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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 17:12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons in the days of Saul. 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Jesse had eight sons, and in Saul&#8217s time he was very old. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. Jesse was an old man at that time, and he had eight sons. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons. And in the days of Saul, Jesse was old and well along in years. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem Judah, whose name was Jesse, and who had eight sons. And the man was old, advanced in years, in the days of Saul. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, the man whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now David was the son of the Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah named Jesse. Jesse had eight sons and during Saul’s reign was already an old man. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now David was the son of the Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah named Jesse. Jesse had eight sons and during Saul&#8217s reign was already an old man. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man was an old man in the days of Saul, stricken in years among men. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> David's father Jesse was an old man, who belonged to the Ephrath clan and lived in Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse had eight sons: <a href="/erv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man was an old man in the days of Saul, stricken in years among men. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David was a son of a man named Jesse from the region of Ephrath and the city of Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse had eight sons, and in Saul's day he was an old man. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> David was the son of Jesse, who was an Ephrathite from Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse had eight sons, and at the time Saul was king, he was already a very old man. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> David was the son of that Ephrathite man named Jesse from Bethlehem in Judah. He had eight sons; at the time when Saul was king he was old, having lived to an advanced age. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons. And in the days of Saul, Jesse was old and well along in years. <a href="/net/1_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a> Now David was the son of this Ephrathite named Jesse from Bethlehem in Judah. He had eight sons, and in Saul's days he was old and well advanced in years. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons. And in the days of Saul the man was old and advanced in years. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. <a href="/web/1_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem Judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons. The man was an elderly old man in the days of Saul. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David [is] son of this Ephraimite of Beth-Lehem-Judah, whose name [is] Jesse, and he has eight sons, and the man has become aged among men in the days of Saul; <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David is son of this Ephrathite of Beth-Lehem-Judah, whose name is Jesse, and he hath eight sons, and the man in the days of Saul hath become aged among men; <a href="/slt/1_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David, son of a man, that Ephrathite, of the House of Bread of Judah, and his name Jesse; and to him eight sons; and the man in the days of Saul went an old man among men.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem Juda before mentioned, whose name was Isai, who had eight sons, and was an old man in the days of Saul, and of great age among men. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now David was the son of an Ephrathite man, the one mentioned above, from Bethlehem of Judah, whose name was Jesse. He had eight sons, and during the days of Saul, he was an elderly man, and of great age among men. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a> David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse from Bethlehem in Judah who had eight sons. In the days of Saul Jesse was old and well on in years. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Beth-lehem of Judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons; and the man was old and advanced in years in the days of Saul. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David was son of a man, an Ephrathite from Bayth Lekhem of Yehuda, and his name was Iyshay, and he had eight sons, and the man was old and advanced in years in the days of Shaul<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons; and the man was an old man in the days of Saul, stricken in years among men. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/17-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=4731" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">David Accepts the Challenge</a> 12<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: wə·ḏā·wiḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Now David</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">was the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (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.">of a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: ū·šə·mōw (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">named</a> <a href="/hebrew/3448.htm" title="3448: yi·šay (N-proper-ms) -- Father of David. By Aramaic Iyshay; from the same as yesh; extant; Jishai, David's father.">Jesse,</a> <a href="/hebrew/673.htm" title="673: ’ep̄·rā·ṯî (N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Ephraim, also an inhab. of Ephrath. Patrial form 'Ephraath; an Ephrathite or an Ephraimite.">an Ephrathite</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1035.htm" title="1035: mib·bêṯ (Prep) -- From bayith and lechem; house of bread; Beth- Lechem, a place in Palestine.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/1035.htm" title="1035: le·ḥem (Prep:: N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and lechem; house of bread; Beth- Lechem, a place in Palestine.">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/wə·lōw (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3ms) -- ">who had</a> <a href="/hebrew/8083.htm" title="8083: šə·mō·nāh (Number-ms) -- Or shmowneh; feminine shmonah; or shmownah; apparently from shamen through the idea of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight; also eighth.">eight</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇā·nîm (N-mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bî·mê (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">in the days</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">of Saul.