1 Samuel Chapter 17 · Verse 31
And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְּשָּֽׁמְעוּ֙
were heard
H8085
וַיְּשָּֽׁמְעוּ֙
were heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הַדְּבָרִ֔ים
And when the words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֔ים
And when the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֣ר
spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וַיַּגִּ֥דוּ
they rehearsed
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֥דוּ
they rehearsed
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
לִפְנֵֽי
them before
H6440
לִפְנֵֽי
them before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 9
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 when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.
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.