1 Samuel 17

1 Samuel 17

McGee - Some people believe that David chose five smooth stones so that if he missed his first shot, he could use one or all of the others. David did not intend to miss, friend. Then why did he select five stones? The answer is found in 2 Sa 21:22: “These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.” Goliath had four sons, and David was sure they would come out when he killed their father. This is why David picked up five stones. That was the number he needed. THOUGHT - Kitto - the sling and the stone would both have been useless, had not the Spirit of God, guided the hand of David; and in like manner must the Christian be convinced that the means which are given to him of contending with sin (Ro 8:13+), are only efficacious because “it is God that worketh in us to will and to do.” Philippians 2:13+ (Note also the recurrent pattern/principle of God's Sovereignty and Man's Responsibility - David did not "let go, let God" for he must cast the stone that God guides to the target! See the vitally important truth of the "Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible" Dave Roper: You might wonder why David chose five stones. You would think that faith would lead him to take only one. It is inviting to assume that he did it because Goliath did have four brothers, and David was going to take them all. I am inclined to think, however, that David realized the giant might not fall the first time. There might have to be repeated efforts to bring him down, but he would come down. When he marched out to meet Goliath, David's word was, "The Lord has already delivered you into my hands." He was certain of victory. But he knew it might take repeated attempts. Hebrews 6 tells us it is by faith and patience that we inherit the promises. The application of faith in one instance may not be enough, but the victory is certain. And if we continue to apply the principles, and we are not defeated and discouraged, and we do not give up and quit but we keep moving out in obedience against the giants in our life, God will bring those giants down. The problem is that we are tempted to quit too soon. We sling one rock and miss, and then give up.(1 Samuel 17:1-49 David and Goliath) Bob Roe: Sermon on 1 Samuel 17:31-54 Leading up to this confrontation between David and Goliath, we have seen some principles. Number one: the Philistines are intruders in the land. The land was given to the Israelites in a covenant God made with Abraham, reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob, and then reaffirmed again through the people he had Moses and Joshua lead to the promised land. But, even though the land was promised to them by God, they were forced to fight for it. Canaan is not a picture of heaven. There will be no fights in heaven. It is a picture of resting in God in the middle of the battles down here. The battles we are fighting are already won. We are to fight from a position of rest, depending on God's resources and God's schedule. Our enemies have been defeated in Christ and our job is to possess the land by faith. The Philistines are invaders in the land. Number two: the Philistines are to be exterminated. As long as they are around, they will be a warlike, hostile, uncircumcised people. They had been a thorn in the side of Israel for years because they had never been totally exterminated. The Israelites, on the other hand, owned the land because God graciously gave it to them not because they earned it. He marked this covenant with them by the sign of circumcision. Circumcision was not only God's sign of the seed promise [in Genesis to Abraham] but also the sign of the land promise. So, every Israelite male in that army standing on the cliff across the valley from the Philistines had a mark on his body that said, "This land is mine. God gave it to me, and I have t he right to it forever." Yet there they stood, marked by God, letting an enemy, who had no right to be there, immobilize them. Number three: as long as Goliath held the Israelites at bay, he was a reproach and a disgrace to them. They were the "armies of t he living God," yet they were terrorized by one uncircumcised Philistine. If we allow the Goliaths in our lives to possess us, we are disgraced in the same way. We need to realize that and to never make peace with them. Look at Joshua. He rid Canaan of all the Goliaths, all the giants, except for those in the little Southwest corner of the land. They came back to haunt him. Number four: not only are Goliaths a reproach to us, but they also make a mockery of the living God. If we believe our God is God of the universe, that Jesus Christ maintains the universe by the word of his power, that he is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and we do not act like he is, we make a