1 Samuel Chapter 17 · Verse 24
And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
Original Language Analysis
וְכֹל֙
H3605
וְכֹל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאִ֑ישׁ
And all the men
H376
הָאִ֑ישׁ
And all the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בִּרְאוֹתָ֖ם
when they saw
H7200
בִּרְאוֹתָ֖ם
when they saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאִ֑ישׁ
And all the men
H376
הָאִ֑ישׁ
And all the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וַיָּנֻ֙סוּ֙
fled
H5127
וַיָּנֻ֙סוּ֙
fled
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
7 of 10
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
מִפָּנָ֔יו
from him
H6440
מִפָּנָ֔יו
from him
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 10
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
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
And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
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.