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2204.htm" title="2204: zā·qên (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be or become old. A primitive root; to be old.">And Jesse was old</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and well along</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ḇa·’ă·nā·šîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">in years.</a> 13The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ruth/4-18.htm">Ruth 4:18-22</a> Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, / Hezron was the father of Ram, Ram was the father of Amminadab, / Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, Nahshon was the father of Salmon, ... <a href="/1_chronicles/2-13.htm">1 Chronicles 2:13-15</a> Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; Abinadab was born second, Shimea third, / Nethanel fourth, Raddai fifth, / Ozem sixth, and David seventh. <a href="/matthew/1-5.htm">Matthew 1:5-6</a> Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, / and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, <a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Acts 13:22</a> After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’ <a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">2 Samuel 2:4</a> Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” <a href="/2_samuel/5-3.htm">2 Samuel 5:3</a> So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">2 Samuel 7:8</a> Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. <a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Psalm 78:70-72</a> He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands. <a href="/psalms/89-20.htm">Psalm 89:20</a> I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. <a href="/matthew/22-42.htm">Matthew 22:42</a> “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. <a href="/luke/1-32.htm">Luke 1:32</a> He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, <a href="/luke/2-4.htm">Luke 2:4</a> So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. <a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a> Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” <a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Romans 1:3</a> regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, <a href="/2_timothy/2-8.htm">2 Timothy 2:8</a> Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.David<a href="/1_samuel/17-58.htm">1 Samuel 17:58</a> And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.<a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1,18</a> And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons… <a href="/ruth/4-22.htm">Ruth 4:22</a> And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.Ephrathite<a href="/genesis/35-19.htm">Genesis 35:19</a> And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.<a href="/psalms/132-6.htm">Psalm 132:6</a> Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.<a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a> But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.eight sons<a href="/1_samuel/16-10.htm">1 Samuel 16:10,11</a> Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these… <a href="/1_chronicles/2-13.htm">1 Chronicles 2:13-16</a> And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/12-6.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/judges/8-6.htm">Already</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/ruth/1-2.htm">Bethlehemjudah</a> <a href="/ruth/1-1.htm">Bethlehem-Judah</a> <a href="/ruth/1-2.htm">Beth-Lehem-Judah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-15.htm">Eight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">Ephrathite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm">Jesse</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-11.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-15.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-12.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-41.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-14.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-24.htm">Already</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-15.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-15.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Bethlehemjudah</a> <a href="/ruth/1-1.htm">Bethlehem-Judah</a> <a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Beth-Lehem-Judah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-14.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">Eight</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">Ephrathite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-13.htm">Jesse</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-52.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-13.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-14.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-1.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-9.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 17</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/17-4.htm">Goliath challenges a combat</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge</a> 28. <a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">Eliab chides him</a> 30. <a href="/1_samuel/17-30.htm">He is brought to Saul</a> 32. <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">shows the reason of his confidence</a> 38. <a href="/1_samuel/17-38.htm">and slays the giant</a> 55. <a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">Saul takes notice of David</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Now David was the son of a man named Jesse David, the youngest son of Jesse, is introduced here. Jesse is a significant figure in biblical history, as he is part of the lineage of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah coming from the line of David (<a href="/isaiah/11.htm">Isaiah 11:1</a>). David's role as a shepherd and later as king foreshadows Christ, the Good Shepherd and King of Kings.an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah Bethlehem, known as the "House of Bread," is a small town with great significance. It is the birthplace of David and later Jesus Christ, fulfilling the prophecy in <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a>. The term "Ephrathite" refers to the ancient name of the region, Ephrath, highlighting the deep historical roots of David's family.who had eight sons Jesse's eight sons indicate a large family, which was a sign of blessing and prosperity in ancient Israelite culture. David, being the youngest, emphasizes the biblical theme of God choosing the least likely or the humble to fulfill His purposes, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>.And in the days of Saul This phrase sets the historical context during the reign of King Saul, Israel's first king. The period was marked by political and spiritual turmoil, as Saul struggled with obedience to God. David's rise during Saul's reign highlights the transition from a monarchy based on human choice to one established by divine appointment.Jesse was old and well along in years Jesse's advanced age suggests wisdom and experience, yet it also implies that he may not have been able to participate actively in the events unfolding. This detail underscores the importance of David's role in stepping up to face Goliath and later becoming king, as God often uses the young and seemingly insignificant to accomplish His plans.