1 Samuel 17:52 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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1 Samuel 17:52

Comments

It was a great and a surprising victory, given to Israel by the Lord, contrary to the expectation of most of Israel. However, it was exactly what David had by faith told Goliath would happen. It was done in front of the two armies and every eye would have been glued to the proceedings. The shock to the Philistines at the fall of their champion must have been enormous. This giant was the man they had pinned their hopes on. How could anyone defeat such a massive man? But a mere youth had gone out there and done it, armed with nothing more than a sling. The insult that Goliath saw in Israel’s choice of opponent was confirmed. With all his armour and weaponry, and his armour bearer before him, he was unable to withstand this relatively inexperienced youth. It was a humiliation for the Philistines. The hearts of the people that had been so subdued suddenly found new courage, and they took full advantage, pursuing the Philistine army and gaining a great victory over them, and then returning to spoil their abandoned tents and baggage.David returns with the head of Goliath as evidence to all of the victory the Lord had given. He also brought back the armour of the giant as a memorial that God had kept his promise to preserve his people.

Application

Questions

Why did Saul not recognise David? ‘When Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth?’ Surely Saul would have recognised him! There are two possible explanations for this question. It is possible that some time since Saul last saw David, and the young man had changed his appearance since then. But the question is not ‘Who is this young man?’ but ‘Whose son is this youth?’ The passage does not necessarily imply that he didn't recognise him at all. All it says is that he asked whose son he was. He knew who he was. He had spoken to him before the battle. His words been reported to him. He had been his minstrel; he had been his favourite; he had been his armour bearer. Of course he recognised him. Saul had after all said that whoever felled this Philistine would have his daughter to wife, and that his father's house would be free in Israel (verse 25). He knew David, but he didn’t know anything about his family. He didn't know the details, the legal details, and so probably all he is doing is asking Abner to find out about the family. That is the traditional way of interpreting the passage among Reformed commentators.

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Introduction

1 Samuel 17:52 Commentary and Bible Study