3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. 4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was "armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. 6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. 7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. 8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? Am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. 9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. 10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day: give me a man, that we may fight together. • clothed. t or, gorget. c 2 Sam. 21. 19. d c. 8. 17. e ver. 26. 2 Sam. 21. 11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. 12 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. 13 And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the first-born; and next unto him, Abinadab; and the third, Shammah. 14 And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul. 15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem. 16 And the Philistine drew near, morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. 17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren: 18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. 19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. gc. 16. 10, 11. A c. 16. 11, 19. cheeses of milk. S'a thousand. i Gen. 37. 14. and good actions, the wind of the Spirit blows when and where he listeth. Now the pious Israelites lament their king's breach with Samuel. We have in these verses, I. The present state of his family. His father was old, (v. 12,) he went among men for an old man, was taken notice of for his great age, above what was usual at that time, and therefore was excused from public services, and went not in person to the wars, but sent his sons; he had the honours paid him that were due to his age, his hoary head was a crown of glory to him. David's three elder brethren who perhaps envied his place at the court, got their father to send for him home, and let them go to the camp, where they hoped to signalize themselves, and eclipse him, (v. 13, 14;) while David himself was so far from being proud of the services he had done his prince, or ambitious of further preferment, that he not only returned from court to the obscurity of his father's house, but to the care, and toil, and (as it proved, v. 34,) the peril, of keeping his father's sheep. It was the praise of this humility, that it came after he had the honour of a courtier; and the reward of it, that it came before the honour of a conqueror; before honour is humility. Now he had that opportunity of meditation and prayer, and other acts of devotion, which fitted him for what he was destined to, more than all the military exercises of that inglorious camp could do. V. 12-30. Forty days the two armies lay encamped facing one another, each advantageously posted, but neither forward to engage. Either they were parleying, and treating of an accommodation, or waiting for recruits; and perhaps there were frequent skirmishes between small detached parties. All this while, twice a day, morning and evening, did the insulting champion appear in the field, and repeat his challenge; his own heart growing more and more proud for his not being answered, and 3. His challenge. The Philistines having chosen him for the people of Israel more and more timorous; while God detheir champion, to save themselves from the hazard of a battle, signed hereby to ripen him for destruction, and to make Israel's he here throws down the gauntlet, and bids defiance to the deliverance the more illustrious. All this while, David is keeparmies of Israel, v. 8-10. He came into the valley that laying his father's sheep, but at the end of forty days, Providence between the camps, and his voice, probably, being as much brings him to the field, to win and wear the laurel, which no other stronger than other people's as his arm was, he cried so as to Israelite dares venture for. make them all hear him, Give me a man, that we may fight together. He looks upon himself with admiration, because he was so much taller and stronger than all about him; his heart (says Bishop Hall) nothing but a lump of proud flesh. He looks upon Israel with disdain, because they had none among them of such a monstrous bulk, and defies them to find a man among them, bold enough to enter the lists with him. (1.) He upbraids them with their folly in drawing an army together, "Why are ye come to set the battle in array? How dare you oppose the mighty Philistines?" Or, "Why should the two armies engage, when the controversy may be sooner decided, with only the expense of one life, and the hazard of another?" (2.) He offers to put the war entirely upon the issue of the duel he proposes; "If your champion kill me, we will be your servants: if I kill him, you shall be ours.' This (says Bishop Patrick) was only a bravado, for no nation would be willing thus to venture its all upon the success of one man, nor is it justifiable; notwithstanding Goliath's stipulation here, when he was killed, the Philistines did not stand to his word, nor submit themselves servants to Israel. When he boasts, I am a Philistine, and you servants to Saul, he would have it thought a great piece of condescension in him, who was a chief ruler, to enter the lists with an Israelite; for he looked on them as no better than slaves. The Chaldee paraphrase brings him in, boasting that he was the man that had killed Hophni and Phinehas, and taken the ark prisoner; but that the Philistines had never given him so much as the command of a regiment in recompense of his services, whereas Saul had been made king for his services: "Let him therefore take up the challenge." 