1 Samuel 17:52-58

Unknown and yet well known.

The facts are—

1 . Stimulated by the exploit of David, the people complete their victory over the Philistines.

2 . David leaves his weapons in his tent and carries Goliath's head to Jerusalem.

3 . During the conflict Saul inquires who David was, but obtains no information, till, on presentation, David declares himself to be the son of Jesse. The summary of events here given brings out incidentally a fair illustration of general truths.

I. MULTITUDES ARE INSPIRED TO VIGOROUS ACTION BY THE INFLUENCE OF INDIVIDUAL HEROISM . The force of David's character passed beyond the death of Goliath: it infused fear into the Philistines and aroused the spirit of his countrymen. In this stimulating power we have one of the prime qualities of true leadership. The value of our actions lies much in this moral force. One of the difficulties of conflict in a good cause is to arouse enthusiasm, nourish courage, and incline men to exchange their lethargy for action. In the cause of Christ we have need to pray that he would raise up men fitted, by their heroic spirit, to arouse the slumbering energies of his people.

II. FORMER FRIENDS REAPPEAR UNDER A NEW GUISE . The stripling who befriended Saul in his military difficulties was the same as comforted him in his private sorrows. The deft fingers that once drew sweet music from the harp now used the stone that brought Saul's enemy to the earth. This was the second of the many acts of kindness rendered by the future to the present king, though Saul recognised not his quondam comforter under the new guise of chivalry. It is a happy circumstance when a man can enrich others by the exercise of diverse and unlooked for gifts, even when not recognised. By such merciful providences does God sometimes mitigate the misfortunes even of the undeserving.

III. THERE IS SOMETIMES IGNORANCE IN HIGH PLACES OF PERSONS AND QUALITIES WORTH KNOWING . For some time David had, next to Samuel, been the most beautiful character in Israel. This is a just inference from his choice and anointing by Samuel, the sweet charm of his music and song, his noble endurance of Eliab's base imputation ( 1 Samuel 17:28 , 1 Samuel 17:29 ), the simple story of the lion and bear, the tone of his address to Goliath, and the entire spirit displayed through the day. If moral and high spiritual qualities are of greatest permanent value to a nation, then David was, next to Samuel, Israel's greatest benefactor. And yet Saul and his officers knew him not. Concerned with the arm of flesh and the framework of national life, great authorities are often unaware of the presence of persons most important on account of their elevation of character. This will ever be true until the time comes when moral and spiritual considerations have their proper place in the councils of kings and princes. But though "unknown" in earthly courts, the holy and Christly have their record in the court of heaven, and are held in everlasting remembrance by him who delighteth in his saints and guards them as the apple of his eye.

General lessons : —

1 . We should pray God that the spirit of his chosen servants may become more prevalent in the Church.

2 . If our goodness is real, it will find out new forms of manifestation, and not refrain because men see not the personality that blesses.

3 . It may be useful to foster courage and hope for future conflicts in life by a frequent reminder of past victories, for the giant's head in Jerusalem was not without moral intent.

4 . It will be an encouragement to constancy in goodness to remember that while "unknown" we are "well known" ( 2 Corinthians 5:9 ).

HOMILIES BY B. DALE

1 Samuel 17:19-31 . (THE VALLEY OF ELAH.)

Self-conquest.

"What have I now done? Is there not a cause?" ( 1 Samuel 17:29 . Was it not a word? or, Was it anything more than a word?). In the conflict of life the first victory which every one should seek to achieve is the victory over himself. Unless he gain this, he is not likely to gain others, or, if he gain them, to improve them aright; but if, on the ether hand, he gain it, he is thereby prepared to gain others, and to follow them up with the greatest advantage. Such a victory was David's.

