Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. Thus David prevailedThe phrase "Thus David prevailed" signifies the culmination of a divinely orchestrated victory. The Hebrew root for "prevailed" is "yakol," which means to be able, to have power, or to overcome. This victory is not just a physical triumph but a spiritual one, demonstrating God's power working through David. Historically, this moment marks a turning point for Israel, as David's faith and reliance on God set a precedent for future leadership. over the Philistine
The Philistines were a formidable enemy of Israel, often representing the forces of chaos and opposition to God's people. The term "Philistine" in Hebrew is "P'lishtim," which is derived from a root meaning "to roll" or "to wallow," possibly indicating their migratory nature. This victory over Goliath, a champion of the Philistines, symbolizes God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. with a sling and a stone
The use of "a sling and a stone" highlights the simplicity and humility of the means God uses to achieve His purposes. The sling, a common shepherd's tool, and the stone, a natural element, emphasize that God's power is not dependent on human strength or weaponry. This reflects the biblical theme that God often chooses the weak and the lowly to confound the mighty, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27. without a sword in his hand
The phrase "without a sword in his hand" underscores the miraculous nature of the victory. In ancient warfare, the sword was a symbol of power and might. David's lack of a sword illustrates that the battle belongs to the Lord, and it is His strength that brings victory. This serves as a reminder that God's ways are not our ways, and His deliverance often comes through unexpected means. he struck down the Philistine
"Struck down" in Hebrew is "nakah," which means to smite, hit, or kill. This action signifies the definitive defeat of Goliath, representing the triumph of God's anointed over the enemies of His people. It is a prophetic foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, as David is a type of Christ in the Old Testament narrative. and killed him
The finality of "and killed him" confirms the totality of the victory. In the context of the narrative, this act not only secures Israel's immediate safety but also establishes David's reputation as a leader chosen by God. It is a testament to the power of faith and obedience, as David's trust in God led to a victory that seemed impossible by human standards. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidA young shepherd boy, anointed by God to be the future king of Israel. Known for his faith and trust in God, David is a central figure in this account, demonstrating courage and reliance on God rather than conventional weapons. 2. GoliathA giant Philistine warrior who defied the armies of Israel. His defeat by David symbolizes the triumph of faith and God's power over human strength and intimidation. 3. PhilistinesA significant enemy of Israel during this period. Their challenge to Israel and their champion, Goliath, set the stage for this pivotal confrontation. 4. IsraelitesThe people of God, who were initially fearful and intimidated by Goliath's challenge. David's victory serves as a turning point for their morale and faith. 5. Valley of ElahThe location of the battle between David and Goliath. This geographical setting is significant as the place where God demonstrated His power through David. Teaching Points Faith Over FearDavid's victory over Goliath illustrates the power of faith in God over fear of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's strength rather than their own. God's SovereigntyThe account underscores God's control over events and His ability to use unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes. It reminds us that God often works through those who are underestimated by the world. Spiritual WeaponsDavid's use of a sling and stone, rather than a sword, symbolizes the effectiveness of spiritual weapons over physical ones. Believers are called to rely on prayer, faith, and God's Word in spiritual battles. Courage in ObedienceDavid's courage was rooted in his obedience to God. This teaches us that true courage comes from aligning our actions with God's will, even when it defies conventional wisdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's faith in God challenge us to face our own "giants" in life? Reflect on a personal situation where you need to trust God more. 2. In what ways does the account of David and Goliath illustrate the concept of spiritual warfare as described in Ephesians 6:10-18? 3. How can we apply the principle of relying on God's strength rather than our own abilities in our daily lives? 4. What does David's victory teach us about God's ability to use unlikely people and means to achieve His purposes? 