mockery of our God. NEW MANNERS AND CUSTOMS - Staff, Pouch, and Sling - The shepherd carried a staff, normally by holding it in the center. It was used as support in climbing hills, and to beat bushes and low brushwood in which the flock strayed, and where snakes and other reptiles might hide. Some of the staffs were curved at the upper end so that the shepherd could hook the neck or body of a sheep that had fallen down among rocks or into a hole and pull it out. Often the butt end of the staff was sharpened to a point so that it could be stuck into the ground, and used as a weapon to ward off wild animals. It was also used at times for correcting the sheep dogs and keeping them in subjection. Thus Goliath said: “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks (staves, KJV)” (1 Samuel 17:43)? The shepherd’s staff is mentioned in Genesis 32:10, Psalm 23:4, Micah 7:14, and many other places. The KJV scrip was a leather pouch carried by a shoulder strap, and used by shepherds and travelers to carry provisions. It was usually made of the skin of a young goat, and was stripped off whole and tanned. First Samuel 17:40 is the only passage in the Old Testament where it is mentioned, but reference is made to it in several places in the New Testament: Matthew 10:10; Mark 6:8; Luke 9:3, 10:4, 22:35–36. The sling was made of leather, or plaited work of wool, rushes, hair, or sinews. The middle part, where the stone lay, was called the cup (Hebrew, caph) because of its cup-like depression. It was wider than the ends, but the sling gradually narrowed toward the ends so that it could be easily handled. In the Egyptian sling, which was probably the same as the Hebrew, there was a loop at one end that was placed over the thumb to hold the weapon secure when the stone was hurled by releasing the other end. The sling was used by shepherds to keep wild animals away from the flock, and also to keep the sheep from straying. Husbandmen (farmers) also used it to drive birds away from the grain fields, as did those who cared for vineyards. In war the sling was a formidable weapon in skillful hands. The Egyptian slinger carried a bag of round stones in a pouch hanging from his shoulder, as David did. The Assyrians, however, according to their sculptures, had lying at their feet a heap of pebbles, which they picked up as they were needed. In using the sling, the stone was put into the broad hollowed part (cup), the ends were grasped together in one hand, and then the sling was whirled around the head, or on one side, to give it impetus, and then one end of the sling was released as the cup moved in the direction of the target, which sent the stone flying on its way. Often the stone struck with sufficient force to penetrate a helmet or shield, or, in Goliath’s case, with sufficient force to sink the stone into his forehead and knock him unconscious. A weapon so peculiar in its formation and so great in its power was appropriately referred to as an illustration of swift and certain destruction. Thus Abigail said to David: “Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling” (1 Samuel 25:29). Thus the Lord said to Jeremiah: “I will hurl (sling, KJV) out those who live in this land; I will bring distress on them” (Jeremiah 10:18). The figure in both these passages is drawn, not from the destructive power of the sling, but from the ease and rapidity with which, by a practiced hand, the stone was hurled from it. The Benjamites were so skillful in the use of this weapon that among the Benjamite soldiers there were “seven hundred chosen men who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss” (Judges 20:16). The youthful David also showed great skill, since he hurled the pebble with such precision and force that it struck Goliath in the forehead and brought him to the ground (1 Samuel 17:49–50). 1 Samuel 17:41 Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. KJV 1 Samuel 17:41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. NET 1 Samuel 17:41 The Philistine kept coming closer to David, with his shield bearer walking in front of him. CSB 1 Samuel 17:41 The Philistine came closer and closer to David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. ESV 1 Samuel 17:41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. NIV 1 Samuel 17:41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. NLT 1 Samuel 17:41 Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, NRS 1 Samuel 17:41 The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. NJB 1 Samuel 17:41 The Philistine, preceded by his shield-bearer, came nearer and nearer to David. NAB 1 Samuel 17:41 With his shield-bearer marching before him, the Philistine also advanced closer and closer to David. YLT 1 Samuel 17:41 And the Philistine goeth on, going and drawing near unto