1 . He arrived at the wagon rampart when the host was about to make an advance; leaving there the things he carried, he ran into the ranks to seek his brethren; and, while talking with them, there stalked forth, as on previous days, the Philistine champion, at the sight of whom "all the men of Israel fled, and were sore afraid" ( 1 Samuel 17:24 ). The shepherd youth alone was fearless. There was in him more faith than in the whole army. And in conversing with the men around him he intimated the possible overthrow of this boastful giant, and the "taking away of the reproach from Israel," and expressed his amazement at the audacity of the man in "defying the ranks of the living God" (whose presence and power all appear to have forgotten).

2 . On hearing his words, and probably surmising that he entertained the thought of encountering the champion, Eliab was filled with envy and anger, and reproached him as being out of his proper place, as only fit to have the charge of a few sheep, and even neglectful of them, and as proud, discontented with his calling, bad-hearted, and delighting in the sight of strife and bloodshed, which, he said, he knew, however others might be deceived. Ah, how little did he really know of his brother's heart! But angry men are more desirous of inflicting pain than of uttering the truth.

3 . This language would have excited the fierce wrath of most persons. But David maintained his self-control, and gave the soft answer which "turneth away wrath." He thus obtained a victory which was hardly less noble than that which he shortly afterwards obtained over Goliath. Consider his self-conquest (with respect to the passion of anger) as -

I. ACHIEVED UNDER SEVERE PROVOCATION .

1 . The contemptuous reproach of a brother. From him at least better things might have been expected. But natural affection often vanishes before envy and anger ( Genesis 4:8 ), and is transformed into intense hatred. "There is no enemy so ready or so spiteful as the domestical" (Hall).

2 . An ungrateful return for kindness. David had come with valuable presents and kindly inquiries, and this was his reward.

3 . An unjust impugning of motives. "Eliab sought for the splinter in his brother's eye, and was not aware of the beam that was in his own; the very things with which he charged his brother were most apparent in his own scornful reproach" (Keil).

4 . An open attack upon reputation. His words were intended to damage David in the eyes of others, as unworthy of their confidence and regard. All these things were calculated to exasperate. "Thus David was envied of his own brethren, herein being a type of Christ, who was rejected of the Jews, being as it were the eldest brethren, and was received of the Gentiles" (Wilier). The followers of Christ are often exposed to similar provocation. "And the strength of a good soldier of Jesus Christ appears in nothing more than in steadfastly maintaining the holy calm, meekness, sweetness, and benevolence of his mind amidst all the storms, injuries, strange behaviour, and surprising acts and events of this evil and unreasonable world (J. Edwards).

II. EXHIBITING AN ADMIRABLE SPIRIT .

1 . Extraordinary meekness and forbearance in enduring reproach. "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding," etc. ( Proverbs 14:29 ; Proverbs 15:18 ; Proverbs 25:28 ).

2 . Firm and instant repression of angry passion. For it could hardly be but that a flash of indignation should glance into his breast; but "anger resteth in the bosom of fools" ( Ecclesiastes 7:9 ).

3 . Wise and gentle reserve in the language employed. It is as useless to reason with the wind as with an angry man. "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth," etc. ( Psalms 141:3 ).

4 . Continued and steadfast adherence to a noble purpose. David went on talking. after the same manner" ( 1 Samuel 17:30 ). We ought not to suffer ourselves to be turned from the path of duty by the reproach which we may meet therein, but we should rather pursue it more diligently than ever, and prove by our conduct the sincerity and rectitude of our spirit. "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" ( Proverbs 16:32 ). "It is better to conquer the deceitful lusts of the heart than to conquer Jerusalem" (St. Bernard).

"The bravest trophy ever man obtained

Is that which o'er himself, himself hath gained."

"When thou art offended by others, do not let thy mind dwell upon them, or on such thoughts as these:—that they ought not so to have treated thee; who they are; or whom they think themselves to be, and the like; for all this is fuel, and a kindling of anger, wrath, and hatred. But in such eases turn instantly to the strength and commands of God, that thou mayest know what thou oughtest to do, and that thine error be not greater than theirs. So shalt thou return into the way of peace" (Scupoli). And of this spirit Christ is the supreme pattern ( 1 Peter 2:21-23 ).

