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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 17:41 Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/17-41.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/09_1Sa_17_41.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 17:41 - David Slays Goliath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and the man that bare the shield <i>went</i> before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield <i>went</i> before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the Philistine came and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the Philistine came on and drew near to David, with the shield-bearer in front of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The Philistine came and approached David, with his shield-bearer in front of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistine came closer and closer to David, with the shield-bearer in front of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistine came closer and closer to David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Goliath came toward David, walking behind the soldier who was carrying his shield. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Philistine, preceded by the man carrying his shield, was coming closer and closer to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The Philistine started walking toward David, with his shield bearer walking in front of him. He kept coming closer, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />With a man carrying his shield in front of him, the Philistine kept coming closer to David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Philistine kept coming closer to David, with his shield bearer walking in front of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, and his shield-bearer was in front of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the Philistine advanced and drew near to David; and the man that bore the shield went before him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Philistine walked and came near to David; and the man who bore the shield went before him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistine goes on, going and drawing near to David, and the man carrying the buckler [is] before him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the Philistine goeth on, going and drawing near unto David, and the man bearing the buckler is before him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he of the rovers going, went and drew near to David; and the man lifting up the shield before him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistine came on, and drew nigh against David, and his armourbearer before him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Philistine, advancing, went and drew near against David. And his armor bearer was before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />With his shield-bearer marching before him, the Philistine advanced closer and closer to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And behold, the Philistine came and drew near to David; and his shieldbearer went before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And behold, the Philistine came and drew near to David, and a man bearing a shield before him<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the Philistine came nearer and nearer unto David; and the man that bore the shield went before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/17-41.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=5034" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">David Slays Goliath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">40</span>And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine. <span class="reftext">41</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: hap·pə·liš·tî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">Now the Philistine</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/7131.htm" title="7131: wə·qā·rêḇ (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Approaching. From qarab; near.">closer</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">and closer to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·hā·’îš (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">with his shield-bearer</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: nō·śê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6793.htm" title="6793: haṣ·ṣin·nāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A hook, a, shield, cold. Feminine of tsen; a hook; also a shield; also cold."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">42</span>When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-19.htm">2 Samuel 21:19</a></span><br />Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/20-5.htm">1 Chronicles 20:5</a></span><br />Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/11-21.htm">Joshua 11:21-22</a></span><br />At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction, along with their cities. / No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/13-33.htm">Numbers 13:33</a></span><br />We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-2.htm">Deuteronomy 9:2</a></span><br />The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Judges 14:5-6</a></span><br />Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, / and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11</a></span><br />And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-35.htm">2 Kings 19:35</a></span><br />And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Isaiah 37:36</a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1-3</a></span><br />Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Psalm 144:1</a></span><br />Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31</a></span><br />A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a></span><br />So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a></span><br />Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the Philistine came on and drew near to David; and the man that bore the shield went before him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/ruth/3-12.htm">Closer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-39.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-21.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-37.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-21.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/ruth/3-12.htm">Nearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-7.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-7.htm">Shield-Bearer</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/10-13.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-20.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-13.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-13.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-48.htm">Closer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-5.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-48.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-2.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Nearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-7.htm">Shield-Bearer</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-4.htm">Goliath challenges a combat</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">Eliab chides him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-30.htm">He is brought to Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">shows the reason of his confidence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-38.htm">and slays the giant</a></span><br><span class="reftext">55. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">Saul takes notice of David</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David</b><br>This phrase sets the scene for the impending confrontation between David and Goliath. The Philistine, Goliath, represents the formidable enemy of Israel, both physically and spiritually. His approach signifies the growing threat against God's people. In the broader biblical narrative, the Philistines were a constant adversary to Israel, often symbolizing the forces of the world opposed to God's covenant people. This moment is a pivotal point in the story, highlighting the courage and faith of David, who stands firm despite the intimidating presence of Goliath. Theologically, this can be seen as a test of faith, where David's reliance on God contrasts with the Philistine's reliance on physical might.<p><b>with his shield-bearer before him</b><br>The presence of a shield-bearer indicates the level of Goliath's status and the seriousness of the battle. In ancient warfare, a shield-bearer was an attendant who carried a large shield to protect the warrior, allowing the fighter to focus on offense. This detail emphasizes Goliath's formidable nature and the military practices of the time. It also underscores the disparity between Goliath and David, as David approaches without such protection, relying instead on his faith in God. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the victory of faith over physical strength, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. The shield-bearer, though a minor character, highlights the contrast between human reliance on armor and God's provision for those who trust in Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_philistine.htm">The Philistine (Goliath)</a></b><br>A giant warrior from Gath, representing the Philistine army. Known for his immense size and strength, Goliath is a formidable opponent who challenges the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>A young shepherd boy, anointed by God to be the future king of Israel. He is known for his faith and courage, trusting in God rather than physical might.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/shield-bearer.htm">Shield-bearer</a></b><br>An assistant to Goliath, responsible for carrying and managing the shield, providing additional protection for the giant.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_valley_of_elah.htm">The Valley of Elah</a></b><br>The battlefield where the confrontation between David and Goliath takes place, symbolizing the spiritual and physical battlegrounds we face in life.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_philistine_army.htm">The Philistine Army</a></b><br>Represents the enemies of Israel, often seen as a symbol of the spiritual forces that oppose God's people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a></b><br>David's approach to Goliath teaches us to trust in God's power rather than our own abilities or the intimidating circumstances we face.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_preparation.htm">Spiritual Preparation</a></b><br>Just as David was spiritually prepared through his relationship with God, we must be spiritually equipped to face life's challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The account underscores God's control over all situations, reminding us that He can use the unlikely and the humble to achieve His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_action.htm">Courage in Action</a></b><br>David's courage was not passive; it was demonstrated through action. We are called to act on our faith, stepping out in confidence in God's promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_anointing.htm">The Power of God's Anointing</a></b><br>David was anointed by God, which empowered him to face Goliath. Believers today are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome spiritual battles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_beat_goliath.htm">How did David defeat the giant Goliath?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_400_men_escape_on_camels.htm">How did only 400 men escape on camels if David and his men fought so extensively (1 Samuel 30:17)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_achish_accept_david_in_1_sam_29.htm">How can David's earlier triumphs over the Philistines, such as in 1 Samuel 17, be reconciled with Achish's acceptance of him in 1 Samuel 29?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 41-44.</span> - When David had crossed the ravine, Goliath and his armour bearer advanced towards him; and when he saw that the Israelite champion was but a lad (see ver. 33), with red hair, which added to his youthful appearance, and handsome, but with nothing more than a staff in his hand, he regarded this light equipment as an insult, and asks, <span class="cmt_word">Am I a dog,</span> - an animal held in great aversion in the East, - <span class="cmt_word">that thou comest to me with staves?</span> The plural is used as a contemptuous generalisation, but the Septuagint is offended at it, and with amusing matter of fact exactness translates, "With a staff and stones." <span class="cmt_word">And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.</span> The Hebrew is singular, "by his god," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the deity whom he had selected to be his especial patron. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/17-41.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now the Philistine</span><br /><span class="heb">הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(hap·pə·liš·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">closer</span><br /><span class="heb">וְקָרֵ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(wə·qā·rêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7131.htm">Strong's 7131: </a> </span><span class="str2">Approaching</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and closer to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with his shield-bearer</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָאִ֛ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before him.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/17-41.htm">1 Samuel 17:41 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/17-41.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 17:41 The Philistine came on and drew near (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:40"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:40" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:42"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:42" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>