might have thought that David's visit would please Eliab, especially considering all the gifts David brought from home. But, David's words angered Eliab, and there are many reasons why. First, Eliab was angry because he felt David was an insignificant, worthless person who had no right to speak up. Second, Eliab was angry because he felt he knew David's motivation. But on the contrary, Eliab really did not know David's heart. Third, Eliab was angry because he thought David tried to provoke someone else into fighting Goliath just so he could see a battle. Eliab was a tall man of good appearance (1 Samuel 16:7), and he may have felt David was trying to push him into battle. Finally, Eliab was angry because David was right! When you are dismayed and greatly afraid, the last thing you want is someone telling you to be courageous and fight the enemy.
Additionally, there were probably many years between the ages of the eldest and youngest of these eight brothers, and this jealous anger was, no doubt, nothing new in Eliab. Probably, too, the envious older brother well remembered the visit of the great prophet, Samuel, to Bethlehem, and how Samuel had anointed his younger brother, for some mysterious, and as yet unknown, reason.
What have I done now? Was it just a question?: David answers his jealous and over-bearing brother with all gentleness and forbearance, and sticks to his position. There is no doubt that what his brother Eliab said hurt David, but he would not let it hinder him. David remained concerned with God's cause before everything else. Before his own personal safety, before his own personal glory, before his own person honor, he had a passionate concern for God's cause.
David was more concerned with God's cause than with his own feelings. When David was misunderstood and publicly rebuked, probably amid the laughter of other soldiers, he could have quit. But, he showed the strength and armor of God in his life and replied in a just fashion. He did not care about his glory or success, but he only cared for the glory and success of the LORD'S cause. If Eliab's hurtful words can get David in the flesh and out of step with the Spirit of the LORD, then David's strength is gone. But when David ruled his spirit and answered softly, he was more in step with the Spirit of the LORD than ever...and Goliath would be a dead man.
Then he turned away from him: Being moved by God's Spirit to undertake Goliath, David speaks with many people about it. And with much chatter, the matter soon reaches the king's ear.
A. Goliath challenges Israel
1. (1 Sam 17:1-3) The Philistines gather for battle
Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they were gathered at Socoh which belongs to Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammin. Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines. The Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them.
Now the Philistines gathered their armies: There is nothing to tell us how much time has elapsed since Saul fought the Amelekites and the other events which transpired in chapter 16. The compiler of this book is from this time forth mainly concerned with the story of David, and how he gradually rose to power and popularity with the people. The history presented in 1 Samuel does not profess to give anything like a consecutive account of the reign and wars of Saul.
Socoh: This was one of 14 villages located along the Shephelah, a region of low hills of limestone which created a boundary between the plain of the Mediterranean Sea and the higher mountains to the east. Socoh belonged to the tribe of Judah, which shows how strong a footing the Philistines had on Israel.
They camped between Socoh and Azekah: This location was about 12-15 miles southwest of Jerusalem and about 9-10 miles from Bethlehem, the home of Jesse and his family.
Ephes-dammin: The meaning of Ephes-dammin is the boundary of blood, so called from the continual fighting which took place there.
Valley of Elah: The Valley of Elah is now known as Wady-es-Sunt, which runs in a northwest direction from the hills of Judah near Hebron past Gath to the Mediterranean Sea near Ashdod. Elah is named after the terebinth tree which still can be found in a large quantity in this region. (The region's current name, es-Sunt, is named after the acacia trees found there.)
The Philistines stood on the mountain: The Israelites camped on the eastern slopes while the Philistines camped on the western slopes of the valley. In the middle of the broad, open valley, there is a deep stream-bed, which has deep vertical sides. This makes the valley impassable except in certain places, making it a valley within a valley and creating a natural barrier between the two hosts.
2. (1 Sam 17:4-10) The Philistine Goliath challenges Israel
Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, "Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us." Again the Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together."
A champion: The literal Hebrew is "a man between two camps". It was a person who did not fight in the ranks like an ordinary soldier, but he came forth into the space between the two camps to challenge the mightiest man of his enemies to come forth and fight him.
Goliath from Gath: It is very likely that Goliath was a survivor of the ancient race of Anakim. A remnant found refuge in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod when they were exterminated by Joshua from the mountains of Judah. ("Then Joshua came at that time and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab and from all the hill country of Judah and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. There were no Anakim left in the land of the sons of Israel; only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod some remained" Joshua 11:21-22.)
