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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:12-30

Forty days the two armies lay encamped facing one another, each advantageously posted, but neither forward to engage. Either they were parleying and treating of an accommodation or they were waiting for recruits; and perhaps there were frequent skirmishes between small detached parties. All this while, twice a day, morning and evening, did the insulting champion appear in the field and repeat his challenge, his own heart growing more and more proud for his not being answered and the people of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:26

And David spake to the men that stood by him ,.... Who were next to him, looking upon the Philistine, and hearing what he said: saying, what shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine , and taketh away the reproach from Israel ? which he asked not for the sake of the reward, but to observe the necessity there was of some man's engaging with him, and killing him, or otherwise it would be a reproach to Israel, and to signify that he had an inclination to attempt it: for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:20-30

A religious man's view of things. The facts are— 1 . David arrives at the camp just as preparations are being made for battle. 2 . While with his brethren he hears the defiance of Goliath, and observes the dismay of Israel. 3 . Being informed of the inducement offered by Saul for any one to slay Goliath, he makes particular inquiries as to the facts, and suggests the vanity of the defiance. 4 . His inquiries arouse the jealousy of Eliab, who imputes to him unhallowed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:25-27

To defy Israel. Rather, "to cast scorn on," "to dishonour Israel" (see on 1 Samuel 17:10 ). The king will enrich him with great riches,... and make his father's house free in Israel. Many years must have elapsed before Saul could thus have developed the powers of the crown, and the last words show that contributions were levied from all the households in Israel for the support of the king and his retinue. There had manifestly been a great advance since the day when Jesse sent the king a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 17:26

The living God - This fine expression occurs first in Deuteronomy (marginal reference), and next in Joshua 3:10, and 2 Kings 19:4. We find it twice in the Psalms of David Psalms 42:2; Psalms 84:2, four times in the prophets, and frequently in the New Testament. It is generally in contrast to false gods (1 Thessalonians 1:9, etc.). read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 17:25-26

1 Samuel 17:25-26. The king will make his father’s house free Free from all those tributes and charges which either the court or the camp required. Who is this uncircumcised Philistine? &c. Thus David expresses a high indignation that they, who were the servants of the living God, and fought under his banners, should be thus terrified by the great bulk of this idolater, as if the strength of God were not greater than that of this giant. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:1-58

Goliath’s challenge and defeat (17:1-58)The Philistines again assembled their troops to fight against Israel (17:1-3). As often happened in ancient warfare, the invaders challenged the defenders by calling for a contest between the champions of the two sides (4-11). At this time David was back on his father’s farm at Bethlehem, for he did not need to remain at Saul’s court when Saul was away directing affairs on the battlefield (12-16).When circumstances later brought David to the scene of the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 17:26

men . Heb, 'enosh. App-14 . defy = reproach. God. Hebrew. Elohim . App-4 . "Living", always in contrast with idols. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 17:1-58

2. The reason for God’s selection of David ch. 17The exciting story of David and Goliath illustrates what it was that God saw in David’s heart that led Him to choose David for the position of king. It also shows how and why others in Israel began to notice David. David fought the Lord’s battles, as Samuel did (ch. 7). He also did so as Saul, God’s previously anointed king, had done (chs. 10-11, 14-15).Saul’s defeat of the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1-11) followed Saul’s anointing (1 Samuel 10:1).... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 17:26-30

David’s interest in God’s reputation 17:26-30David seems to have considered himself capable of defeating Goliath from the first time he heard of Goliath’s insults to Yahweh. The fact that he referred to Yahweh as the "living God" (1 Samuel 17:26) shows David’s belief that Yahweh was still the same Person who could defeat present enemies as He had done in the past. His was the simple faith of a child. He had apparently heard about God’s promises to Moses and Joshua, that if the Israelites would... read more

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