4. The terror this struck upon Israel; (v. 11,) Saul and all his army were greatly afraid. The people would not have been dismayed but that they observed Saul's courage failed him; and it is not to be expected, that if the leader be a coward, the followers should be bold. We found before, when the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul, (ch. 11. 6,) none could be more daring, more forward, to answer the challenge of Nahash the Ammonite; but now that the Spirit of the Lord was departed from him, even the big looks and big words of a single Philistine made him change colour. But where was Jonathan all this while? Why did not he accept the challenge, who, in the last war, had so bravely engaged a whole army of Philistines? Doubtless, he felt not himself stirred up of God to it, as he did then. As the best, so the bravest men, are no more than what God makes them. Jonathan must now sit still, because the honour of engaging Goliath is reserved for David. In great II. The orders his father gave him to go visit his brethren in the camp. He did not himself ask leave to go, to satisfy his curiosity, or to gain experience and make observations; but his father sent him on a mean and homely errand, which any of his servants might have done. He must carry some bread and cheese to his brethren, ten loaves with some parched corn for themselves, (v. 17,) and ten cheeses, which, it seems, he thought too good for them, but might be acceptable as a present to their colonel, v. 18. David must still be the drudge of the family, though he was to be the greatest ornament of it. He had not so much as an ass, at command, to carry his load, but must take it on his back, and yet run to the camp. Jesse, we thought, was privy to his being anointed, and yet industriously kept him thus mean and obscure, probably, to hide him from the eye of suspicion and envy, knowing that he was anointed to a crown in reversion. He must observe how his brethren fared, whether they were not reduced to short allowance, now that the encampment continued so long, that, if need were, he might send them more provisions. And he must take their pledge, that is, if they had pawned any thing, he must redeem it; take notice of their company, so some observe, whom they associate with, and what sort of life they lead; perhaps, David, like Joseph, had formerly brought to his father their evil report, and 20 And David rose up early in the morning, I riches, and will give him his daughter,' and make and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and his father's house free in Israel. went, as Jesse had commanded him: and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the 'fight, and shouted for the battle. 21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. 22 And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. 23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion (the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name) out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words:* and David heard them. 24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from "him, and were sore afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great 26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living "God? 27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. 28 And Eliab, his eldest brother, heard when he spake unto the men: and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 30 And he turned from him toward another, k ver. 8. 8 his face. Josh. 15. 16. m c. 14. 6. л Deut. 5. 26. o Gen. 37. 4, 8, 11. p Prov. 15. 1. engagement. Two considerations, it seems, fired David with a holy indignation. (1.) That the challenger was one that was uncircumcised, a stranger to God, and out of covenant with him. (2.) That the challenged were the armies of the living God, devoted to him, employed by him and for him, so that the affronts done to them, reflected upon the living God himself, and that he cannot bear. When therefore some had told him, what was the reward proposed for killing the Philistine, (v. 27,) he asked others, (v. 30,) with the same resentment, which he expected would at length come to Saul's ear. 6. How he was browbeaten and discouraged by his elder brother Eliab, who, taking notice of his forwardness, fell into a passion upon it, and gave David very abusive language, v. 28. Consider it, ⚫or, place of the carriage. c. 26. 5. tor, battle array, or, place of fiht. I the vessels from upon him. § asked his brethren of peace; as Judg. 18. 15. now he sends him to inquire concerning their manners. See the care of pious parents about their children when they are abroad from them, especially in places of temptation; they are solicitous how they conduct themselves, and particularly what company they keep. Let children think of this, and conduct themselves accordingly, remembering, that, when they are from under their parents' eye, they are still under God's eye. III. David's dutiful obedience to his father's command. His prudence and care made him be up early, (v. 20,) and yet not to leave his sheep without a keeper, so faithful was he in a few things, and therefore the fitter to be made ruler over many things; and so well had he learned to obey, before he pretended to command. God's providence brought him to the camp very seasonably, when both sides had set the battle in array, and, as it should seem, were more likely to come to an engagement than they had yet been, all the forty days, v. 21. Both sides were now preparing to fight. Jesse little thought of sending his son to the army, just at that critical juncture, but the wise God orders the time and all the circumstances of actions and affairs, so as to serve his designs of securing the interests of Israel, and advancing the man after his own heart. Now observe here, 1. How brisk and lively David was, v. 22. What articles | he brought, he honestly took care of, and left them with those that had the charge of the bag and baggage; but though he had come a long journey with a great load, he ran into the army, to see what was doing there, and to pay his respects to his bre-honour in the camp, (from which he thought he had found means thren. Seest thou a man thus diligent in his business? He is in the way of preferment, he shall stand before kings. 