(Side note: The Anakim were a race of giants, notorious for fighting wars (Deuteronomy 2:10, 2:21, 9:2). The Anakim's ancestry has been traced back to Anak, the son of Arba (Joshua 15:13, 21:11). Arba was regarded as the "greatest man among the Anakim" (Joshua 14:15).)
Six cubits and a span: The cubit, or the distance from the elbow to the middle finger, is variously estimated from 18-21 inches. A span is the distance between the thumb and the little finger in an outstretched hand. So, Goliath's height was between nine feet nine inches and eleven feet four inches. The most probable estimate is about ten feet three inches.
He had a bronze helmet on his head: The helmet was usually made of skins of beasts or of leather and covered in either iron or bronze.
He was clothed with scale-armor: More accurately, this was a breastplate of scales. The armor was made of metal scales, like those of a fish. This coat of mail was flexible and covered the back and the sides of the wearer.
Five thousand shekels of bronze: The common shekel was about a fourth of an ounce. So five thousand shekels would be 1250 ounces (or about 78 pounds).
Greaves: Armor that protected the shin. The coat of mail was usually long and covered the wearer's thighs. Greaves needed to be worn on the shins to protect the lower legs in battle.
His spear weighed 600 shekels of iron: This would be about 9.3 pounds.
However tall and strong Goliath might have been, with this vast array of heavy armor, his movements would have been slow and labored. Goliath might have been invincible if attacked with a sword or spear, but he was too encumbered with defensive armor to be capable of fighting someone lightly armed.
Am I not the Philistine: It is worthy to note the article "the" used for Goliath to describe himself. He is not "a" Philistine, but "THE" Philistine. The Hebrew is very forceful here and emphasizes Goliath's pride. Jewish tradition states that Goliath was the warrior who had slain Hophni and Phinehas (the sons of Eli the high priest) and had carried the Ark of the Covenant to the temple of Dagon.
3. (1 Sam 17:11) The fear of Saul and all Israel
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly terrified.
When Saul...heard these words: Saul had special reason to be afraid. Goliath was the giant among the Philistines, and Saul was head and shoulders taller than the other Israelites ("He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people" 1 Sam 9:2.). Saul was the logical choice to pair up with Goliath.
They were dismayed and greatly terrified: This was Goliath's intention in issuing the challenge. Goliath came out in full battle armor and paraded around in front of the Israelite army. He wanted them to be "dismayed and greatly terrified". Goliath defeated the Israelites on fear alone.
In any contest, it is always useful to demoralize your opponent and strike fear in their hearts. It may keep you from ever going to battle with them because they are afraid. Additionally, if they do fight you in battle, they will do so with fear and apprehension. So with just using words, Goliath was able to win the battle against Saul and his army before it ever began. This is a significant strategy the devil uses against believers.
Dismayed and greatly terrified: As battle loomed, this was Saul's emotional state. At one time, he was known as a fierce and successful military leader. But that was before the Spirit of the Lord departed from him (1 Sam 16:14). As the Spirit left Saul, so too did his courage.
B. David comes to the camp of Israel
1. (1 Sam 17:12-15) David, the youngest of eight brothers, splits his time between the palace and the pasture
Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. The three older 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 the second to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. David was the youngest. Now the three oldest followed Saul, but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father's flock at Bethlehem.
The Ephrathite: Ephrath is an old name for the city of Bethlehem. ("Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath (the same is Bethlehem)" Genesis 35:19.)
David went back and forth from Saul: David left Saul's court, with his permission, to tend his father's sheep. David most likely returned back to his father after his father sent his three oldest sons to serve Saul in his army. It seems David was only called to the palace as needed, when Saul was afflicted by the distressing spirit. Although David was appointed to be Saul's armor-bearer (1 Samuel 16:21), it probably was a nominal appointment. David was young and inexperienced. His attendance in camp was probably not required. Joab had ten armor-bearers ("And ten young men who carried Joab's armor gathered around and struck Absalom and killed him" 2 Samuel 18:15.). Saul probably had many more armor-bearers than this. Only the strongest and most loyal probably followed Saul into this battle.
2. (1 Sam 17:16-21) David brings gifts from home and comes into Israel's camp
The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand. Then Jesse said to David his son, "Take now for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves and run to the camp to your brothers. Bring also these ten cuts of cheese to the commander of their thousand, and look into the welfare of your brothers, and bring back news of them. For Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines." So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines drew up in battle array, army against army.
