1 Samuel Chapter 17 · Verse 15
But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem.
Original Language Analysis
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
went
H1980
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וָשָׁ֖ב
and returned
H7725
וָשָׁ֖ב
and returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 11
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מֵעַ֣ל
H5921
מֵעַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לִרְע֛וֹת
to feed
H7462
לִרְע֛וֹת
to feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
6 of 11
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צֹ֥אן
sheep
H6629
צֹ֥אן
sheep
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
8 of 11
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
Historical Context
The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
- What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
- How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?
Analysis & Commentary
But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem.
The Goliath narrative demonstrates that human impossibilities create opportunities for divine glory. David's confidence rests not in weapons or military training but in the character of the God who delivered him from lion and bear. His declaration that 'the battle is the LORD's' establishes the theological principle that spiritual victory comes through faith in God's power rather than confidence in human strength. The contrast between Saul's armor (representing human methods) and simple shepherd's weapons (representing faith) teaches that God uses unexpected means to accomplish His purposes and receive glory.