David, and the man bearing the buckler is before him, 1 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TWO OPPOSING FORCES ADVANCE Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him - The force of evil personified advances against the force of God personified in David and his sling. Good versus evil. God's man versus Satan's man. The stage is set for one of the most famous battles of history of the world! Someone wrote "Obviously, because of Goliath’s size and experience, it was not a “fair” fight. But to add to even that, it was two against one! Goliath had an armor bearer with him." Actually, it was not a fair fight for Goliath, for it was 2 against 2, David and His omnipotent God! 1 Samuel 17:42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. BGT 1 Samuel 17:42 καὶ εἶδεν Γολιαδ τὸν Δαυιδ καὶ ἠτίμασεν αὐτόν ὅτι αὐτὸς ἦν παιδάριον καὶ αὐτὸς πυρράκης μετὰ κάλλους ὀφθαλμῶν LXE 1 Samuel 17:42 And Goliath saw David, and despised him; for he was a lad, and ruddy, with a fair countenance. KJV 1 Samuel 17:42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. NET 1 Samuel 17:42 When the Philistine looked carefully at David, he despised him, for he was only a ruddy and handsome boy. CSB 1 Samuel 17:42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a youth, healthy and handsome. ESV 1 Samuel 17:42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. NIV 1 Samuel 17:42 He looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him. NLT 1 Samuel 17:42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. NRS 1 Samuel 17:42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. NJB 1 Samuel 17:42 When the Philistine looked David up and down, what he saw filled him with scorn, because David was only a lad, with ruddy cheeks and an attractive appearance. NAB 1 Samuel 17:42 When he had sized David up, and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance, he held him in contempt. YLT 1 Samuel 17:42 and the Philistine looketh attentively, and seeth David, and despiseth him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a fair appearance. disdained: 1Ki 20:18 2Ki 18:23,24 Ne 4:2-4 Ps 123:3,4 2Co 11:27-29 a youth: 1Sa 17:33 16:12 1 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GOLIATH DISSES DAVID To diss someone means to treat them with with disrespect or contempt or make insulting remarks to them or about them. In this case the giant was making his "in your face" comments directly to David! When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance - To disdain someone means you treat as unworthy of your consideration or respect. Goliath clearly treats David with condescending contempt because of his external features (including his young age). This was not the first time David had been "disdained" because of his external features! (1Sa 16) Recall that even David's father Jesse, to a degree, disdained his own son, not even using his given name when replying to Samuel's question "Are these all the children?” And he (JESSE) said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” (1Sa 16:11+) Thousands of eyes were on David, looking at his external appearance, and all missed the fact that God was also there, looking at David's heart! Apple on resources for warfare The Wrong Kind of Resources 1. Our own might and weapons (1Sa 17:42 outwardly, David was not impressive when compared to Goliath; 1Sa 17:47) 2. Untested, unproved resources (1Sa 17:38 -39) the world's resources and methodology can just weigh us down The Right Kind of Resources 1. Slingshot and 5 smooth stones (1Sa 17:4a; 1 Cor. 1:27-28) 2. Meditation and Memorization of Word of God; prayer and praise and worship (study the Psalms; e.g. Ps.1:1-3) If the battle truly is “the Lord’s” (1Sa 17:47), how can we lay aside the weapons of the flesh and the folly of self-confidence and the despair of inadequacy and trust in the deliverance of the Lord of hosts? How can the Lord be glorified through our weaknesses? How can our “giants” be dealt with decisively so that they don’t keep revisiting us daily with taunts and threats? Mighty [Goliath] looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy. 1 Samuel 17:42 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 17:32, 41–47 Baby Saybie, born as a “micro-preemie” at 23 weeks, weighed only 8.6 ounces. Doctors doubted Saybie would live and told her parents they’d likely have only an hour with their daughter. However, Saybie kept fighting. A pink card near her crib declared “Tiny but Mighty.” After five months in the hospital, Saybie miraculously went home as a healthy five-pound baby. And she took a world record with her: the world’s tiniest surviving baby. It’s powerful to hear stories of those who beat the odds. The Bible tells one of these stories. David, a shepherd boy, volunteered to fight