1 Samuel 17:40
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקַּ֨ח
And he took
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֨ח
And he took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 22
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מַקְל֜וֹ
his staff
H4731
מַקְל֜וֹ
his staff
Strong's:
H4731
Word #:
2 of 22
a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)
בְיָד֑וֹ
in his hand
H3027
בְיָד֑וֹ
in his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 22
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַנַּ֡חַל
out of the brook
H5158
הַנַּ֡חַל
out of the brook
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
10 of 22
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם
and put
H7760
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם
and put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
11 of 22
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֹ֠תָם
H853
אֹ֠תָם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּכְלִ֨י
bag
H3627
בִּכְלִ֨י
bag
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
13 of 22
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הָֽרֹעִ֧ים
them in a shepherd's
H7462
הָֽרֹעִ֧ים
them in a shepherd's
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
14 of 22
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
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וּבַיַּלְק֖וּט
which he had even in a scrip
H3219
וּבַיַּלְק֖וּט
which he had even in a scrip
Strong's:
H3219
Word #:
17 of 22
a travelling pouch (as if for gleanings)
וְקַלְּע֣וֹ
and his sling
H7050
וְקַלְּע֣וֹ
and his sling
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
18 of 22
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
בְיָד֑וֹ
in his hand
H3027
בְיָד֑וֹ
in his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
19 of 22
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Historical Context
Ancient slings were devastating weapons in skilled hands, capable of speeds over 100 mph. Slingstones were effective military weapons used throughout the ancient Near East. David's selection of smooth stones shows practiced skill in choosing optimal ammunition.
Questions for Reflection
- What simple resources has God given you that the world might consider inadequate?
- How does David's careful preparation coexist with his complete trust in God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
The five smooth stones from the brook have generated much speculation - provision for Goliath's four brothers, or simple prudence? The shepherd's bag (yalqut) and sling represented David's proven equipment. 'He drew near' to the Philistine begins the climactic confrontation. David approached with weapons that seemed ridiculously inadequate, embodying the principle that God's power is made perfect in weakness.