1 Samuel 17:49

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 17:49

And David put his hand in his bag ,.... The shepherd's scrip, in which he had put the five stones he took out of the brook: and took thence a stone ; and put it into his sling he had in his hand: and slang it , and smote the Philistine in his forehead ; it is made a difficulty of how he should smite him on his forehead, when he had a helmet of brass upon his head, 1 Samuel 17:5 ; in answer to this Kimchi observes, that some say, that when David said he would give his flesh to the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 17:49

Smote the Philistine in his forehead - Except his face, Goliath was everywhere covered over with strong armor. Either he had no beaver to his helmet, or it was lifted up so as to expose his forehead; but it does not appear that the ancient helmets had any covering for the face. The Septuagint however supposes that the stone passed through the helmet, and sank into his forehead: Και διεδυ ὁ λιθος δια της περικεφαλαιας εις το μετωπον αυτου , "and the stone passed through his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:41-51

The governing principle of life. The facts are— 1 . The Philistine, on observing the youth and simple weapons of David, disdains and curses him, and boasts of soon giving his flesh to bird and beast. 2 . David, in reply, declares that he comes in the name of God, and expresses his assurance that, in the speedy death of his foe, all men would learn that the battle is the Lord's. 3 . Goliath falls by means of the sling and stone. 4 . Seizing his sword, David cuts off his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:48-49

When the Philistine arose. Apparently he was seated, as was the rule with armies in ancient times when not engaged in conflict. When, then, he saw David emerge from the ravine, he rose, and, carrying his vast load of armour, moved slowly towards his enemy, trying to frighten him by his curses. David, meanwhile, in his light equipment, ran towards the army, Hebrew, "the rank," i.e. the Philistine line, in front of which Goliath had been sitting. As the giant's helmet had no visor, that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 17:48-49

1 Samuel 17:48-49. The Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh Like a stalking mountain. Having nothing but victory in his thoughts, he marched in a stately manner, pompously covered over with armour, and fearing nothing. But David, being loaded with no armour, ran nimbly toward him, so far was he from fear! David smote the Philistine in his forehead Which was bare, perhaps the proud giant contemning David so much as to neglect to pull down his helmet over his face, lifting up that part... 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

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 17:49

49. smote the Philistine in his forehead—At the opening for the eyes—that was the only exposed part of his body. 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 17:41-49

David’s victory by faith 17:41-49Goliath disdained David because the lad had no battle scars; he was not a warrior at all but simply a fresh-faced boy (1 Samuel 17:42). Goliath assumed that he would win because his physical power and armaments were superior. As often happens, pride preceded a fall (Proverbs 16:18).1 Samuel 17:45-47 give the clearest expression to David’s faith in Yahweh. He viewed Yahweh as the commander of Israel’s armies, a view of God that Saul never accepted but which made... read more

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