Goliath—a mammoth warrior who defamed God and threatened Israel. King Saul thought David was ridiculous: “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33). And when the boy David stepped onto the battlefield, Goliath “looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy” (v. 42). However, David didn’t step into battle alone. He came “in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel” (v. 45). And when the day was done, a victorious David stood above a dead Goliath. When do you feel small and insignificant? How can you see God present with you and strengthening you despite insurmountable odds? God, I feel tiny today. Left to myself, there’s no way forward. But I trust You to be with me and guide me. I’m trusting in Your strength. 1 Samuel 17:43 The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. BGT 1 Samuel 17:43 καὶ εἶπεν ὁ ἀλλόφυλος πρὸς Δαυιδ ὡσεὶ κύων ἐγώ εἰμι ὅτι σὺ ἔρχῃ ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ ἐν ῥάβδῳ καὶ λίθοις καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ οὐχί ἀλλ᾽ ἢ χείρω κυνός καὶ κατηράσατο ὁ ἀλλόφυλος τὸν Δαυιδ ἐν τοῖς θεοῖς αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 17:43 And the Philistine said to David, Am I as a dog, that thou comest against me with a staff and stones? [and David said, Nay, but worse than a dog.] And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. KJV 1 Samuel 17:43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. NET 1 Samuel 17:43 The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you are coming after me with sticks?" Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods. CSB 1 Samuel 17:43 He said to David, "Am I a dog that you come against me with sticks?" Then he cursed David by his gods. ESV 1 Samuel 17:43 And the Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. NIV 1 Samuel 17:43 He said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. NLT 1 Samuel 17:43 "Am I a dog," he roared at David, "that you come at me with a stick?" And he cursed David by the names of his gods. NRS 1 Samuel 17:43 The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. NJB 1 Samuel 17:43 The Philistine said to David, 'Am I a dog for you to come after me with sticks?' And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. NAB 1 Samuel 17:43 The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?" Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods YLT 1 Samuel 17:43 And the Philistine saith unto David, 'Am I a dog that thou art coming unto me with staves?' and the Philistine revileth David by his gods, Am: 1Sa 24:14 2Sa 3:8 9:8 16:9 2Ki 8:13 cursed: Ge 27:29 Nu 22:6,11,12 Jdg 9:27 Pr 26:2 1 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GOLIATH CURSES DAVID BY HIS GODS The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" - It is interesting that Jews considered the Gentiles as in the category of dogs, although I doubt David had that thought in mind about Goliath. As we shall see, David's mind was set on the things above, and not on the things of this earth. The Philistine would not have made a good inductive Bible student where observation is the key ingredient, for he fails to observe David's sling and stones. The sticks were the "least of his problems," as he would soon, abruptly discover! When Goliath asked, “Am I a dog?” it was worse than it sounds. The Hebrew word for dog (keleb) is used in passages like Dt 23:18 for male homosexual prostitutes. And the Philistine cursed David by his gods - The foolishness and folly of false gods is to think that they are really gods and have any power to do anything. Dog (03611)(keleb) is used 32 times in the OT and is always translated dog. Keleb - 32x/31v - dog(14), dog's(2), dogs(16). Exod. 11:7; Exod. 22:31; Deut. 23:18; Jdg. 7:5; 1 Sam. 17:43; 1 Sam. 24:14; 2 Sam. 3:8; 2 Sam. 9:8; 2 Sam. 16:9; 1 Ki. 14:11; 1 Ki. 16:4; 1 Ki. 21:19; 1 Ki. 21:23; 1 Ki. 21:24; 1 Ki. 22:38; 2 Ki. 8:13; 2 Ki. 9:10; 2 Ki. 9:36; Job 30:1; Ps. 22:16; Ps. 22:20; Ps. 59:6; Ps. 59:14; Ps. 68:23; Prov. 26:11; Prov. 26:17; Eccl. 9:4; Isa. 56:10; Isa. 56:11; Isa. 66:3; Jer. 15:3 Baker - A masculine noun meaning a dog, a male prostitute. It refers to a large and varied group of canines, usually domesticated. In various contexts, it refers to a watchdog (Isa. 56:10, 11); a hunting dog (Ps. 22:16[17]); a stray dog (1 Ki. 14:11). The concept is used in figurative expressions of contempt: of a scorned person (1 Sam. 17:43); of abasing oneself (1 Sam. 24:14[15]; 2 Sam. 3:8); of a male cult prostitute (Deut. 23:18[19]). It was used in a mocking sense of a false sacrifice as if it were the sacrifice of a dog (Isa. 66:3), a pagan practice. The manner in which a dog lapped its water is noted in Judges 7:5. Dogs ate up Jezebel's dead body as a sign of reprobation toward her (2 Ki. 9:10, 36). Dogs were known to growl and be menacing in their demeanor (Ex. 11:7), but God protected His people from even this, figuratively, as they left Egypt. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament) Gilbrant - Occurring thirty-two times in the Hebrew Bible, this noun, which refers to a "dog," has cognates attested in virtually all Semitic languages. Most occurrences of dog imagery in the Hebrew Bible are negative. This is not the case throughout the rest of the ancient Near East, as canine deities were worshiped in a number of neighboring cultures. Indeed, in Mesopotamia, the dog deity was revered as a healing deity. Furthermore, dogs were understood as protective, given their loyalty and tenacity, and images of dogs adorned doorways and gateways. Dog imagery in Middle Hebrew likewise is not overwhelmingly negative. Comparison to a dog was among the ultimate slurs in the Hebrew Bible. To be treated as a dog was to be treated as a non-entity, probably with contempt (1 Sam. 17:43). Indeed, Job was shown contempt by those of such low status that they would not have compared to his dogs (Job 30:1). The status of dog is assumed by vassals before kings, both in the Hebrew Bible (2 Sam. 9:8) and throughout the ancient Near East (especially common in the Tell el-Amarna letters, as the Palestinian vassals declare they are dogs before the addressee of their letters, Pharaoh; political equals referred to themselves as "brother" of Pharaoh). The imagery of the dog as a scavenger is employed numerous times in the Hebrew Bible. In Prov. 26:11, one finds a simile which states, "Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly." That dogs hunt in packs and prey upon weaker creatures serves as a metaphor for the psalmist oppressed by his enemies (Pss. 22:16; 59:6, 14; Isa. 56:10f). Dogs normally roamed the streets of the city, eating whatever they could find. Thus the imagery of dogs devouring the flesh of Jezebel and lapping Ahab's blood represent the most ignominious death imaginable, more so than normal exposure (1 Kings 21:19ff). (Complete Biblical Library) 1 Samuel 17:44 The Philistine also said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field." BGT 1 Samuel 17:44 καὶ εἶπεν ὁ ἀλλόφυλος πρὸς Δαυιδ δεῦρο πρός με καὶ δώσω τὰς σάρκας σου τοῖς πετεινοῖς τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τοῖς κτήνεσιν τῆς γῆς LXE 1 Samuel 17:44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh to the birds of the air, and to the beasts of the earth. KJV 1 Samuel 17:44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. NET 1 Samuel 17:44 The Philistine said to David, "Come here to me, so I can give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the field!" CSB 1 Samuel 17:44 "Come here," the Philistine called to David, "and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts!" ESV 1 Samuel 17:44 The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field." NIV 1 Samuel 17:44 "Come here," he said, "and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" NLT 1 Samuel 17:44 "Come over here, and I'll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!" Goliath yelled. NRS 1 Samuel 17:44 The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field." NJB 1 Samuel 17:44 The Philistine said to David, 'Come over here and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the wild beasts!' NAB 1 Samuel 17:44 and said to him, "Come here to me, and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field." YLT 1 Samuel 17:44 and the Philistine saith unto David, 'Come unto me, and I give thy flesh to the fowl of the heavens, and to the beast of the field.' Come to me: 1Ki 20:10,11 Pr 18:12 Ec 9:11,12 Jer 9:23 Eze 28:2,9,10 Eze 39:17-20 I will give: Parallel instances of vaunting occur in some writers of a more recent date:--The conspirators against the emperor Maximinus having slain him, his son, and several of his best friends, threw out their bodies to be devoured by dogs and the fowls of the air. This custom appears to have been frequently threatened; and, however shocking to human feelings, was often carried into effect. 1 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GOLIATH'S FATAL LAST WORDS COMMAND TO COME The Philistine also said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field - With his gigantantic ego and in complete arrogance, Goliath seals his fate and issues his own death warrant with his command to COME! He is so convinced of his crushing victory that he "prophesies" David's crushed flesh will be fodder for the birds and beasts. Goliath will soon discover that he is a "false prophet," and that the Hebrews were commanded to kill false prophets (Dt 13:5+)! 