The Philistine came forward...for forty days: This verse picks back up the narrative, which was disturbed by the explanation about David's family relations. It is amazing that Goliath continues to taunt the Israelites for forty days, without either army advancing or retreating. Day after day, Goliath taunted and mocked the army of Israel, exposing them all (and especially Saul) to be cowards. In this time in history, most military battles lasted but a few days. It seems family and friends sought out to supply Israel's army with food during this long campaign.
Roasted grain: This was wheat or barley dried in a furnace or oven and ground into meal. The meal was then mixed with water, milk, butter, honey or oil and was very delicious. An ephah was as much as ten men could eat in a day.
Ten cuts of cheese to the commander: Jesse desired to give a gift to his son's commander, whose favor he might obtain with some dairy delights.
Left the flock with a keeper: This little observation shows the shepherd's heart of David. If he left the sheep to run an errand for his father, he made sure the sheep were still well cared for.
He came to the circle of the camp: This was the shape of camps in ancient times. They were protected against surprise attacks by having the wagons and baggage placed around them.
The army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry: This must have been the scene for forty days. The armies gathered on each hillside, screaming and shouting at each other across the valley. Goliath made his parade and shouted insults, and after a while, the Israelites walked back to their camp in shame.
3. (1 Sam 17:22-24) David sees Goliath's challenge and the fear of Israel's soldiers
Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers. As he was talking with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine from Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the army of the Philistines and he spoke these same words; and David heard them. When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid.
When the men of Israel saw the man, they fled: Upon seeing Goliath, the men of Israel drew back in haste from the edge of the ravine. It is very likely, Goliath only came to the edge of the ravine. Weighed down in armor weighing several hundred pounds, Goliath would have had great difficulty trying to traverse the steep ravine. In verse 40, we read that it was out of the ravine that David selected his smooth small stones, and being encumbered with no armor, it was easy for him to climb up the other side of the ravine and attack his heavily armed opponent.
4. (1 Sam 17:25-27) David hears of Saul's reward to the man who beats Goliath, but he speaks of God's honor
The men of Israel said, "Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel. And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel." Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" The people answered him in accord with this word, saying, "Thus it will be done for the man who kills him."
To defy Israel: Rather, a better translation would be "to cast scorn on" or "to dishonor Israel".
The king will enrich the man: The situation had become so desperate that King Saul needed to offer a three-part bribe--a cash reward, a princess and a tax exemption--to induce someone, anyone to fight and defeat Goliath.
Make his father's house free in Israel: Whoever fought and defeated Goliath, his father's house would be free from personal service in the army and from any other service due to the king. It also probably included exemption from taxation, contributions to war expenses and other contributions which may be required from the people of Israel.
And David spoke: Very vividly the historian depicts the scene that morning on the front lines. The dismayed soldiers of King Saul watch and listen to the boastful, impious words of Goliath as he shouted across the narrow ravine which separated the two armies. The young, enthusiastic shepherd boy, glowing with religious fervor, travels from group to group asking questions, and gleaning all the information he can about the insulter of his God.
Who is this uncircumcised Philistine: David expresses a high degree of indignation that Israel, who were the servants of the living God and fought under His banner, should be terrified of an idolater. The God of Israel was no match for a man who worshiped statues made with his own hands.
The living God: The god of the Philistines was a lifeless idol. The God of Israel was real and had performed countless miracles from leading Israel out of Egypt to providing manna from heaven to providing triumphal victories over Israel's enemies.
Other soldiers focused on the danger of the battle or the material rewards which could be won. It seems David alone focused on the reputation of Israel and the honor of the living God. This truly shows David to be a man after God's own heart. He cares about the things God cares about. He saw the problem in spiritual terms and not in material or fleshly terms.
5. (1 Sam 17:28-30) David is misunderstood and falsely accused by his brother
Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger burned against David and he said, "Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle." But David said, "What have I done now? Was it not just a question?" Then he turned away from him to another and said the same thing; and the people answered the same thing as before.
Eliab's anger burned against David: We might have thought that David's visit would please Eliab, especially considering all the gifts David brought from home. But, David's words angered Eliab, and there are many reasons why. First, Eliab was angry because he felt David was an insignificant, worthless person who had no right to speak up. Second, Eliab was angry because he felt he knew David's motivation. But on the contrary, Eliab really did not know David's heart. Third, Eliab was angry because he thought David tried to provoke someone else into fighting Goliath just so he could see a battle. Eliab was a tall man of good appearance (1 Samuel 16:7), and he may have felt David was trying to push him into battle. Finally, Eliab was angry because David was right! When you are dismayed and greatly afraid, the last thing you want is someone telling you to be courageous and fight the enemy.