III. FOLLOWED BY A BENEFICIAL EFFECT .

1 . A sense of peace and Divine approbation. "Angels came and ministered unto him" ( Matthew 4:11 ). It is always thus with those who conquer temptation.

2 . The purifying and strengthening of faith, by means of the trial to which it is subjected ( 1 Peter 1:7 ; James 1:2 ).

3 . The commendation of character in the sight of others, who commonly judge of the truth of an accusation by the manner in which it is met, and naturally confide in a man of calmness, firmness, and lofty purpose. "They rehearsed them" (his words) "before Saul: and he sent for him" ( 1 Samuel 17:31 ).

4 . The preparation of the spirit for subsequent conflict. "Could the second victory have been achieved if he had failed in the first conflict? His combat with Goliath demanded an undimmed eye, a steady arm, and a calm heart, and if he had given way to stormy passion for only a brief season there would have been a lingering feverishness and nervousness, utterly unfitting him for the dread struggle on which the fate of two armies and two nations was depending" (C. Vince).—D.

1 Samuel 17:32-37 . (THE VALLEY OF ELAH.)

Faith's argument from experience.

"He will deliver me out of the hand of the Philistine" ( 1 Samuel 17:37 ). Many things tend to hinder the exercise and work of faith. Some of them arise from the heart itself. Others arise from the speech and conduct of other people. Such was the scornful reproach cast upon David by his eldest brother, and such the cold distrust with which he was at first regarded by Saul. But as he had doubtless overcome his own tendency to unbelief by recalling what God had done, so now by the same means he overcame the unbelief of the king, and excited his confidence and hope. "Let no man's heart fail," etc. ( 1 Samuel 17:32 ). "Thou art not able," etc. ( 1 Samuel 17:33 ). But "there was that in the language of this youth which recalled the strength of Israel, which seemed like the dawn of another morning, like the voice from another world" (Edersheim). "And Saul said unto David, Go, and Jehovah be with thee" ( 1 Samuel 17:37 ); thus displaying one of the best features of character he possessed after his rejection. We have here—

I. AN EXPERIENCE of great deliverances.

1 . Consisting of accomplished facts. "Thy servant kept his father's sheep," etc. ( 1 Samuel 17:34 , 1 Samuel 17:35 ). They were not imaginary, but real events.

2 . Occurring in personal history, and therefore the more certain and deeply impressed on the mind. How full is every individual life of instructive providential occurrences, if we will but observe them.

3 . Wrought by a Divine hand. "The Lord that delivered me," etc. ( 1 Samuel 17:37 ). Where unbelief perceives nothing but chance and good fortune a devout spirit sees "him who is invisible;" and the extraordinary success which the former attributes to man the latter ascribes to God.

4 . Treasured up in a grateful memory. "Therefore will I remember thee," etc. ( Psalms 42:6 ; Psalms 77:10 , Psalms 77:11 ). Experience is the collection of many particulars registered in the memory."

II. AN ARGUMENT for strong confidence. The argument—

1 . Rests upon the unchangeableness of God, and the uniform method of his dealings. "The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent" ( 1 Samuel 16:1-23 :29). Hence every instance of his help is an instruction and a promise, inasmuch as it shows the manner in which lie affords his aid, and gives assurance of it under like conditions. "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice" ( Psalms 63:7 ; Psalms 27:9 ). "This was a favourite argument with David. He was fond of inferring future interpositions from past. And the argument is good, if used cautiously and with just discrimination. It is always good if justly applied. The difficulty is in such application. The unchangeable God will always do the same things in the same circumstances. If we can be certain that cases are alike we may expect a repetition of his conduct" (A.J. Morris).

2 . Recognises similarity between the circumstances in which Divine help has been received and those in which it is expected, viz,

When there is so close a resemblance the argument is readily applied, and its conclusion irresistible.