2. How bold and daring the Philistine was, v. 23. Now that the armies were drawn out into a line of battle, he appeared first to renew his challenge, vainly imagining that he was in the eager chase of his own glory and triumph, whereas really he was but courting his own destruction. 3. How timorous and faint-hearted the men of Israel were. Though they had, for forty days together, been used to his haughty looks and threatening language, and, having seen no execution done by either, might have learned to despise both; yet, upon his approach, they fled from him, and were sore afraid, v. 24. One Philistine could never thus have chased a thousand Israelites, and put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock, being treacherously forsaken by them, had justly sold them, and shut them up, Deut. 32. 30. 4. How high Saul bid for a champion. Though he was the tallest of all the men of Israel, and, if he had not been so, while he kept close to God, might himself have safely taken up the gauntlet wlrich this insolent Philistine threw down, yet, the Spirit of the Lord being departed from him, he durst not do it, nor press Jonathan to do it: but whoever will do it, shall have as good preferment as he can give him, v. 25. If the hope of wealth and honour will prevail with any man to expose himself so far, it is proclaimed, that the bold adventurer, if he come off, shall marry the king's daughter, and have a good portion with her but, as it should seem, whether he come off or no, his father's house shall be free in Israel, from all toll, tribute, custom, and services to the crown; or shall be ennobled, and advanced to the peerage. (1.) As the fruit of Eliab's jealousy. He was the eldest brother, and David the youngest, and, perhaps, it had been customary with him (as it is with too many elder brothers) to trample upon him, and take every occasion to chide him. But those who thus exalt themselves over their juniors, may perhaps live to see themselves, by a righteous providence, abased, and those whom they are abusive to exalted. Time may come when the elder may serve the younger. But Eliab was now vexed that his younger brother should speak those bold words against the Philistine which he himself durst not say. He knew what honour David had had already in the court, and if he should now get him effectually to seclude him, v. 15,) the glory of his elder brother would be eclipsed and stained; and therefore, (such is the nature of jealousy,) he would rather that Goliath should triumph over Israel, than that David should be the man that should triumph over him. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous, but who can stand before envy, especially the envy of a brother, which Jacob, and Joseph, and David here experienced the keenness of? See Prov. 18. 19. It is very ill-favoured language that Eliab here gives him; not only unjust and unkind, but, at this time, basely ungrateful; for David was now sent by his father, as Joseph by his, on a kind visit to his brethren. Eliab intended, in what he said, not only to grieve and discourage David himself, and quench that noble fire which he perceived glowing in his breast, but to represent him to those about him as an idle proud lad, not fit to be taken notice of. He gives them to understand that his business is only to keep sheep, and falsely insinuates that he was a careless, unfaithful shepherd; though he had left his charge in good hands, (v. 20,) yet he must tauntingly be asked, With whom hast thou left those few sheep? Though he came down now to the camp in obedience to his father and kindness to his brethren, and Eliab knew it, yet this is turned to his reproach; "Thou art come down, not to do any service, but to gratify thy own curiosity, and only to look about thee;" and from thence he will infer the pride and naugh tiness of his heart, and pretends to know it as certainly as if he were in his bosom. David could appeal to God concerning his humility and sincerity, (Ps. 17. 3.-131. 1,) and at this time gave proofs of both, and yet could not escape this hard character from his own brother. See the folly, absurdity, and wickedness, of a proud and envious passion; how groundless its jealousies are, how unjust its censures, how unfair its representations, how bitter its invectives, and how indecent its language. God, by his grace, keep us from such a spirit! 5. How much concerned David was to assert the honour of God and Israel against the impudent challenges of this champion. He asked what reward was promised to him that should slay this Philistine, (v. 26,) though he knew already; not be- (2.) As a trial of David's meekness, patience, and constancy; cause he was ambitious of the honours, but because he would a short trial it was, and he approved himself well in it: for, have it taken notice of, and reported to Saul, how much he re- [1.] He bore the provocation with admirable temper; (v. 29,1 sented the indignity hereby done to Israel and Israel's God."What have I now done? What fault have I committed, for He might have presumed so far upon his acquaintance and in- which I should thus be chidden? Is there not a cause for my terest at court, as to have gone himself to Saul to offer his ser- coming to the camp, when my father sent me? Is there not a vice; but his modesty would not let him do that; it was one of cause for my resenting the injury done to Israel's honour by Golihis own rules, before it was one of his son's proverbs, Put not ath's challenge ?" He had right and reason on his side, and knew forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the it, and therefore did not render railing for railing, but with a soft place of great men, (Prov. 25. 