1 Samuel 17:57
And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
Original Language Analysis
וּכְשׁ֣וּב
returned
H7725
וּכְשׁ֣וּב
returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מֵֽהַכּוֹת֙
from the slaughter
H5221
מֵֽהַכּוֹת֙
from the slaughter
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
3 of 14
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
of the Philistine
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
of the Philistine
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
5 of 14
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
אֹתוֹ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיְבִאֵ֖הוּ
him and brought
H935
וַיְבִאֵ֖הוּ
him and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לִפְנֵ֣י
him before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
him before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
with the head
H7218
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
with the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
12 of 14
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Historical Context
Presenting severed heads of defeated enemies was standard ancient Near Eastern practice, documented in Egyptian and Assyrian records. Such trophies served as proof of victory and were sometimes displayed publicly. Abner's role as military commander made him the appropriate intermediary for presenting a warrior to the king.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'trophies' of God's faithfulness can you point to as evidence of His work in your life?
- How does David's presentation before Saul illustrate the transition from hidden preparation to public ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
The visual image is striking: the young shepherd standing before the tall king, holding the severed head of the giant who had terrorized Israel's army. David carries the trophy that proves his victory - evidence that what seemed impossible through human strength became simple through faith. Abner's role in presenting David formally introduces him to court life. The Hebrew harag (slaughter) emphasizes the completeness of Goliath's defeat. This moment marks David's transition from obscure shepherd to public figure, a trajectory ordained by God but accomplished through faith-filled action.