3 . Regards the help formerly received as a pledge of personal favour, and an encouragement to expect not only continued, but still greater, benefits from him whose power and love are measureless. "I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion; and the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work," etc. ( 2 Timothy 4:17 , 2 Timothy 4:18 ; 2 Corinthians 1:10 ).

"Man's plea to man is that he never more

Will beg, and that he never begged before:

Man's plea to God is that he did obtain

A former suit, and therefore sues again.

How good a God we serve, that, when we sue,

Makes his old gifts the examples of his new"

(Quarles).

4. Is confirmed in practice as often as it is faithfully tested, and increases in force, depth, and breadth with every fresh experience of Divine help. "Oh, were we but acquainted with this kind of reasoning with God, how undaunted we should be in all troubles! We should be as secure in time to come as for the time past; for all is one with God. We do exceedingly wrong our own souls and weaken our faith by not minding God's favours. How strong in faith might old men be that have had many experiences of God's love if they would take this course! Every former mercy should strengthen our faith for a new, as conquerors whom every former victory encourageth to a new conquest" (Sibbes, 'Works,' 1:320).—D.

1 Samuel 17:38-54 . (EPHES-DAMMIM.)

David's conflict with Goliath.

"So David prevailed" ( 1 Samuel 17:50 ).

1 . David was specially prepared for the conflict by the whole of his previous life, and especially by his successful attack upon the lion and the bear, and his victory over himself.

2 . He was providentially led into the conflict. "Jesse little thought of sending his son to the army just in the critical juncture; but the wise God orders the time and all the circumstances of actions and affairs so as to serve his designs of securing the interest of Israel and advance the man after his own heart" (M. Henry).

3 . He was inwardly impelled to the conflict by the Spirit of the Lord that had come upon him ( 1 Samuel 16:13 ), and had formerly inspired Saul with fiery zeal against the Ammonites ( 1 Samuel 11:6 ). If he had gone into it in any other manner he would doubtless have failed.

4 . He rendered invaluable service to Israel by the conflict, not only thereby repelling the invasion of the Philistines, but also teaching them the spirit they should cherish, and the kind of king they needed. "It is not too much to assert that this event was a turning point in the history of the theocracy, and marked David as the true king of Israel, ready to take up the Philistine challenge of God and his people, and kindling in Israel a new spirit, and in the might of the living God bringing the contest to victory" (Edersheim).

5 . He became an appropriate type of Christ by the conflict. "It is a rehearsal of Christ's temptation and victory a thousand years afterwards" (Wordsworth's 'Com.').

6 . He was also an eminent pattern for Christians in the conflict; exhibiting the spirit which they should possess in their warfare with "the world, the flesh, and the devil." "David's contest with Goliath will only be apprehended in its true light if the latter be regarded as a representative of the world, and David the representative of the Church" (Hengstenberg). Notice—

I. THE WEAPONS which he chose ( 1 Samuel 17:38-40 ).

1 . He neglected not the use of weapons altogether. To have done so would have been rash and presumptuous; for it is God's method to grant success to those who employ the legitimate aids which he has provided for the purpose. Although David did not trust in weapons of war, he did not throw them away, but used them wisely. We must do the same in the spiritual conflict.

2 . He rejected the armour, defensive and offensive, which seemed to others indispensable. "I cannot go in these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him" ( 1 Samuel 17:39 ). Some weapons may appear to others, and even to ourselves, at first, to be the best, and yet not be really such. Some weapons may be suitable to others, but not to us. We must learn by experience. We must be simple, genuine, and true to ourselves. And above all, we must look for Divine guidance in the matter. "The weapons of our. warfare are not carnal," etc. ( 2 Corinthians 10:4 ).