6;) yet his zeal put him upon answer turned away his brother's wrath. This conquest of his that method, which, he hoped, would bring him into this great own passion was, in some respects, more honourable than that and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. 31 And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul; and he 'sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him: thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock; 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear; • word. † look. Deut. 20. 2, 3. 1 or, kid. r Ps. 11. 1. 18. 17. 77. 11. 2 Cor. 1. 10. 2 Tim. 4. 17, 18. of Goliath. He that hath rule over his own spirit, is better than the mighty. It was no time for David to quarrel with his brother, when the Philistines were upon them. The more threatening the church's enemies are, the more forbearing her friends should be with one another. [2.] He broke through the discouragement with admirable resolution. He would not be driven off from his thoughts of engaging the Philistine, by the ill will of his brother. Those that undertake great and public services, must not think it strange if they be discountenanced and opposed by those from whom they had reason to expect support and assistance; but must humbly go on with their work, in the face not only of their enemies' threats, but of their friends' slights and suspicions. V. 31-39. David is at length presented to Saul for his champion, (v. 31,) and he bravely undertakes to fight the Philistine; (v. 32,) Let no man's heart fail because of him: it would have reflected too much upon the valour of his prince, if he had said, Let not thy heart fail; therefore he speaks generally, Let no man's heart fail. A little shepherd, come but this morning from keeping sheep, has more courage than all the mighty men of Israel, and encourages them. Thus does God often send good words to his Israel, and do great things for them, by the weak and foolish things of the world. David only desires a commission from Saul to go and fight with the Philistine, but says nothing to him of the reward he had proposed, because that was not the thing he was ambitious of, but only the honour of serving God and his country: nor would he seem to question Saul's generosity. Two things David had to do with Saul; I. To get clear of the objection Saul made against his undertaking. Alas," says Saul, "thou hast a good heart to it, but art by no means an equal match for this Philistine: to engage with him, is to throw away a life which may better be reserved for more agreeable services: thou art but a youth, rash and inconsiderate, weak and unversed in arms; he is a man that has the head and hands of a man, a man of war, trained up and inured to it from his youth, (v. 33,) and how canst thou expect but that he will be too hard for thee?" David, as he had answered his brother's passion with meekness, so he answered Saul's fear with faith, and gives a reason of the hope which was in him, that he should conquer the Philistine to the satisfaction of Saul. We have reason to fear that Saul had no great acquaintance with, or regard to, the word of God, and therefore David, in reasoning with him, fetched not his arguments and encouragements from thence, how much soever he had an eye to that in his own mind: but he argues from experience; though he was but a youth, and never in the wars, yet perhaps he had done as much as the killing of Goliath came to; for he had, by divine assistance, spirit enough to encounter, and strength enough to subdue, a lion once, and another time a bear, that robbed him of his lambs, (v. 34-36:) to these he compares this uncircumcised Philistine; looks upon him to be as much a ravenous beast as either of them, and therefore doubts not but to deal as easily with him; and hereby gives Saul to understand, that he was not so unexperienced in hazardous combats as he took him to be. 1. He tells his story like a man of spirit; he is not ashamed to own that he kept his father's sheep, which his brother had just now upbraided him with; so far is he from concealing it, that from his employment as a shepherd, he fetches the experience that now animated him. But he lets those about him know that he was no ordinary shepherd. Whatever our profession or calling is, be it ever so mean, we should labour to excel in it, and do the business of it in the best manner. When David kept sheep, (1.) He approved himself very careful and tender of his flock, though it was not his own, but his father's. He could not see a lamb in distress but he would venture his life to rescue it. This temper made him fit to be a king, to whom the lives of the subjects should be dear, and their blood precious, (Ps. 72. 14,) and fit to be a type of Christ, the good Shepherd, who gathers the lambs in his arms, and carries them in his bosom, (Is. 40. 11,) and who not only ventured, but laid down, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. 37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. 