Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 17:31

(31) He sent for him.—No doubt much more was said by the brave shepherd boy than the compiler of the history has preserved for us in the brief account here. David felt that supernatural strength had been communicated to him by the Spirit of God, which came upon him on the day of his anointing (1 Samuel 16:13), and it is probable that he had openly avowed his earnest desire of meeting the dreaded foe face to face. This had been reported to Saul. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Samuel 17:1-58

Whose Son Art Thou, Young Man? 1 Samuel 17:58 When this shepherd boy entered the royal presence with the ghastly trophy, his fingers clutching the hair of Goliath's head, the king looked at him with admiring wonderment, and put the plain, straightforward question of my text, 'Whose son art thou, young man?' It was natural that Saul should wish to know something of the antecedents of so brave a youth. I. If there is anything more utterly contemptible than for one who has risen a bit in the... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:1-58

CHAPTER XXIV.DAVID’S CONFLICT WITH GOLIATH1 Samuel 17:1-58.THESE irrepressible Philistines were never long recovering from their disasters. The victory of Jonathan had been impaired by the exhaustion of the soldiers, caused by Saul’s fast preventing them from pursuing the enemy as far, and destroying their force as thoroughly, as they might have done. A new attack was organized against Israel, headed by a champion, Goliath of Gath, whose height must have approached the extraordinary stature of... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Samuel 17:1-58

2. David and Goliath CHAPTER 17 1. Goliath of Gath, the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:1-11 ) 2. David’s errand and inquiry (1 Samuel 17:12-30 ) 3. David’s offer to fight Goliath (1 Samuel 17:31-40 ) 4. David’s victory (1 Samuel 17:41-54 ) 5. Saul’s inquiry (1 Samuel 17:55-58 ) Modern critics are practically unanimous in regarding the story of this chapter as unhistorical. One of the leading arguments they advance is the statement found in 2 Samuel 21:19 that the slayer of Goliath was... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 17:1-58

The time comes when both Saul and David are to be publicly proven as regards their fitness to rule over Israel. The Philistines, though previously defeated through Jonathan's faith, return to challenge Israel, but with a different approach. The armies of Israel occupy a height on one side of a valley and the Philistines similarly stationed on the other side. If one army wanted to attack, they would have to cross the valley and climb up the other side, which would put them at great... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:1-58

DAVID BEFORE SAUL AS A MINSTREL (1 Samuel 16:14-23 ) When it is said that “the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul” (1 Samuel 16:14 ), we have a further illustration of the distinction between the Spirit coming on a man and the Spirit dwelling within him. In the latter case we do not think of His departing from him (John 14:16 ; Romans 11:29 ), but in the former He may do so for more than one reason, but especially when the man through disobedience has placed himself outside the pale... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Samuel 17:1-58

Undeclared Royalty 1Sa 17:58 THAT is a very simple account for a man to give of himself, yet it answered the question which elicited it. Though but a stripling, David knew where to stop in his answers. On this occasion he could have startled Saul as Saul was never startled in his life, yet he held his peace! Truly, there is power in moderation; and truly, discretion is the supreme beauty of the valiant man. Notice with special care the exciting circumstances under which the answer was given.... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:30-32

(30) And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. (31) ¶ And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him. (32) And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. We may read this passage sweetly indeed, if we behold in it some faint outlines of Jesus, who in his gracious undertaking for our... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 17:31-39

31-39 A shepherd lad, come the same morning from keeping sheep, had more courage than all the mighty men of Israel. Thus God often sends good words to his Israel, and does great things for them, by the weak and foolish things of the world. As he had answered his brother's passion with meekness, so David answered Saul's fear with faith. When David kept sheep, he proved himself very careful and tender of his flock. This reminds us of Christ, the good Shepherd, who not only ventured, but laid down... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 1 Samuel 17:12-31

David Sent to the Camp v. 12. Now, David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-judah whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons; and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul, he was advanced in years and consequently felt the weakness of old age. v. 13. And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle, they were in the army which had been summoned to repel the invaders; and the names of his three sons that went to battle were Eliab, the... read more

Group of Brands