1 Samuel 17:55
And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִרְא֨וֹת
saw
H7200
וְכִרְא֨וֹת
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 24
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
שָׁא֜וּל
And when Saul
H7586
שָׁא֜וּל
And when Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 24
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יֹצֵא֙
go forth
H3318
יֹצֵא֙
go forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 24
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לִקְרַ֣את
against
H7125
לִקְרַ֣את
against
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
6 of 24
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔י
the Philistine
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔י
the Philistine
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
7 of 24
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
הַצָּבָ֔א
of the host
H6635
הַצָּבָ֔א
of the host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
12 of 24
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
בֶּן
whose son
H1121
בֶּן
whose son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 24
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
14 of 24
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
הַנַּ֖עַר
is this youth
H5288
הַנַּ֖עַר
is this youth
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
16 of 24
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
חֵֽי
liveth
H2416
חֵֽי
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
20 of 24
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
נַפְשְׁךָ֥
As thy soul
H5315
נַפְשְׁךָ֥
As thy soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
21 of 24
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Historical Context
Abner son of Ner was Saul's cousin and commander of Israel's army. His oath 'As thy soul liveth' was a standard ancient oath formula. Royal courts employed many servants, making individual recognition difficult. Saul's promise to reward Goliath's slayer with his daughter made family background essential for determining eligibility.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might God allow His chosen instruments to remain unknown to those in power until the appointed time?
- How does the contrast between David's obscure origins and his divine anointing encourage those who feel overlooked?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
Saul's question 'whose son is this youth?' raises interpretive questions since David had previously served in his court (16:21-23). The Hebrew na'ar (youth/servant) emphasizes David's lowly status. Several explanations exist: Saul's inquiry concerns David's family for marriage eligibility per his promise (17:25), his unstable mental state caused forgetfulness, or the narrative presents a separate tradition. Regardless, the theological point remains clear - Saul asked about David's earthly lineage while heaven had already declared David's true identity as God's anointed. Abner's inability to identify David underscores how God elevates the obscure to confound the mighty.