1 Samuel Chapter 17 · Verse 32
And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 15
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִפֹּ֥ל
fail
H5307
יִפֹּ֥ל
fail
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
6 of 15
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
לֵב
heart
H3820
לֵב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
7 of 15
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אָדָ֖ם
Let no man's
H120
אָדָ֖ם
Let no man's
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
8 of 15
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
עָלָ֑יו
H5921
עָלָ֑יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יֵלֵ֔ךְ
H1980
יֵלֵ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
11 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
13 of 15
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:18Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.Psalms 3:6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.Isaiah 35:4Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.Numbers 14:9Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.Hebrews 12:12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;1 Samuel 14:6And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.
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 David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
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.