38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 39 And 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. 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. 8 c. 20. 13. 1 Chr. 22. 11, 16. clothed David with his clothes. lor, valley. ¶ vessel. his life for the sheep. Thus too was David fit to be an example to ministers, with the utmost care and diligence to watch for souls, that they be not a prey to the roaring lion. (2.) He approved himself very bold and brave in the defence of his flock. This was that which he was now concerned to give proof of, and better evidence could not be demanded than this! "Thy servant not only rescued the lambs, but, to revenge the injury, slew both the lion and the bear." 2. He applies his story like a man of faith. He owns (v. 37) it was the Lord that delivered him from the lion and the bear; to him he gives the praise of that great achievement, and from thence he infers, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. "The lion and the bear were enemies only to me and my sheep, and it was in defence of my own interest that I attacked them; but this Philistine is an enemy to God and Israel, defies the armies of the living God, and it is for their honour that I attack him.' Note, (1.) Our experiences ought to be improved by us, as our encouragements to trust in God, and venture in the way of duty. He that has delivered, does and will. (2.) By the care which common Providence takes of the inferior creatures, and the protection they are under, we may be encouraged to depend upon that special Providence which surrounds the Israel of God. He that sets bounds to the waves of the sea and the rage of wild beasts, can and will restrain the wrath of wicked men. St. Paul seems to allude to this of David; (2 Tim. 4. 17, 18,) "I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, and therefore, I trust, the Lord shall deliver And perhaps David here thought of the story of Samson, and encouraged himself with it; for his slaying of a lion was a happy presage of his many illustrious victories over the Philistines in single combat. me." Thus David took off Saul's objection against his undertaking, and gained a commission to fight the Philistine, with which Saul gave him a hearty good wish; since he would not venture himself, he prayed for him that would, Go, and the Lord be with thee. A good word, if it was not spoken customarily and in a formal manner, as too often it is. II. But David has somewhat to do likewise, to get clear of the armour wherewith Saul would, by all means, have him dressed up, when he went upon this great action; (v. 38,) He armed David with his armour; not that which he wore himself, the disproportion of his stature would not admit that, but some that he kept in his armoury; little thinking that he on whom he now put his helmet and coat of mail, must shortly inherit his crown and robe. David, being not yet resolved which way to attack his enemy, girded on his sword, not knowing, as yet, but he should have occasion to make use of it; but he found the armour would but encumber him, and would be rather his burden than his defence, and therefore he desires leave of Saul to put them off again; I cannot go with these, for I have not proved them, that is, "I have never been accustomed to such accoutrements as these." We may suppose Saul's armour to be very fine and very firm; but what good would it do David, if it were not fit, or if he knew not how to manage himself in it? Those that aim at things above their education and usage, and covet the attire and armour of princes, forget that that is the best for us, which we are fit for and accustomed to; if we had our desire, we should wish to be in our own coat again, and should say, "We cannot go with these;" we had therefore better go with out them. V. 40-47. We are now coming near this famous combat, and have in these verses the preparations and remonstrances made on both sides. I. The preparations made on both sides for the encounter. The Philistine was already fixed, as he had been daily for the last forty days; well might he go with his armour, for he had sufficiently proved it. Only we are told, (v. 41,) that he came on and drew near; a signal, it is likely, being given that his challenge was accepted, and, as if he distrusted his helmet and coat of mail, a man went before him, carrying his shield; for his own hands are full with his sword and spear, v. 45. But what arms and ammunition is David furnished with? Truly 41 And the Philistine came on, and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy," and of a fair countenance. 43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 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." 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls "of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands. 48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that t Ps. 123. 4. 1 Cor. 1. 27-29. u c. 16. 12. 11. 33. 28. 2 Sam. 3. 8. 2 Kings 8. 13. 8. 125. 1. 2 Cor. 3. 5. Heb. a Deut. 28. 