1 Samuel 17:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab 's anger was kindled against David, and he said, "Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle."

NIV: When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle."

NASB: Now Eliab his oldest brother heard him when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, 'Why is it that you have come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I myself know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.'

CSB: David’s oldest brother Eliab listened as he spoke to the men, and he became angry with him. "Why did you come down here?" he asked. "Who did you leave those few sheep with in the wilderness? I know your arrogance and your evil heart—you came down to see the battle!"

NLT: But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. 'What are you doing around here anyway?' he demanded. 'What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!'

KJV: And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

NKJV: Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”

The Philistines and Israelites are encamped against one another for war at the Valley of Elah (1 Samuel 17:1–3, 19). An imposing Philistine champion, Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4–7), has challenged the Israelites to a duel (1 Samuel 17:8–10, 16, 23). If an Israelite could kill Goliath, the Philistines would become Israel's servants. If Goliath prevailed, Israel would surrender. The entire army of Israel responds to this seemingly insurmountable threat in fear (1 Samuel 17:11, 24). The men also speak of the reward that would be given to any Israelite able to conquer their foe: great riches, becoming son-in-law of King Saul, and that his family would be relieved of compulsory civic duty.

David's three oldest brothers are at the battlefield (1 Samuel 17:12–15). David has come from watching the family's sheep at Bethlehem to deliver a gift of food and check on them (1 Samuel 17:17–18). All, including David, have heard Goliath's threat (1 Samuel 17:23). David has asked about the situation, noting that it was embarrassing for a pagan to continually insult the living God (1 Samuel 17:26–27).

In asking this question, David highlights the shame of Israel as well as his confidence in God. The Philistines are no match for the God of Israel, so who will take the challenge? David's oldest brother, Eliab, is probably at least ten years older than David. When young David shows up with his youthful enthusiasm, eagerness, and confidence, Eliab takes offense. What Eliab seems to hear is his youngest brother challenging his courage and manhood—even his faith and that of the warriors of Israel.

Eliab is furious at his little brother. He asks David why he has even come to the battle and who is watching his little flock of sheep, trying to show how small and insignificant David truly is. Eliab then describes David's heart as presumptuous and evil, claiming he has only come to see the excitement of the battle. Older brothers often see it as their role to take their younger siblings down a notch or two, but Eliab's resentment seems to run even deeper than that.

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.