Additionally, there were probably many years between the ages of the eldest and youngest of these eight brothers, and this jealous anger was, no doubt, nothing new in Eliab. Probably, too, the envious older brother well remembered the visit of the great prophet, Samuel, to Bethlehem, and how Samuel had anointed his younger brother, for some mysterious, and as yet unknown, reason.
What have I done now? Was it just a question?: David answers his jealous and over-bearing brother with all gentleness and forbearance, and sticks to his position. There is no doubt that what his brother Eliab said hurt David, but he would not let it hinder him. David remained concerned with God's cause before everything else. Before his own personal safety, before his own personal glory, before his own person honor, he had a passionate concern for God's cause.
David was more concerned with God's cause than with his own feelings. When David was misunderstood and publicly rebuked, probably amid the laughter of other soldiers, he could have quit. But, he showed the strength and armor of God in his life and replied in a just fashion. He did not care about his glory or success, but he only cared for the glory and success of the LORD'S cause. If Eliab's hurtful words can get David in the flesh and out of step with the Spirit of the LORD, then David's strength is gone. But when David ruled his spirit and answered softly, he was more in step with the Spirit of the LORD than ever...and Goliath would be a dead man.
Then he turned away from him: Being moved by God's Spirit to undertake Goliath, David speaks with many people about it. And with much chatter, the matter soon reaches the king's ear.
Sunday, November 5, 2017
1 Samuel Chapter 16 Part Three (Verses 15-23)
2. (1 Sam 16:15-17) A solution suggested
Saul's servants then said to him, "Behold now, an evil spirit from God is terrorizing you. Let our lord now command your servants who are before you. Let them seek a man who is a skillful player on the harp; and it shall come about when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well. So Saul said to his servants, "Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me."
Saul's servants: It is interesting to note that Saul did not seek refuge from his evil spirit, but Saul's servants seem to be acutely aware of the change in Saul's countenance. This is a great example of how our spiritual condition is far more apparent to those around us than to the one afflicted.
An evil spirit from God: The form in which the evil spirit manifested itself in Saul was apparently an incurable melancholy, which, at times, burst forth in fits of uncontrollable rage and jealous anger. When Saul's attendants and his officers perceived the mental anguish under which the king was evidently suffering, they suggested perhaps the evil influence which troubled the king might be alleviated by the playing of music.
Seek a man who is a skillful player: In today's language, Saul's servants are asking Saul if they can seek out a worship leader. They want to find a man who can, using music, bring the love, peace and power of God to Saul. Saul was often disobedient. Having a worship leader could help Saul seek the LORD and find rest for his soul. God created music and gave it the capacity to touch people with profound power. Like so many things, music can be used for tremendous good or it can be used for great evil. Music powerfully communicates with our inner being.
You will be well: It had been a well-known fact that music exerts a powerful influence on the mind. In ancient Greek literature, music is recommended to heal mental disease. In the past, Saul received the Spirit of the LORD in the presence of music (see 1 Samuel 10:10). His servants thought, perhaps, music could help restore the Holy Spirit back to Saul.
3. (1 Sam 16:18) A man is nominated
Then one of the young men said, "Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the LORD is with him.
Then one of the young men: The Hebrew here is very specific in stating that the servant who suggests David is a young man. This young man very likely was a contemporary of David and thus may have had several interactions with David or may have even been his friend.
A skillful musician: As a boy, David possessed rare gifts in poetry and music. It is probable that some of David's early Psalms were originally composed while watching his father's sheep around the hills near Bethlehem. Many centuries later, while shepherds were watching over their sheep by night, the angel host appeared to them to tell them of the birth of a child in Bethlehem.
A mighty man of valor, a warrior: the description of David being a mighty valiant man can be explained from what is related in 1 Samuel 17:34-35: "But David said to Saul, 'Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.'"
A question has been raised respecting the word "warrior". It seems from the narrative in 1 Samuel 17 that the combat with the giant Philistine was David's first great military exploit. However, it has been suggested that in addition to the combat with the wild beasts, which were common in the hills of Israel and were a terror to the shepherds, David had been most likely engaged in repelling one of more or the Philistine marauding expeditions, very common in those days. Bethlehem was a strong garrison where the Philistine often congregated.
Prudent in speech: Rather, a better translation would be "skilled in word" or eloquent. This refers back to David's tremendous gifts in poetry and music. David's skillful way with words can be seen over and over again in his Psalms.