3 . He selected the weapons which were most effective. "And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones," etc. ( 1 Samuel 17:40 )—selected them carefully, knowing well which were the best for his purpose; and he was not satisfied with one or two merely, but provided a reserve. His weapons were insignificant only in the view of the inconsiderate. They were the most suitable that can be conceived, and gave greatest promise of success; and his genius was shown in their selection. Intelligence was opposed to brute force. "It was just because the sling and the stone were not the weapons of Goliath that they were best fitted to David's purpose. They could be used at a distance from the enemy; they made his superior resources of no avail; they virtually reduced him to the dimensions and condition of an ordinary man; they did more, they rendered his extraordinary size a disadvantage; the larger he was, the better for the mark. David, moreover, had been accustomed in his shepherd life to the sling; it had been the amusement of his solitary hours, and had served for his own protection and that of his flock; so that he brought to his encounter with Goliath an accuracy of aim and a strength and steadiness of arm that rendered him a most formidable opponent" (A.J. Morris). The lesson here taught is not that anything will do to fight with, but that there must be in spiritual, as well as in secular, conflicts a proper adaptation of means to ends.

II. THE SPIRIT which he displayed ( 1 Samuel 17:41-48 ).

1 . Humility. His heart was not haughty and proud ( Psalms 131:1 ), as Eliab said it was, but humble and lowly. He was conscious of unworthiness before God, of utter weakness and insufficiency in himself, and ready to do and bear whatever might be the will of the Lord concerning him. Humility (from humus, the ground) lies in the dust, and is the root out of which true excellence grows. It is the first, the second, and the third thing in religion. "Before honour is humility" ( Proverbs 15:32 ). "He giveth grace to the humble." "Be clothed with humility."

2 . Faith. "I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts" ( 1 Samuel 17:45 ; see 1 Samuel 1:3 ). He looked beyond man to God, and relied upon his help. "He did not compare himself with Goliath, but he compared Goliath with Jehovah," who was the Leader and "God of the ranks of Israel." He believed, and therefore he spoke, and fought, and prevailed ( 2 Corinthians 4:13 ). "Although unarmed in the estimation of men, he was armed with the Godhead" (St. Ambrose).

3 . Zeal. He was little concerned about his own honour and renown, but he was "very jealous for the Lord God of hosts" ( 1 Kings 19:14 ). He heard the gods of the heathen extolled ( 1 Samuel 17:43 ), and the name of Jehovah blasphemed, and he was desirous above all things that he should be glorified. "All the earth shall know," etc. ( 1 Samuel 17:46 ). "All this assembly shall know," etc. ( 1 Samuel 17:47 ). When we fight for God we may confidently expect that he will fight for us. "The battle is the Lord's."

4 . Courage, which stood in contrast to the fear with which Israel was smitten, and was the fruit of his humility, faith, and zeal. It was shown in his calm and dauntless attitude in going forth against his opponent, in the presence of the two armies, in breathless suspense; in his bold and confident answer to the contemptuous challenge of the foe; and in his eagerness and energy in the actual conflict. "David hasted, and ran," etc. ( 1 Samuel 17:48 , 1 Samuel 17:49 , 1 Samuel 17:51 ). "So David prevailed."

III. THE VICTORY which he achieved. Not only was the boastful Philistine overthrown, speedily, signally, and completely, but also—

1 . The enemy fled in terror ( 1 Samuel 17:51 ), and their power was broken ( 1 Samuel 17:52 ).

2 . Israel was imbued with a new and better spirit ( 1 Samuel 17:52 , 1 Samuel 17:53 ).

3 . He himself was honoured—by God in giving him the victory and opening before him a wider sphere of activity, by the king ( 1 Samuel 17:55-58 ; 1 Samuel 18:2 ), and by all the people. Even the Philistines long afterwards held his name in dread ( 1 Samuel 21:11 ). "This first heroic deed of David was of the greatest importance to him and all Israel, for it was his first step on the way to the throne to which Jehovah had resolved to raise him" (Keil). "Raised by the nation, he raised and glorified it in return; and, standing at the crowning point of the history of the nation, he concentrates in himself all its brilliance, and becomes the one man of greatest renown in the whole course of its existence" (Ewald).—D.