King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 17:20 Mean?

1 Samuel 17:20 in the King James Version says “And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. trench: or, place of the carriage fight: or, battle array, or, place of fight

1 Samuel 17:20 · KJV


Context

18

And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. cheeses: Heb. cheeses of milk of: Heb. of a thousand

19

Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

20

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. trench: or, place of the carriage fight: or, battle array, or, place of fight

21

For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.

22

And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. his carriage: Heb. the vessels from upon him saluted: Heb. asked his brethren of peace


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

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 · 21 words
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם1 of 21

rose up early

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

דָּוִ֜ד2 of 21

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בַּבֹּ֗קֶר3 of 21

in the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיִּטֹּ֤שׁ4 of 21

and left

H5203

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

אֶת5 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַצֹּאן֙6 of 21

the sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

עַל7 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שֹׁמֵ֔ר8 of 21

with a keeper

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וַיִּשָּׂ֣א9 of 21

and took

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ10 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֖הוּ12 of 21

had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יִשָׁ֑י13 of 21

as Jesse

H3448

jishai, david's father

וַיָּבֹא֙14 of 21

him and he came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַמַּעְגָּ֔לָה15 of 21

to the trench

H4570

a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular)

וְהַחַ֗יִל16 of 21

as the host

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

הַיֹּצֵא֙17 of 21

was going forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל18 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמַּ֣עֲרָכָ֔ה19 of 21

to the fight

H4634

an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array

וְהֵרֵ֖עוּ20 of 21

and shouted

H7321

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃21 of 21

for the battle

H4421

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


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 17:20 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 17:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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