The LORD is with him: That is, the LORD directs and prospers all David's undertakings. Seeing the LORD was with David, it might be expected that the evil spirit would depart from Saul when David was in his presence.
4. (1 Sam 16:19-23) David enters Saul's court
So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, "Send me your son David who is with the flock." Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat, and sent them to Saul by David his son. Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer. Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight." So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.
Send me your son David who is with the flock: Since this happened after Samuel anointed David, this means that David simply returned back to being a shepherd after his anointing. Perhaps David did not yet understand the significance of Samuel's anointing. Or if he did, he understood that it was God's job to bring him to the throne. In the meantime, David continued on watching his father's sheep.
Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread: It was and still is customary in the East to acknowledge obedience and subjugation with a gift. Jesse would be expected to send his son to Saul's court with some token of homage. The simply of Jesse's gifts shows how most gifts given were from the natural produce of the ground--vines (wine), fields (bread) and pasture lands (a young goat).
David came to Saul and attended him: David ministered unto Saul just like the rest of Saul's servants. This shows that Saul had no knowledge of David's anointing. Otherwise, it cannot be supposed that Saul would have brought David into his court.
He became his armor bearer: The armor bearer was a very dangerous position. The armor bearer had to carry his master's weapons of war and often traveled in front of his master. If a battle broke out, it was the armor bearer who would be the first person in the line of fire. Moreover, the armor bearer had to be a highly trusted servant because his master's life depended on the bravery of his armor bearer. If the armor bearer decided to flee, his master would be left open to attacks on all sides and would be completely defenseless without his weapons.
It is very likely that David only served Saul a short time as armor bearer. For in 1 Samuel 17:55, after David defeats Goliath, Saul asks, "Whose son is this youth?" There is no mention of time, so we are not able to discern how long it might have been between David's service to Saul and David's defeat of Goliath. It is likely, however, that the evil spirit afflicting King Saul was making rapid progress. Saul's mind may have been affected and prevented the king from recalling to mind memories from the past.
This was an important time in David's life and training for God's destiny for him. For the first time, he lived in a royal court and had to learn the customs and manners he needed to know in order to be a king later in life.
David would take the harp and play: A harp is a lyre. It is the ancient version of the guitar. Unlike the large harps you find in orchestras, a lyre was small and easy to handle.
Saul would be refreshed and be well: God used David to minister to Saul. David was happy to be used. What seemed like a great arrangement would not last for long. God was at work in ways no one could see. We can easily see from a perspective of time, how God was laying the foundation for David to become a great king. But at the time, perhaps only Samuel knew God's intentions.
The evil spirit would depart from him: There are many instances which might be quoted of the beneficial effects of music and singing upon a disturbed spirit. The prophet Elisha would often call for a minstrel, and after listening to the music, would utter his prophecies. "Elisha said, 'As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you. But now bring me a minstrel.' And it came about, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him" (2 Kings 3:14-15). When the evil spirit would depart from Saul, it would only be for a short time. Eventually, the evil spirit would return, and David would once again have to soothe Saul with his musical abilities.
Saul's servants then said to him, "Behold now, an evil spirit from God is terrorizing you. Let our lord now command your servants who are before you. Let them seek a man who is a skillful player on the harp; and it shall come about when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well. So Saul said to his servants, "Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me."
Saul's servants: It is interesting to note that Saul did not seek refuge from his evil spirit, but Saul's servants seem to be acutely aware of the change in Saul's countenance. This is a great example of how our spiritual condition is far more apparent to those around us than to the one afflicted.
An evil spirit from God: The form in which the evil spirit manifested itself in Saul was apparently an incurable melancholy, which, at times, burst forth in fits of uncontrollable rage and jealous anger. When Saul's attendants and his officers perceived the mental anguish under which the king was evidently suffering, they suggested perhaps the evil influence which troubled the king might be alleviated by the playing of music.
Seek a man who is a skillful player: In today's language, Saul's servants are asking Saul if they can seek out a worship leader. They want to find a man who can, using music, bring the love, peace and power of God to Saul. Saul was often disobedient. Having a worship leader could help Saul seek the LORD and find rest for his soul. God created music and gave it the capacity to touch people with profound power. Like so many things, music can be used for tremendous good or it can be used for great evil. Music powerfully communicates with our inner being.
You will be well: It had been a well-known fact that music exerts a powerful influence on the mind. In ancient Greek literature, music is recommended to heal mental disease. In the past, Saul received the Spirit of the LORD in the presence of music (see 1 Samuel 10:10). His servants thought, perhaps, music could help restore the Holy Spirit back to Saul.
