1 Samuel 17:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father 's sheep at Bethlehem.

NIV: but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.

NASB: but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s flock at Bethlehem.

CSB: but David kept going back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s flock in Bethlehem.

NLT: but David went back and forth so he could help his father with the sheep in Bethlehem.

KJV: But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.

NKJV: But David occasionally went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.

The Philistines and Israelites are at war (1 Samuel 17:1–3). A Philistine champion of enormous stature with impressive armor has challenged the Israelites to champion warfare (1 Samuel 17:4–10). The Israelites respond in fear (1 Samuel 17:11). With the tension built, the text re-introduces David. If reading the entire scroll of Samuel, the reader is aware of David already (1 Samuel 16). The reintroduction makes this particular battle narrative able to stand on its own—able to be read without needing to include the entire last chapter.

David is the youngest son of an elderly man from Bethlehem named Jesse. David's oldest three brothers are at the battle; his other four brothers are not mentioned (1 Samuel 17:12–14). David goes between serving Saul and caring for his father's flocks. At this time, David is not considered a full-grown adult. However, he is no child (1 Samuel 17:34–36).

The prior chapter provides helpful context. Though Saul maintained his earthly reign, God had rejected Saul as king (1 Samuel 13:13–14; 15:22–29) and chosen a new king. God sent the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint that king from among Jesse's sons (1 Samuel 16:1). The first seven sons were rejected (1 Samuel 16:6–10), so Samuel asked Jesse if there were any more. David, the youngest, was out caring for the sheep and apparently not invited to the sacrifice and the feast Samuel had come to conduct (1 Samuel 16:11). But he was sent for and anointed (1 Samuel 16:12). The Spirit of the Lord rushed on David and remained with him (1 Samuel 16:13).

In the meantime, the Spirit left King Saul. A harmful spirit tormented the king, and his advisors suggested he employ a musician to bring relief. Knowing David to be a skilled musician, a man of character, and someone with whom the Lord's presence was evident, a servant suggested him. The king quickly loved and trusted David, and the tormenting spirit left when David played (1 Samuel 16:14–23). Saul asked for David to remain in his service, but evidently David still went back and forth between regular service to Saul and his father's house. It's possible that this incident with Goliath is what made Saul promote David to carry his armor (1 Samuel 16:21).

First Samuel 17:12–23 re-introduces David (1 Samuel 16:11–13), who travels between shepherding and playing music for King Saul. This chapter seems to add detail to the earlier description of David in Saul's service (1 Samuel 16:18–21). David's father sends the young man on an errand to his three oldest brothers, camped with the rest of Israel's army in a faceoff with the Philistines. While there, David hears one of the daily challenges from Goliath, the enormous Philistine champion.

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.

Saul was made king of Israel (1 Samuel 9—10) and had many early successes (1 Samuel 11—14). However, his disobedience resulted in God's plan for a different king (1 Samuel 15). The prophet Samuel anointed David as this future monarch (1 Samuel 16:11–13). David has been serving as a musician for Saul (1 Samuel 16:18–21) and comes visit his brothers during a standoff between Israelite and Philistine forces. This leads to the famous story of David and Goliath. David's victory publicly triggers his rise to power, paralleled by Saul's collapse. In the end, Saul will die in disgrace (1 Samuel 31:4–7) and David will be appointed the new king of Israel (1 Samuel 2:45:1–3).

First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.