26. Matt. 24. none but what he brought with him as a shepherd; no breastplate, or corsclet, but his plain shepherd's coat; no spear, but his staff; no sword or bow, but his sling; no quiver, but his scrip; nor any arrows, but, instead of them, five smooth stones picked out of the brook, v. 40. By this it appeared that his confidence was purely in the power of God, and not in any sufficiency of his own; and that, now at length, he who put it into his heart to fight the Philistine, put it into his head with what weapons to do it. II. The conference which precedes the encounter. In which observe, 1. How very proud Goliath was. (1.) With what scorn he looked upon his adversary, v. 42. He looked about, expecting to meet some tall strong man; but when he saw what a mean figure he made, with whom he was to engage, he disdained him, thought it below him to enter the lists with him, fearing that the contemptibleness of the champion he contended with would lessen the glory of his victory. He took notice of his person, that he was but a youth, not come to his strength, ruddy and of a fair countenance, fitter to accompany the virgins of Israel in their dances, (if mixed dancing was then in use,) than to lead on the men of Israel in their battles. He took notice of his array with great indignation; (v. 43,) "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? Dost thou think to beat me as easily as thou dost thy shepherd's dog?" (2.) With what confidence he presumed upon his success. He cursed David by his gods, imprecating the impotent vengeance of his idols against him, thinking those fireballs thrown about him would secure him success: and therefore in confidence of that, he darts his menaces, as if threatening words would kill; (v. 44,) "Come to me, and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of the air; it will be a tender and delicate feast for them." Thus the security and presumption of fools destroy them. 2. How very pious David was. His speech savours nothing of ostentation, but God is all in all in it, v. 45-47. (1.) He derives his authority from God. "I come to thee, by warrant and commission from heaven, in the name of the Lord, who has called me to, and animated me for, this undertaking; who, by his universal providence, is the Lord of hosts, of all hosts; and therefore has power to do what he pleases; and, by the special grace of his covenant, is the God of the armies of Israel, and therefore has engaged, and will employ, his power for their protection, and against thee who hast impiously defied them." The name of God David relied on, as Goliath did on his sword and spear. See Ps. 20. 7.-118. 10, 11. (2.) He depends for success upon God, v. 46. David speaks with as much assurance as Goliath had done, but upon better ground: it is his faith that says, "This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand; and not only thy carcass, but the carcasses of the host of the Philistines, shall be given to the birds and beasts of prey. David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. 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. 51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off "his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron: and the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. 53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled 'their tents. 54 And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem: but he put his armour in his tent. 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. b Josh. 4. 24. 1 Kings 8. 43. 18. 36. 2 Kings 19, 19. Ps. 46. 10. Is. 52. 10. c Ps. 44. 6, 7. Hos. 1. 7. Zech. 4. 6. d 2 Chr. 20. 15. e 1 Kings 22. 34. Judg. 3. 31. 15. 15. gc. 21. 9. 2 Sam: 23. 21. Pa. 7. 15, 16. A ver. 46. i Heb. 11. 34. k Josh. 15. 33, 36, 45. Jer. 30. 16. m c. 16. 21, 22. that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear, (v. 47,) but can, when he pleases, save without either and against both, Ps. 46. 9. David addresses himself to this combat rather as a priest that was going to offer a sacrifice to the justice of God, than as a soldier that was going to engage an enemy of his country. V. 48-58. Here is, 1. The engagement between the two champions, v. 48. To this engagement, (1.) The Philistine advanced with a great deal of state and gravity: if he must encounter a pigmy, yet it shall be with the magnificence of a giant and a grandee. This is intimated in the manner of expression. He arose, and came, and drew nigh, like a stalking mountain, overlaid with brass and iron, to meet David. (2.) David advanced with no less activity and cheerfulness, as one that aimed more to do execution, than to make a figure; he hasted, and ran, being lightly clad, to meet the Philistine. We may imagine with what tenderness and compassion the Israelites saw such a pleasing youth as this, throwing himself into the mouth of destruction; but he knew whom he had believed, and for whom he acted. 2. The fall of Goliath in this engagement. He was in no haste, because in no fear, but confident that he should soon at one stroke cleave his adversary's head: but while he was preparing to do it solemnly, David did his business effectually, without any parade; he slang a stone which hit him in the forehead, and, in the twinkling of an eye, fetched him to the ground, v. 49. He knew there were famous slingers in Israel, (Judg. 20. 16,) yet was either so forgetful or presumptuous, as to go with the beaver of his helmet open, and thither, to the only part left exposed, not so much David's art, as God's providence, directed the stone, and brought it with such force that it sunk into his head, notwithstanding the impudence with which his forehead was brazened. See how frail and uncertain life is, even then when it thinks itself best fortified, and how quickly, how easily, and with how small a matter, the passage may be opened for life to go out and death to enter. Goliath himself has not power over the spirit to retain the spirit, Ec. 8.8. Let not the strong man glory in his strength, nor the armed man in his armour. See how God resists the proud, and pours contempt upon those that bid defiance to him and his people. None ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. One of the rabbins think, that when Goliath said to David, Come, and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of the air, he drew up his head so hastily, that his helmet fell off, and so left his broad forehead a fair mark for David. To complete the execution, he drew Goliath's own sword, a two-handed weapon for David, and with it cut off his head, v. 51. What need had David to take a sword of his own? His enemy's sword shall serve his purpose, when he has occasion for one. God is greatly glorified, when his proud enemies are cut off with their own sword, and he makes their own tongues to fall upon them, Ps. 64. 