What does 1 Samuel 17:25 mean?
Israel's army is gathered for war with the Philistines, but terrified by an apparently unbeatable giant (1 Samuel 17:1–11, 23–24). The Israelite soldiers talk amongst themselves. The giant, Goliath of Gath, has challenged Israel to champion warfare. If one of their men could kill him, the Philistines would surrender. If he prevailed, the Israelites would be the Philistines' servants. In full protective gear and with spear in hand, Goliath taunts the Israelite army twice a day for forty days (1 Samuel 17:16). When he does, the soldiers flee (1 Samuel 17:23).Here, the Israelite men talk about the imposing champion and his defiance. They also talk about the reward King Saul would give to any Israelite who could defeat the Philistine. Their king, apparently unable or unwilling to fight Goliath himself, was willing to give an extravagant reward to any man who could win the battle. The giant-killer would quickly become one of the most powerful and important men in Israel. Not only would he become instantly wealthy, but he would also marry into royalty, becoming a member of the king's own household. In addition, his own extended family would be freed from any obligation to taxes or forced service to the king.
Yet even with such an enticing promise, no man volunteered to take on the seemingly impossible task.
First Samuel 17:24–30 records David's reaction to Goliath's taunting. David is merely visiting his older brothers as the Israelite and Philistine armies watch each other across a valley. Goliath is massive, and the Israelite soldiers are afraid to face him in single combat. David's oldest brother scolds him for asking about what rewards will be given to the one who defeats Goliath. This will catch the attention of King Saul.
David, delivering food to his brothers at the Israelite army camp, hears the Philistine Goliath's defiant challenge. Single man combat could decide the battle, but no Israelite wanted to face the massive warrior. David is appalled that a Philistine would defy the armies of the living God. He volunteers to fight, and King Saul agrees. Before the battle, David declares that the Lord will give victory and thereby show the world that there is a God in Israel. David quickly kills and beheads Goliath. The Israelites chase the Philistines back to their own territory and plunder their camp. David brings Goliath's head to Saul.
