Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
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 17:29

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 17:29

Is there not a cause ? - הוא דבר הלוא halo dabar hu . I believe the meaning is what several of the versions express: I have spoken but a word. And should a man be made an offender for a word? 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 17:28-29

Eliab's anger was kindled against David. As David, with growing indignation at an uncovenanted heathen thus dishonouring the subjects of the living God, puts eager questions to all around, his ehier brother angrily reproaches him with words full of contempt. Between the eldest and youngest of eight sons was a vast interval, and Eliab regards David's talk as mere pride , or, rather, "presumption," "impertinence;" and also as naughtiness , or badness, of heart , probably because he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:29-45

Three victories in one day. Here the history assumes the charm of romance, and David stands forth a hero above all Greek and Roman fame. By the grace of God he won three victories in quick succession. 1 . Over the spirit of auger. When David, shocked to see all Israel defied and daunted by one Philistine, showed his feeling to the men that stood by him, his eldest brother, Eliab, sneered at him openly, and taunted him with being fit only to keep sheep, or to look at battles which... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 17:29

Is there not a cause? - i. e., is not Saul’s promise, and the insolence of Goliath, a sufficent cause for what I am about to do? read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 17:29

1 Samuel 17:29 . David said, Is there not a cause? Of my thus speaking? Is this giant invincible? Is our God unable to oppose him, and subdue him? However, David is not deterred from his undertaking by the hard words of Eliab. They that undertake public services must not think it strange if they be opposed by those from whom they had reason to expect assistance; but must humbly go on with their work, in the face, not only of their enemies’ threats, but of their friends’ slights, suspicions,... 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

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 17:29

1 Samuel 17:29. What have I now done? Is there not a cause— What have I done, I have only just spoken a word. Houbigant. read more

Group of Brands