8. David's victory over Goliath was typical of the triumphs of the Son of David over Satan and all the powers of darkness, whom he spoiled, and made a show of them openly, (Col. 2. 15;) and we through him are more than conquerors. (3.) He devotes the praise and glory of all to God. He did not, like Goliath, seek his own honour, but the honour of God; not doubting but by the success of this action, [1.] All the world should be made to know that there is a God, and that the God 3. The defeat of the Philistines' army hereupon. They res of Israel is the one only living and true God, and all other pre- lied wholly upon the strength of their champion, and therefore, tended deities are vanity and a lie. [2.] All Israel (whom he when they saw him slain, they did not, as Goliath had offered, calls not this army, but this assembly, or church, because they throw down their arms and surrender themselves servants to were now religiously attending the goings of their God and Israel, (v. 9,) but took to flight, being wholly dispirited, and thinkKing, as they used to do in the sanctuary) all Israel shall knowing it to no purpose to oppose one before whom such a mighty VOL. I.-88 ( 697 ) 56 And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is. 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. 58 And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite. CHAPTER XVIII. In the close of the foregoing chapter we left David in triumph; now in this chapter stant attendant, v. 2. 2. Jonathan's covenant friend, v. 1, 3, 4. 3. The dar we have, I. The improvement of his triumphs; he soon became, 1. Saul's con ling of his country, v. 5, 7, 16. II. The allays of his triumphs. This is the vanity that accompanies even a right work, that for it a man is envied, Ec. 4. 4. So David was by Saul, 1. He hated him, and sought to kill him himself, v. 811. 2. He feared him, and contrived how he might have some mischief done him, v. 12-17. Proposed to marry his daughter to him; but, (1.) Cheated him of the eldest to provoke him, (v. 19,) and, (2.) Gave him the younger, upon conditions which would endanger his life, v. 20-25. But David performed his conditions bravely, (v. 26, 27,) and grew to be more and more esteemed, v. 2830. Still David is rising, but (as all that aim at the crown of life must expect) he had a great deal of difficulty and opposition to grapple with. it to than was knit with the soul of David; and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. 5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war; and he was accepted in the Sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. 6 And it came to pass, as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that "the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7 And the women answered one another as they said, Saul hath slain his thousands, of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jona- and David his ten thousands. n ver. 54. o ver. 12. a Gen. 44. 30. b-ver. 3. c. 19. 2. 20. 17. 2 Sam. 1. 26. 4. David's disposal of his trophies, v. 54. He brought the head of the Philistine to Jerusalem, to be a terror to the Jebusites, who held the strong hold of Zion: it is probable that he carried it in triumph to other cities; his armour he laid up in his tent; only the sword was preserved behind the ephod in the tabernacle as consecrated to God, and a memorial of the victory to his honour, ch. 21. 9. 5. The notice that was taken of David. Though he had been at court formerly, yet, having been for some time absent, (v. 15,) Saul had forgotten him, being melancholy and mindless, and little thinking that his musician should have spirit enough to be his champion; and therefore, as if he had never seen him before, he asked whose son he was. Abner was a stranger to him, but brought him to Saul himself, (v. 57;) and he gave a modest account of himself, v. 58. And now he was introduced to the court with much greater advantages than before; in which he owned God's hand performing all things for him. NOTES TO CHAPTER XVIII. V. 1-5. David was anointed to the crown, to take it out of Saul's hand, and over Jonathan's head; and yet here we find, I. That Saul, who was now in possession of the crown, reposed a confidence in him, God so ordering it that he might by his preferment at court be prepared for future service. Saul now took him home with him, and would not suffer him to return again to his retirement, v. 2. And David having signalized himself above the men of war, in taking up the challenge which they declined, Saul set him over the men of war, (v. 5;) not that he made him general, Abner was in that post, but perhaps captain of the lifeguard; or, though he was youngest, he ordered him to have the precedency, in recompense of his great services. He employed him in the affairs of government; and David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, showing himself as dutiful as he was bold and courageous. Those that hope to rule, must first learn to obey. He had approved himself a dutiful son to Jesse his father, and now a dutiful servant to Saul his master; those that are good in one relation, it is to be hoped will be so in another. II. That Jonathan, who was heir to the crown, entered into covenant with him: God so ordering it, that David's way might be the clearer, when his rival was his friend. 