Bible Commentaries
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
1 Samuel 17
Now. Ch. 1 Samuel 17:1 reads on chronologically from 1 Samuel 16:13 (see note on 1 Samuel 16:14). An author's right is claimed for placing the later episode here (1 Samuel 16:14, 1 Samuel 16:23), in order to connect and contrast the two spirits with Saul and David. The canonical order alternates David's call and Saul"s. See notes on 1 Samuel 16:14; 1 Samuel 18:12.
champion. Hebrew. "ish-habbenayivl = "the man between the two [hosts]", or, the duellist. This accords with the subscription of Psa 8 (see note there)
Muth-labben = the death of the man between; i.e. the death of the champion (Goliath) which Psa 8 celebrates. Psa 144, which has the same words, "What is man" has for its title in Septuagint. "A Psalm of David concerning Goliath"(compare 1 Samuel 8:4 with Psalms 144:3). See 1 Samuel 17:23.
six. Note this number "6" stamped like a "hallmark" on this "man" (as on Nebuchadnezzar, Dan 3) Compare the six pieces of armour, verses: 1 Samuel 17:5-7.
cubits. See App-51.
span. See App-51.
And. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton in verses: 1 Samuel 17:5-7. App-6. Note the six pieces of armour thus emphasised; and see App-10.
shield. Hebrew zinnah, a shield of the largest size, covering the whole body. Same word in 1 Samuel 17:41, not 1 Samuel 17:6 and 1 Samuel 17:45.
eight sons. David was now between sixteen and seventeen years old. See note on 1 Samuel 16:5.
men. Hebrew "enosh. App-14.
for an old man. Septuagint and Syriac read "was old", advanced in years.
their pledge: i.e. a token from them of their welfare = a message or letter, or a lock of hair. Compare Genesis 37:13, Genesis 14:32, Genesis 14:33.
men. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.
man. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.
were sore afraid = feared exceedingly. Compare 1 Samuel 17:11.
men. Heb, "enosh. App-14.
defy = reproach.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4. "Living", always in contrast with idols.
Let no man's heart fail. Septuagint reads "Let not the heart of my lord fail".
man"s. Hebrew. "adam. App-14.
kept = was keeping. Compare 1 Samuel 16:11.
his. Some codices, quoted in the Massorah, read "my".
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) in verses: 1 Samuel 17:34-36.
them. The Septuagint adds "them" and reads "[Shall I not go and smite him, and turn aside reproach to-day from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine] that he hath", &c.
defied = reproached.
living God, Both these words in plural in Hebrew Compare 1 Samuel 17:26.
The LORD = Jehovah. App-4.
paw . . . hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for power put forth by it. App-6.
staff = club, one of the three equipments of the Eastern shepherd: crook for the sheep's help, club for sheep's defence, and the bag for himself.
ruddy. Compare 1 Samuel 16:12, 1 Samuel 16:13.
dog. No stronger term of contempt. 2 Kings 8:13. Matthew 15:26.
gods = god, as in Judges 16:23.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton in verses: 1 Samuel 17:46-47. give. Septuagint reads "give [thy limbs and] the carcasses", &c.
that there is a God in Israel = that Israel bath a God.
drew it out; showing that Goliath had not deigned to do so.
champion. Hebrew. gibbor = mighty man. App-14. Not the same word as in 1 Samuel 17:4 and 1 Samuel 17:23.
Jerusalem. Jerusalem (west of Moriah) had been taken by Judah, who dwelt there. The Jebusites were still holding Jebus, or Zion, the mount immediately south of Moriah. Compare Joshua 15:63. Judges 1:7, Judges 1:8. Zion was taken later by David. See 2 Samuel 5:7, and App-68.
whose son . . . ? Though Saul had just had an interview with David, he did not know his father, whom he had promised (1 Samuel 17:25) to make free in Israel. Note in all these passages (verses: 55, 56, 58) Saul's inquiry is not about David, but about David's father.
thy soul = thyself (emph.) Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.
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