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1 Samuel 17:1 open_in_new
Shochoh] identified with Shuweikeh, 'a strong position isolated from the rest of the ridge,' W. of Bethlehem. It was fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:7). Azekah] mentioned in Joshua 15:35 in connexion with Shochoh.
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1 Samuel 17:1-58 open_in_new
David slays Goliath
1 Samuel 17:1 to 1 Samuel 18:5 is evidently taken from a different document from 1 Samuel 16:14-23. In 1 Samuel 16:14-23; David is a man of war, and skilful in speech, and an expert harper, and has already become Saul's musician and armourbearer. In 1 Samuel 17 he is still a shepherd lad, who is personally unknown to Saul. LXX tries to get rid of the difficulty by omitting several vv., but the attempt is not altogether successful.
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1 Samuel 17:4 open_in_new
Six cubits and a span] about 9½ ft.
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1 Samuel 17:5 open_in_new
Brass] This is really copper: cp. Deuteronomy 8:9. Five thousand shekels] It is uncertain what was the weight of the shekel at this time.
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1 Samuel 17:6 open_in_new
Target] RV 'javelin.'
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1 Samuel 17:10 open_in_new
I defy] rather, 'I have insulted.'
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1 Samuel 17:12 open_in_new
An old man] It is intended to explain why Jesse sent his sons to the war but did not go himself.
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1 Samuel 17:15 open_in_new
Went and returned] RV 'went to and fro.'
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1 Samuel 17:17 open_in_new
Parched corn] ears of corn plucked just before they are ripe and roasted in a pan or on an iron plate. It is still a common article of merchandise.
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1 Samuel 17:18 open_in_new
Take their pledge] 'bring back from them some proof that you have fulfilled your mission.'
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1 Samuel 17:20 open_in_new
Trench] RV 'place of the wagons.' It was a rude rampart or barricade formed of wagons.
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1 Samuel 17:22 open_in_new
His carriage] i.e. what he was carrying: cp. Acts 21:15.
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1 Samuel 17:25 open_in_new
Free] from forced labour or contributions: cp. 1 Samuel 8:11.
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1 Samuel 17:28 open_in_new
The wilderness] answered to our 'downs' or 'common.' It was land suitable for grazing cattle, but not divided up into fields.
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1 Samuel 17:37 open_in_new
The Lord be with thee] RV 'shall be.' It is an encouragement rather than a prayer.
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1 Samuel 17:38 open_in_new
Armed David with his armour] RV 'clad David with his apparel.' This was probably some close-fitting garment worn under the armour, or on occasion without it.
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1 Samuel 17:39 open_in_new
Assayed] LXX 'wearied himself': cp. Genesis 19:11. Proved] He was not accustomed to wearing heavy armour, and it soon became burdensome.
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1 Samuel 17:43 open_in_new
Staves] i.e. with a mere stick (1 Samuel 17:40) instead of weapons.
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1 Samuel 17:46 open_in_new
In true Oriental fashion David replies to the Philistine's brave words with equally bold language, heightened to something far bolder by his confidence in Jehovah.
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1 Samuel 17:52 open_in_new
The valley] LXX reads 'Gath.' This strong fortress of the Philistines, like that of Ekron, checked the pursuit (cp. the end of the v.). Gath was not far W. of Shochoh, and therefore it would seem that at Shaaraim the stream of fugitives would part, some going on southwards to Gath, others northwards to Ekron.
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1 Samuel 17:54 open_in_new
Brought it to Jerusalem] But Jerusalem was still a non-Hebrew city (2 Samuel 5:4.). A little later we find the sword of Goliath at Nob (1 Samuel 21:9), and hence some think that Nob is intended here. Stanley and Robinson place Nob on the Mount of Olives.
Others think that David brought the head of Goliath to Jerusalem at a later period (2 Samuel 5:7). Another reference to Goliath should be noted, which implies the existence either of other traditions, or of more than one Philistine champion of the name (2 Samuel 21:19).