1 Samuel 17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. BGT 1 Samuel 17:45 καὶ εἰπεν Δαυιδ πρὸς τὸν ἀλλόφυλον σὺ ἔρχῃ πρός με ἐν ῥομφαίᾳ καὶ ἐν δόρατι καὶ ἐν ἀσπίδι κἀγὼ πορεύομαι πρὸς σὲ ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου σαβαωθ θεοῦ παρατάξεως Ισραηλ ἣν ὠνείδισας σήμερον LXE 1 Samuel 17:45 And David said to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with sword, and with spear, and with shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord God of hosts of the army of Israel, which thou hast defied KJV 1 Samuel 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. NET 1 Samuel 17:45 But David replied to the Philistine, "You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel's armies, whom you have defied! CSB 1 Samuel 17:45 David said to the Philistine: "You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword, but I come against you in the name of Yahweh of Hosts, the God of Israel's armies-- you have defied Him. ESV 1 Samuel 17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. NIV 1 Samuel 17:45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. NLT 1 Samuel 17:45 David replied to the Philistine, "You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven's Armies-- the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. NRS 1 Samuel 17:45 But David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. NJB 1 Samuel 17:45 David retorted to the Philistine, 'You come to me with sword, spear and scimitar, but I come to you in the name of Yahweh Sabaoth, God of the armies of Israel, whom you have challenged. NAB 1 Samuel 17:45 David answered him: "You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted. YLT 1 Samuel 17:45 And David saith unto the Philistine, 'Thou art coming unto me with sword, and with spear, and with buckler, and I am coming unto thee in the name of Jehovah of Hosts, God of the ranks of Israel, which thou hast reproached. Thou comest: Ps 44:6 in the name: 2Sa 22:33-35 2Ch 32:8 Ps 3:8 18:2 20:5-7 118:10,11 124:8 Ps 125:1 Pr 18:10 2Co 3:5 10:4 Php 4:13 Heb 11:33,34 defied: 1Sa 17:10,26,36 Isa 37:23,28 1 Samuel 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MAN'S WEAPONS VERSUS YAHWEH'S NAME Then - This is another marker of significant progression in the narrative. David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin - These words reflect the way a fallen man (who's about to fall) sees the battle. Undoubtedly this is the way most everyone in the audience that day saw the impending battle. but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted - Note David's contrasting statement does not even mention specific weapons, but holds forth the Name of Yahweh as the only "Weapon" he had or needed! David is saying that he plus the LORD of hosts constitutes a majority and assured him of total victory over all the giant's military accoutrements. Apple - The Character of God " the Living God" (1Sa 17:36) "the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies" (1Sa 17:45) " there is a God in Israel" (1Sa 17:46) -- faithful, omnipotent, covenant God The world makes fun of the "simple" resources of the believer and would have us trust in the wrong type of resources MOTIVATION FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE A. Zealous for God's honor (1Sa 17:26) B. Legitimate desire for God-ordained rewards (1Sa 17:25-30) cf. our promised eternal rewards C. Simple obedience as a servant of God -- We have no other option DISCOURAGEMENTS / HINDRANCES TO WARFARE A. Unwise, unbelieving counsel from the very ones that should be encouraging us B. Enemy tries to belittle us and instill fear and doubt (1Sa 17:8) they were more than just "servants of Saul" -- they were the armies of the living God C. We need to learn how to transform our weaknesses into opportunities for God to show His amazing power (1Sa 17:47) D. Fear of Failure -- But isn't it greater fai lure not to have fought? VISION FOR VICTORY A. Single-minded Focus on Victory (1Sa 17:37,46) B. Extent of Victory (1Sa 17:50-54) C. Rewards / Benefits of Victory Believer's Study Bible - The terms of conflict were not at all as they appeared. David perceived the battle to be between blasphemous mortal man on one side, and the power of the Lord of hosts on the other. Clearly Goliath was outclassed F. B. Meyer in his devotional exposition of David lists some characteristics of those who truly battle as representatives of God, in the name of the Lord: (1) Their motives are pure -- Though David was accused of having evil motives, his motives were in fact pure. He was motivated by a true love for the LORD, and for the glory and honor of the Lord. (2) They are willing to let the Lord lead the battle. David did this at the prompting of God, not his own flesh. (3) They take no counsel with the flesh. David would not wear Saul’s armor. (4) They are willing to stand alone. David was willing to fight all alone. G Campbell