1 Samuel 17:26-50

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:31-39

David is at length presented to Saul for his champion (1 Sam. 17:31) and he bravely undertakes to fight the Philistine (1 Sam. 17:32): Let no man's heart fail because of him. It would have reflected too much upon the valour of his prince if he had said, Let not thy heart fail; therefore he speaks generally: Let no man's heart fail. A little shepherd, come but this morning from keeping sheep, has more courage than all the mighty men of Israel, and encourages them. Thus does God often send good... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:40-47

We are now coming near this famous combat, and have in these verses the preparations and remonstrances made on both sides. I. The preparations made on both sides for the encounter. The Philistine was already fixed, as he had been daily for the last forty days. Well might he go with his armour, for he had sufficiently proved it. Only we are told (1 Sam. 17:41) that he came on and drew near, a signal, it is likely, being given that his challenge was accepted, and, as if he distrusted his helmet... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:48-58

Here is 1. The engagement between the two champions, 1 Sam. 17:48. To this engagement the Philistine advanced with a great deal of state and gravity; if he must encounter a pigmy, yet it shall be with the magnificence of a giant and a grandee. This is intimated in the manner of expression: He arose, and came, and drew nigh, like a stalking mountain, overlaid with brass and iron, to meet David. David advanced with no less activity and cheerfulness, as one that aimed more to do execution than to... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:27

And the people answered him after this manner ,.... Told him what was proposed to be done in honour to the man that should attempt to kill him, and succeed: saying, so shall it be done to the man that killeth him ; as before related, that he should be enriched, marry the king's daughter, and his family be ennobled, 1 Samuel 17:25 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:28

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men ,.... Heard the questions he put to them, by which he perceived his inclination: and Eliab's anger was kindled against David ; because what he had said carried in it a tacit reproach of him, and others, that they had not the courage, and did not attempt to encounter with the Philistine; or the displeasure he expressed was either out of affection to him, fearing, or being assured almost he would perish in the enterprise; or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:29

And David said, what have I now done ?.... That is criminal and blameworthy; as if he should say, I have only expressed an indignation against this uncircumcised Philistine, and a concern for the glory of God, and the honour of the people of Israel: is there not a cause ? either for his coming to the camp, being sent by his father; or of his expressing himself with indignation at the Philistine's defiance of the armies of Israel. Some take the sense to be, that he had done nothing, he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:30

And he turned from him towards another ,.... From his brother Eliab, to another person right against him, and directed his discourse to him: and spake after the same manner : as in 1 Samuel 17:26 ; inquiring what encouragement would he given to a man that should attempt to kill the Philistine, and expressing his concern to hear the armies of the living God defied by such a wretch: and the people answered him again after the former manner ; telling him what gratuities and honours... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:31

And when the words were heard which David spake ,.... To one, and to another, and these reported to other persons, and so they went from one to another through many hands: they rehearsed them before Saul ; coming to the ears of some of his courtiers and counsellors, or officers about him, they told him what such an one had said: and he sent for him ; to his tent or pavilion where he was, to talk with him on this subject. The whole of 1 Samuel 17:11 is wanting in the Septuagint... read more

Group of Brands