1 Samuel 17:50
So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֨ק
prevailed
H2388
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֨ק
prevailed
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 14
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
מִן
over
H4480
מִן
over
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
4 of 14
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
בַּקֶּ֣לַע
with a sling
H7050
בַּקֶּ֣לַע
with a sling
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
5 of 14
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and smote
H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
7 of 14
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
9 of 14
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וַיְמִתֵ֑הוּ
and slew
H4191
וַיְמִתֵ֑הוּ
and slew
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
10 of 14
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וְחֶ֖רֶב
him but there was no sword
H2719
וְחֶ֖רֶב
him but there was no sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
11 of 14
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
Cross References
Judges 15:15And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.1 Samuel 17:39And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.1 Samuel 23:21And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.1 Samuel 21:9And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.
Historical Context
The author's emphasis on David's lack of sword highlights the miraculous nature of victory. Standard combat required close-quarter weapons after initial engagement. David's victory subverted every military expectation of his era.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God deliberately use inadequate resources to ensure He receives glory for victories?
- What does this principle mean for your evaluation of your own resources for spiritual battles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
The narrative emphasizes 'there was no sword in the hand of David' - victory came through means humanly insufficient, ensuring God received glory. This verse summarizes the theological point: divine power, not human weaponry, determines outcomes. David's lack of conventional weapons made God's intervention unmistakable. The same pattern appears throughout Scripture: God chooses weak instruments to shame the strong.