Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Samuel 17

• The Philistines were a constant threat during Saul’s rule (see 1 Samuel 14:47–52).

• Socoh in Judah was 22.5 kilometers (14 miles) west of Bethlehem, near Philistine land.

• Azekah was a few kilometers northwest of Socoh (the exact location of Ephes-dammim is unknown). The Philistines were invading Israelite territory.

The Valley of Elah was a fertile area running east to west, located 24 kilometers (15 miles) southwest of Bethlehem.

• champion: In ancient times, opposing forces would sometimes let chosen individuals from each side settle a conflict. This reduced casualties and other costs. This type of combat is shown in 2 Samuel 2:12–17.

• Gath was one of five Philistine cities known for having giants as citizens (2 Samuel 21:15–22).

Goliath was a huge, fully armored warrior, but he did not have God (a much stronger ally) on his side (1 Samuel 17:45–47).

Ephrathite: This means a person from Ephrath, which is another name for Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19; 1 Chronicles 4:4).

went back and forth: He worked as a musician and armor bearer for Saul (see 1 Samuel 16:19–23) while also managing his responsibilities at home. This irregular service might explain why Saul did not recognize David during the encounter with Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17:55–58).

• What will be done for the man: Compare with 1 Samuel 18:17–27. David wanted a reward, but he was more focused on stopping Goliath from insulting God (1 Samuel 17:45–47).

• uncircumcised: See study note on 1 Samuel 14:6.

Eliab was angry, possibly because he was jealous that David was chosen to be king instead of him (1 Samuel 16:6–13).

Your servant will go and fight him: David showed courage, while Saul showed fear (1 Samuel 17:11).

• A stream flowed through the valley of Elah (1 Samuel 17:2).

• A sling was a leather pouch with two leather straps. When spun quickly with a stone inside, releasing one strap would launch the stone at a target. David likely became very skilled with a sling as a shepherd, but warriors also used slings (Judges 20:16).

• ruddy: The same Hebrew word is translated “red” (Genesis 25:25). Here, it highlights David’s youth and inexperience.

• boy: Saul had expressed similar disbelief (1 Samuel 17:33). Goliath, as a champion, expected to face an Israelite warrior of equal status.

• a dog: This phrase is a metaphor (a word picture) for a low-status servant who bows and obeys others. Goliath used it to insult David and treat him as worthless (see 2 Samuel 9:8).

• sticks: David had hidden his sling. Goliath could see only David’s staff, so he thought David was coming with a simple weapon.

• by his gods: Goliath called on his gods, so David's win would also show God's victory over Dagon, the main god of the Philistines (see 1 Samuel 5:2, 5).

A body left for scavengers like birds and wild animals was considered severely cursed (see Deuteronomy 21:23; 28:26).

the LORD of Hosts: See study note on 1 Samuel 1:3. Even though the Philistines seemed stronger, David understood that Israel had the ultimate advantage with the one true God.

• Goliath's forehead was exposed under his very large helmet.

• he fell facedown: The stone only knocked Goliath out; David killed him by cutting off his head (1 Samuel 17:51).

• The Israelites chased the Philistines to Gath, which is about 9.7 kilometers (6 miles) west.

• Ekron, a Philistine city, is 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Gath.

• Shaaraim, a city in Judah, is near Azekah (1 Samuel 17:1).

Unless specifically forbidden (for example, 1 Samuel 15:3; Joshua 6:18), winning a battle allowed taking war spoils (Deuteronomy 2:35; Joshua 8:2).

Jerusalem became an Israelite city when David captured it from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6–7). Jerusalem was likely where David took Goliath's head after he became king. However, David might have brought it to Jerusalem earlier to scare the non-Israelite residents.

Considering 1 Samuel 16:14–23, it is surprising that neither Saul nor Abner recognized David. The events in 1 Samuel 17 might have occurred either before or long after David's occasional service mentioned in 1 Samuel 16. Saul likely ruled as king for forty-two years, as noted in 1 Samuel 13:1.