1 Samuel 17:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And David said to the men who stood by him, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

NIV: David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

NASB: Then David said to the men who were standing by him, 'What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and rids Israel of the disgrace? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he has dared to defy the armies of the living God?'

CSB: David spoke to the men who were standing with him: "What will be done for the man who kills that Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

NLT: David asked the soldiers standing nearby, 'What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?'

KJV: And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

NKJV: Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

The Israelites and Philistines are gathered at the Valley of Elah for war (1 Samuel 17:1–3, 19). David, the youngest son of Jesse, has been sent from tending his father's sheep in Bethlehem to bring food to his three oldest brothers and their division. He is also to bring a message back from his brother (1 Samuel 17:17–18). David is now among the Israelite army. They have lined up for war and shouted their war cries (1 Samuel 17:20). But an imposing Philistine champion, Goliath of Gath, has come out of the Philistine ranks to challenge and taunt the Israelites (1 Samuel 17:23). This nearly ten-foot— three-meter—tall man is clad in protective gear and equipped with an impressive sword (1 Samuel 17:4–7). He challenges the Israelites to champion warfare. He would take on any single Israelite. If the Israelite were able to kill him, the Philistines would become the Israelites' servants. If the Philistine champion won, the Israelites would become the Philistines' servants (1 Samuel 17:8–10). These taunts occur twice each day for forty days (1 Samuel 17:6).

The Israelites respond with terror (1 Samuel 17:11); the soldiers flee when Goliath comes up (1 Samuel 17:24). But they also talk amongst themselves about the threat and the promised reward for any who could defeat him. King Saul would give that Israelite man great wealth and his own daughter in marriage. He would also free the man's family from taxes and other civic obligations (1 Samuel 17:25). Here, David inquires about this reward.

David describes Israel's situation as an embarrassment. Israel's lack of response to Goliath is bringing shame on them. Goliath is just one man, although a mighty one. He is a pagan and not part of God's chosen people: he is literally and figuratively "uncircumcised." Goliath is defying the armies of the living God. David sums up the situation with respect to who God is. The Israelites were God's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6–11). This Philistine was not simply shaming an army, he was challenging the armies of the living God. In David's estimation, Goliath had no legitimate standing.

The Israelites often described the Philistines as "uncircumcised." By the command of God, every Israelite male was circumcised at eight-days old to show that he belongs to God's people and was included in the covenant (Genesis 17:1–14). Interestingly, many of the nations of the Canaanite region also practiced circumcision. The Philistines brought their custom of not circumcising babies with them when they immigrated into the land. Calling them uncircumcised was a way of saying not only did they not belong to God, but that they also did not belong in the Promised Land.

David was not merely interested in the reward. Nor does he show any apparent fear of the giant. David saw the real issue. A godless man dared to defy the armies of God. Israel was meant to be God's instrument in the world, and yet they were cowering at this enemy. There was shame on Israel and, by extension, God's name.

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).