3. (1 Sam 16:18) A man is nominated
Then one of the young men said, "Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the LORD is with him.
Then one of the young men: The Hebrew here is very specific in stating that the servant who suggests David is a young man. This young man very likely was a contemporary of David and thus may have had several interactions with David or may have even been his friend.
A skillful musician: As a boy, David possessed rare gifts in poetry and music. It is probable that some of David's early Psalms were originally composed while watching his father's sheep around the hills near Bethlehem. Many centuries later, while shepherds were watching over their sheep by night, the angel host appeared to them to tell them of the birth of a child in Bethlehem.
A mighty man of valor, a warrior: the description of David being a mighty valiant man can be explained from what is related in 1 Samuel 17:34-35: "But David said to Saul, 'Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.'"
A question has been raised respecting the word "warrior". It seems from the narrative in 1 Samuel 17 that the combat with the giant Philistine was David's first great military exploit. However, it has been suggested that in addition to the combat with the wild beasts, which were common in the hills of Israel and were a terror to the shepherds, David had been most likely engaged in repelling one of more or the Philistine marauding expeditions, very common in those days. Bethlehem was a strong garrison where the Philistine often congregated.
Prudent in speech: Rather, a better translation would be "skilled in word" or eloquent. This refers back to David's tremendous gifts in poetry and music. David's skillful way with words can be seen over and over again in his Psalms.
The LORD is with him: That is, the LORD directs and prospers all David's undertakings. Seeing the LORD was with David, it might be expected that the evil spirit would depart from Saul when David was in his presence.
4. (1 Sam 16:19-23) David enters Saul's court
So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, "Send me your son David who is with the flock." Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat, and sent them to Saul by David his son. Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer. Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight." So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.
Send me your son David who is with the flock: Since this happened after Samuel anointed David, this means that David simply returned back to being a shepherd after his anointing. Perhaps David did not yet understand the significance of Samuel's anointing. Or if he did, he understood that it was God's job to bring him to the throne. In the meantime, David continued on watching his father's sheep.
Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread: It was and still is customary in the East to acknowledge obedience and subjugation with a gift. Jesse would be expected to send his son to Saul's court with some token of homage. The simply of Jesse's gifts shows how most gifts given were from the natural produce of the ground--vines (wine), fields (bread) and pasture lands (a young goat).
David came to Saul and attended him: David ministered unto Saul just like the rest of Saul's servants. This shows that Saul had no knowledge of David's anointing. Otherwise, it cannot be supposed that Saul would have brought David into his court.
He became his armor bearer: The armor bearer was a very dangerous position. The armor bearer had to carry his master's weapons of war and often traveled in front of his master. If a battle broke out, it was the armor bearer who would be the first person in the line of fire. Moreover, the armor bearer had to be a highly trusted servant because his master's life depended on the bravery of his armor bearer. If the armor bearer decided to flee, his master would be left open to attacks on all sides and would be completely defenseless without his weapons.
It is very likely that David only served Saul a short time as armor bearer. For in 1 Samuel 17:55, after David defeats Goliath, Saul asks, "Whose son is this youth?" There is no mention of time, so we are not able to discern how long it might have been between David's service to Saul and David's defeat of Goliath. It is likely, however, that the evil spirit afflicting King Saul was making rapid progress. Saul's mind may have been affected and prevented the king from recalling to mind memories from the past.
This was an important time in David's life and training for God's destiny for him. For the first time, he lived in a royal court and had to learn the customs and manners he needed to know in order to be a king later in life.
David would take the harp and play: A harp is a lyre. It is the ancient version of the guitar. Unlike the large harps you find in orchestras, a lyre was small and easy to handle.
Saul would be refreshed and be well: God used David to minister to Saul. David was happy to be used. What seemed like a great arrangement would not last for long. God was at work in ways no one could see. We can easily see from a perspective of time, how God was laying the foundation for David to become a great king. But at the time, perhaps only Samuel knew God's intentions.
The evil spirit would depart from him: There are many instances which might be quoted of the beneficial effects of music and singing upon a disturbed spirit. The prophet Elisha would often call for a minstrel, and after listening to the music, would utter his prophecies. "Elisha said, 'As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you. But now bring me a minstrel.' And it came about, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him" (2 Kings 3:14-15). When the evil spirit would depart from Saul, it would only be for a short time. Eventually, the evil spirit would return, and David would once again have to soothe Saul with his musical abilities.
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