1 Samuel 21:9
The priest replied, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one." And David said, "There is none like it; give it to me."
The priest replied
This phrase indicates a direct response from Ahimelech, the priest, to David. In the Hebrew context, the role of the priest was not only to perform religious duties but also to serve as a mediator between God and man. Ahimelech's response signifies the importance of divine provision and guidance in David's life, even in times of distress.

The sword of Goliath the Philistine
This sword is a significant artifact, symbolizing David's past victory over Goliath, a pivotal moment in his life. The mention of "Goliath the Philistine" serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and the triumph of faith over seemingly insurmountable odds. The sword represents God's faithfulness and the empowerment of His chosen servant.

whom you killed in the Valley of Elah
This phrase recalls the historical event where David, a young shepherd, defeated the giant Goliath. The "Valley of Elah" is a geographical location that holds historical and spiritual significance, marking the site of God's miraculous intervention. It serves as a testament to God's power working through those who trust in Him.

is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod
The sword's location "behind the ephod" suggests its sacredness and the reverence with which it was kept. The ephod, a priestly garment, symbolizes divine communication and guidance. The wrapping of the sword in a cloth indicates its preservation and the care taken to honor this symbol of God's past deliverance.

If you want it, take it, for there is no other but this one
Ahimelech offers the sword to David, acknowledging its uniqueness and the lack of alternatives. This highlights the theme of divine provision, where God provides exactly what is needed at the right time. The exclusivity of the sword underscores its significance as a tool of God's purpose.

And David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me'
David's response reflects his recognition of the sword's symbolic value. By stating "There is none like it," David acknowledges the uniqueness of God's past deliverance and expresses his faith in God's continued provision. His request to "give it to me" signifies his readiness to embrace God's provision and trust in His plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul. Known for his faith in God and his victory over Goliath.

2. Ahimelech
The priest at Nob who provides David with the sword of Goliath and consecrated bread.

3. Goliath
The Philistine giant defeated by David, whose sword is now in the possession of Ahimelech.

4. Nob
The city of priests where David seeks refuge and assistance.

5. Valley of Elah
The location where David defeated Goliath, a pivotal moment in his rise to prominence.
Teaching Points
God's Provision in Times of Need
David's encounter with Ahimelech demonstrates God's provision through unexpected means. Even in dire circumstances, God equips His people with what they need.

Symbol of Past Victories
The sword of Goliath serves as a tangible reminder of God's past deliverance. Reflecting on past victories can strengthen our faith in current trials.

The Role of Faith and Courage
David's acceptance of the sword signifies his readiness to continue trusting God for future battles. Faith often requires courage to act on God's promises.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
David's interaction with Ahimelech shows the need for discernment in seeking help and making decisions, especially when under pressure.

God's Sovereignty and Timing
The presence of Goliath's sword at Nob is a testament to God's perfect timing and sovereignty in orchestrating events for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's request for Goliath's sword reflect his state of mind and faith at this point in his life?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our own lives, especially during times of need or crisis?

3. How can reflecting on past victories in our spiritual journey encourage us in current challenges?

4. What can we learn from David's interaction with Ahimelech about seeking guidance and making decisions under pressure?

5. How does the account of David and Goliath, and the subsequent events at Nob, illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty and timing in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 17
The account of David's victory over Goliath, which provides context for the significance of Goliath's sword.

Psalm 56
A psalm attributed to David during his time of fleeing from Saul, reflecting his trust in God amidst fear.

Matthew 12:3-4
Jesus references David's actions at Nob when discussing the Sabbath, highlighting the precedence of human need over ritual law.

Hebrews 11:32-34
David is mentioned among the heroes of faith, emphasizing his reliance on God for strength and deliverance.
Goliath's SwordThomas Spurgeon.1 Samuel 21:9
Tried WeaponsJ. Parker, D. D.1 Samuel 21:9
Almost GoneF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Samuel 21:1-15
The Sword of GoliathB. Dale 1 Samuel 21:8-10
The Hero UnheroicD. Fraser 1 Samuel 21:8-15
People
Achish, Ahimelech, David, Doeg, Elah, Goliath, Saul
Places
Gath, Nob, Valley of Elah
Topics
Behind, Behold, Cloth, David, Death, Elah, Ephod, Except, Folded, Garment, Goliath, Killed, None, Philistine, Priest, Replied, Save, Slewest, Smite, Sword, Terebinths, Thyself, Vale, Valley, Wilt, Wrapped, Wrapt
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 21:9

     5258   cloth

1 Samuel 21:8-9

     5572   sword

Library
Historical Criticism of Mediæval Amplifications.
But along with the genuine and trustworthy matter, the compiler has embodied much that is unattested and in many cases inherently improbable, and even some things that are demonstrably untrue. i. The Miraculous Details.--To the category of the improbable--the fiction of hagiology or the growth of myth--belong the miracles so freely ascribed to Ephraim and the miraculous events represented as attending on his career. It is noteworthy that Ephraim himself, though no doubt he believed that he was
Ephraim the Syrian—Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian

The Exile Continued.
"So David fled, and escaped and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done unto him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth" (1 Sam. xix. 18)--or, as the word probably means, in the collection of students' dwellings, inhabited by the sons of the prophets, where possibly there may have been some kind of right of sanctuary. Driven thence by Saul's following him, and having had one last sorrowful hour of Jonathan's companionship--the last but one on earth--he fled to Nob, whither
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may
St. Augustine—Against Lying

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

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