1 Samuel 17:45
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
Original Language Analysis
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔י
to the Philistine
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔י
to the Philistine
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
4 of 21
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
בְּחֶ֖רֶב
to me with a sword
H2719
בְּחֶ֖רֶב
to me with a sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
8 of 21
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וּבַֽחֲנִ֣ית
and with a spear
H2595
וּבַֽחֲנִ֣ית
and with a spear
Strong's:
H2595
Word #:
9 of 21
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
וּבְכִיד֑וֹן
and with a shield
H3591
וּבְכִיד֑וֹן
and with a shield
Strong's:
H3591
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, something to strike with, i.e., a dart
בְּשֵׁם֙
to thee in the name
H8034
בְּשֵׁם֙
to thee in the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
14 of 21
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
16 of 21
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֱלֹהֵ֛י
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֛י
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
17 of 21
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מַֽעַרְכ֥וֹת
of the armies
H4634
מַֽעַרְכ֥וֹת
of the armies
Strong's:
H4634
Word #:
18 of 21
an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
19 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)2 Chronicles 32:8With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Psalms 18:2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.1 Samuel 17:36Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.Isaiah 37:23Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.1 Samuel 17:10And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.Psalms 3:8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.Psalms 44:6For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.
Historical Context
'LORD of hosts' appears first in 1 Samuel 1:3 and becomes common in prophetic literature. The title encompasses both heavenly beings and Israel's armies as instruments of divine warfare. Its use here transforms individual combat into cosmic conflict.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to face challenges 'in the name of the LORD'?
- How does understanding spiritual conflict as cosmic warfare change your approach to opposition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
David's confession 'I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts' (YHWH tseva'ot) invokes God's identity as commander of heavenly armies. The contrast between Goliath's visible weapons and David's invisible allegiance encapsulates the battle's true nature. The title 'God of the armies of Israel' connects this conflict to Israel's covenant identity. David fought as Yahweh's representative, making victory certain regardless of natural circumstances.