1 Samuel 17:1-58 Summary
The Philistines and the Israelites Prepare for Battle
In 1 Samuel 17:1-58, the Philistines and the Israelites prepare to engage in battle. The Philistines, led by Goliath, a giant of a man, gather in the valley of Elah, while the Israelites, led by King Saul, gather on the opposite side of the valley.
Goliath's Challenge
Goliath, who stands over 9 feet tall, steps forward and issues a challenge to the Israelites: "Choose a man and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us" (1 Samuel 17:8-9).
The Israelites Are Afraid
The Israelites are terrified of Goliath and do not know how to respond to his challenge. King Saul, who is tall and handsome, is also afraid and does not know what to do.
David Arrives at the Camp
Meanwhile, Jesse's youngest son, David, who is a shepherd, arrives at the Israelite camp to bring food to his brothers who are fighting in the army. David hears Goliath's challenge and is disturbed that no one is willing to accept it.
David Offers to Fight Goliath
David tells King Saul that he is willing to fight Goliath, despite being only a youth and having no experience in battle. Saul is skeptical at first, but David convinces him to let him try.
David Prepares for Battle
David refuses to wear the king's armor, instead choosing to rely on his faith in God and his trusty sling and five smooth stones from the brook. He approaches Goliath, who mocks him, calling him a youth and a shepherd.
David Defeats Goliath
David responds by saying, "The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). David then takes one of the stones and strikes Goliath on the forehead, knocking him to the ground. The Philistines flee, and the Israelites pursue them, winning a great victory.
Saul's Recognition of David
After the battle, King Saul asks who David's father is, and Jesse is summoned to the king's presence. David becomes one of Saul's armor-bearers, but Saul becomes jealous of David's success and popularity.
In this chapter, we see the faith and bravery of David, who trusts in God and is willing to take a stand against the giant Goliath. We also see the beginnings of Saul's jealousy and resentment towards David, which will eventually lead to a deep-seated hatred and a series of attempts to kill David.
