King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:2 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:2 in the King James Version says “And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array ag...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. set: Heb. ranged the battle”

1 Samuel 17:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. Ephesdammim: or, the coast of Dammim, called Pasdammim

2

And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. set: Heb. ranged the battle

3

And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.

4

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

Read 1 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

The Goliath narrative demonstrates that human impossibilities create opportunities for divine glory. David's confidence rests not in weapons or military training but in the character of the God who delivered him from lion and bear. His declaration that 'the battle is the LORD's' establishes the theological principle that spiritual victory comes through faith in God's power rather than confidence in human strength. The contrast between Saul's armor (representing human methods) and simple shepherd's weapons (representing faith) teaches that God uses unexpected means to accomplish His purposes and receive glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְשָׁא֤וּל1 of 11

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְאִֽישׁ2 of 11

“and the men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙3 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נֶֽאֶסְפ֔וּ4 of 11

“were gathered together”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ5 of 11

“and pitched”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בְּעֵ֣מֶק6 of 11

“by the valley”

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

הָֽאֵלָ֑ה7 of 11

“of Elah”

H425

elah, the name of an edomite, of four israelites, and also of a place in palestine

וַיַּֽעַרְכ֥וּ8 of 11

“in array”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

מִלְחָמָ֖ה9 of 11

“and set the battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

לִקְרַ֥את10 of 11

“against”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃11 of 11

“the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 17:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 17:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 21:91 Samuel 17:19

Places in This Verse

Valley of ElahValley · Modern: Valley of Elah · 31.68°N, 35.00°E3 verses across 1 book
View all places in 1 Samuel 17 →

Test Your Knowledge

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