1. Jonathan conceived an extraordinary kindness and affection for him, v. 1, When he had made an end of speaking to Saul, he fell perfectly in love with him. Whether it refers to his conference with Saul before the battle, (ch. 17. 34-37,) or to that after, (v. 58,) in which it is probable much more was said than is there set down, is uncertain. But in both David expressed himself with so much prudence, modesty, and piety, such a felicity of expression, with so much boldness and yet so much sweetness, and all this so natural and unaffected, and the more surprising because of the disadvantages of his education and appearance, that the soul of Jonathan was immediately knit unto the soul of David. Jonathan had formerly set upon the Philistine army with the same faith and bravery that David had now attacked a Philistine giant: so that there was between then a very near resemblance of affections, dispositions, and counsels, which made their spirits unite so easily, so quickly, so closely, that they seemed but as one soul in two bodies. None had so much reason to dislike David as Jonathan had, because he was to put him by the crown, yet none regards him more. Those that are governed in their love by principles of wisdom and grace, will not suffer their affections to be alienated by any tor, Philistines. e Ex. 15. 20. Judg. 11. 34. three-stringed instruments. fc. 21. 11. secular regards or considerations: the greater thoughts will swallow up and overrule the lesser. 2. He testified his love to David by a generous present he made him, v. 4. He was concerned to see so great a soul, though lodged in so fair a body, yet disguised in the mean and despicable dress of a poor shepherd, and therefore takes care to put him speedily into the habit of a courtier, for he gave him a robe, and of a soldier, for he gave him, instead of his staff and sling, a sword and bow, and, instead of his shepherd's scrip, a girdle, either a belt or a sash; and, which made the present much more obliging, they were the same that he himself had worn, and (as a presage of what would follow) he stripped himself of them to dress David in them. Saul's would not fit him, but Jonathan's did; their bodies were of a size, a circumstance which well agreed with the suitableness of their minds. When Saul put these marks of honour on David, he put them off again, because he would first earn them, and then wear them; but now that he had given proofs of the spirit of a prince and soldier, he was not ashamed to wear the habits of a prince and soldier. David is seen in Jonathan's clothes, that all may take notice he is Jonathan's second self. Our Lord Jesus has thus showed his love to us, that he stripped himself to clothe us, emptied himself to enrich us; nay, he did more than Jonathan, he clothed himself with our rags, whereas Jonathan did not put on David's. 3. He endeavoured the perpetuating of this friendship: so entirely satisfied were they in each other, even at the first interview, that they made a covenant with each other, v. 3. Their mutual affection was sincere; and he that bears an honest mind startles not at assurances. True love desires to be constant. Those who love Christ as their own souls, will be willing to join themselves to him in an everlasting covenant. III. That both court and country agree to bless him: it is but seldom that they agree in their favourites; yet David was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also (which was strange) in the sight of Saul's servants, v. 5. The former cordially loved him, the latter could not for shame but caress and compliment him. And it was certainly a great instance of the power of God's grace in David, that he was able to bear all this respect and honour flowing in upon him of a sudden, without being lifted up above measure. Those that climb so fast, have need of good heads and good hearts: it is harder to know how to abound, than how to be abased. V. 6-11. Now begin David's troubles, and they not only tread on the heels of his triumphs, but take rise from them; such is the vanity of that in this world which seems greatest. I. He was too much magnified by the common people. Some time after the victory, Saul went a triumphant progress through the cities of Israel that lay next him, to receive the congratulations of the country. And when he made his public entry into any place, the women were most forward to show him respect, as was usual then in public triumphs, (v. 6,) and they had got a song, it seems, which they sang in their dances, (made by some poet or other, that was a great admirer of David's bravery, and was more just than wise, in giving his achievements in the late action the preference before Saul's,) the burden of which was, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. Such a difference as this, Moses made between the numbers of Ephraim and Manasseh, Deut. 33. 17. II. This mightily displeased Saul, and made him envy David, v. 8, 9. He ought to have considered that they referred only to this late action, and intended not to diminish any of Saul's former exploits; and that in the action now celebrated, it was undeniably true, that David, in killing Goliath, did, in effect, slay all the Philistines that were slain that day, and defeated the whole army; so that they did but give David his due: it may be, he that composed the song, only used a poetical liberty, and intended not any invidious comparison between Saul and David; or, if he did, it was below the great mind of a prince to |