5. How can we cultivate a heart like David's, one that is after God's own heart, in our personal walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16This chapter provides the background of David's anointing by Samuel, highlighting God's choice of David based on his heart rather than his outward appearance. Psalm 23Written by David, this psalm reflects his deep trust in God, similar to the faith he exhibited in facing Goliath. Hebrews 11This chapter, known as the "Faith Hall of Fame," includes references to the faith of Old Testament figures like David, emphasizing the power of faith in overcoming obstacles. Ephesians 6:10-18The "Armor of God" passage, which parallels David's reliance on spiritual strength rather than physical armor. People Abinadab, Abner, David, Elah, Eliab, Ephah, Goliath, Israelites, Jesse, Saul, ShammahPlaces Azekah, Bethlehem, Ekron, Ephes-dammim, Gath, Jerusalem, Shaaraim, Socoh, Valley of ElahTopics Band, Causing, David, David's, Death, Killed, Leather, Overcame, Philistine, Prevailed, Putteth, Slew, Sling, Smiteth, Smote, Stone, Stronger, Struck, Sword, Thus, Triumphed, WoundingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 17:50 5290 defeat
5776 achievement 1 Samuel 17:20-51 5658 boys 1 Samuel 17:32-54 5086 David, rise of 1 Samuel 17:34-50 8202 boldness 1 Samuel 17:34-51 5088 David, character 1 Samuel 17:38-50 4366 stones
5597 victory, act of God 1 Samuel 17:49-50 5538 sling Library The victory of Unarmed Faith
'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 …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureApril the Thirtieth the Test of victory
"David behaveth himself wisely." --1 SAMUEL xvii. 55--xviii. 5. The hour of victory is a more severe moral test than the hour of defeat. Many a man can brave the perils of adversity who succumbs to the seductions of prosperity. He can stand the cold better than the heat! He is enriched by failure, but "spoilt by success." To test the real quality of a man, let us regard him just when he has slain Goliath! "David behaved himself wisely"! He was not "eaten up with pride." He developed no "side." …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year April the Twenty-Ninth the Mood of Triumph
"I come to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts." --1 SAMUEL xvii. 38-54. The man who comes up to his foes with this assurance will fight and win. Reasonable confidence is one of the most important weapons in the warrior's armoury. Fear is always wasteful. The man who calmly expects to win has already begun to conquer. Our mood has so much to do with our might. And therefore does the Word of God counsel us to attend to our dispositions, lest, having carefully collected our material implements, …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year The Call of David.
"So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone."--1 Samuel xvii. 50. These words, which are taken from the chapter which you heard read just now in the course of the Service[1], declare the victory which David, the man after God's own heart, gained over Goliath, who came out of the army of the Philistines to defy the Living God; and they declare the manner of his gaining it. He gained it with a sling and with a stone; that is, by means, which to man might seem weak and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII How David Prevailed.
"So David prevailed over the Philistine!"--1 SAMUEL xvii. 50. Yes, he did, but he would not have done so if he had remained as quiet as the other Israelites. David was one of those who could not be easy so long as the enemies of his country were in the ascendant. To see a Philistine strutting about, defying the armies of the living God, was more than he could bear. Is not this the spirit which should animate Christians to-day? It is not one GOLIATH merely, there are many. DRUNKENNESS, PROFANITY, …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
John Knox, the great Scottish reformer, was born at Giffordgate, four miles from Haddington, Scotland, in 1505. He first made his appearance as a preacher in Edinburgh, where he thundered against popery, but was imprisoned and sent to the galleys in 1546. In 1547 Edward VI secured his release and made him a royal chaplain, when he acquired the friendship of Cranmer and other reformers. On the accession of Mary (1553) he took refuge on the Continent. In 1556 he accepted the charge of a church in Geneva, …
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I Hwochow Women's Bible Training School
COURSE OF STUDY FIRST TERM Book of Genesis. Gospel according to St. Luke or St. Mark. Acts of the Apostles, chapters i. to ix. "A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible." Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese Character. Arithmetic. Singing and Memorisation of Hymns. SECOND TERM Book of Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Samuel i. to xvi. The Gospel according to St. John. The Epistle of St James. "A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible"--(continued). Reading …
A. Mildred Cable—The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Shepherd-King
'And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt them mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel! fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided Me a king among his sons. 2. And Samuel said, How can I go? If Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. 3. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 17:50 NIV1 Samuel 17:50 NLT1 Samuel 17:50 ESV1 Samuel 17:50 NASB1 Samuel 17:50 KJV
1 Samuel 17:50 Commentaries
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