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The youngest son of Jesse, later anointed as the king of Israel. Known for his faith, courage, and leadership, David is a central figure in the Bible, representing a man after God's own heart. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesse.htm">Jesse</a> David's father, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem. Jesse is significant as the patriarch of the family from which David, and ultimately Jesus, descended. 3. <a href="/topical/b/bethlehem.htm">Bethlehem</a> A small town in Judah, known as the birthplace of David and later Jesus. It holds prophetic significance as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah. 4. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> One of the twelve tribes of Israel, from which David and Jesus descended. Judah is often associated with leadership and kingship. 5. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, whose reign was marked by disobedience to God, leading to his eventual rejection as king in favor of David.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_lineage.htm">God's Sovereignty in Lineage</a> God's choice of David, a seemingly insignificant shepherd boy, highlights His sovereignty and ability to use anyone for His purposes. This encourages us to trust in God's plan for our lives, regardless of our current status or background. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humble_beginnings.htm">The Importance of Humble Beginnings</a> David's humble beginnings in Bethlehem remind us that God often uses the humble and lowly to accomplish great things. We should not despise small beginnings but remain faithful in our current circumstances. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_faithfulness.htm">Legacy and Faithfulness</a> Jesse's role as the father of David underscores the importance of legacy and faithfulness in family life. As believers, we are called to nurture and guide the next generation in faith. <a href="/topical/g/god's_timing_and_preparation.htm">God's Timing and Preparation</a> The mention of Saul's reign during David's youth indicates God's timing in preparing David for future leadership. We should be patient and trust God's timing in our own lives, knowing He is preparing us for His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17</a> <a href="/q/what_is_david's_birthplace.htm">What is David's birthplace?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_mother_of_david.htm">Who is the mother of David?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_jesse_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jesse in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_cave_of_adullam_important.htm">Who is the mother of David?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Now David was the son of that Ephra-thite.--This verse, and the following verses to the end of <a href="/1_samuel/17-31.htm" title="And when the words were heard which David spoke, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.">1Samuel 17:31</a>, are left out altogether, with <a href="/context/1_samuel/17-55.htm" title="And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.">1Samuel 17:55-58</a>, in the Vatican LXX. This omission was, no doubt, owing to the difficulty connected with this mention of David, where he is apparently introduced for the first time into the history; the LXX. translation not un-frequently adding or subtracting from the text when anything met them which they could not readily understand. The passage, as we find it, is undoubtedly genuine; the probable explanation of what puzzled the LXX. is given below.It is, however, better (with the Syriac Version) to place all the words after "Beth-lehem-judah" down to the end of <a href="/1_samuel/17-14.htm" title="And David was the youngest: and the three oldest followed Saul.">1Samuel 17:14</a> in a parenthesis. <a href="/1_samuel/17-15.htm" title="But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.">1Samuel 17:15</a>, after the parenthesis descriptive of Jesse and his three elder sons, takes up the account of David again, thus: "But David went," &c.Went among men for an old man.--This rendering follows the translation of Jerome's Vulgate, "Senex et grandaevus inter viros," rather than the Hebrew. The literal translation of ba-ba?nashim would be went among men. It is best to assume that the verb ba- here is used elliptically for ba-bayamin, "was advanced in days," that is, "was an old man." Keil renders baanashim "among the weak," that is, "Jesse had come to be reckoned among the weak" (or the aged). Maurer and others believe the present Hebrew reading corrupt; the sense, however, is clear.Jesse is represented in this parenthesis, descriptive of the father of David, for some reason known only to the compiler, as already an old man. Possibly this notice is inserted to explain the reason why the father of the future hero-king of Israel was not among the warriors of Saul. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 12-14. - Jesse... went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. This translation is taken from the Vulgate; but the Hebrew is, "And the man in the days of Saul was old, gone among men." Some explain this as meaning "placed," i.e. "reckoned among men of rank;" but probably an aleph has dropped out in the word rendered men, and we should read "gone," i.e. "advanced in years." Old is used in a very indefinite way in the Books of Samuel; but as Jesse had eight sons, of whom the youngest was now grown up, he must have been nearly sixty. Went and followed. Hebrew, "And there went the three elder sons of Jesse went after Saul to the war." Some grammarians consider that this repetition of the verb is intended to give it the force of a pluperfect, - they had gone,-but it is more probably an error, and one of the two verbs should be omitted. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/17-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now David וְדָוִד֩ (wə·ḏā·wiḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse was the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of a man אִ֨ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person named וּשְׁמ֣וֹ (ū·šə·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name Jesse, יִשַׁ֔י (yi·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3448.htm">Strong's 3448: </a> Jesse -- father of David an Ephrathite אֶפְרָתִ֜י (’ep̄·rā·ṯî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_673.htm">Strong's 673: </a> Ephraimite -- a descendant of Ephraim, also an inhabitant of Ephrath from מִבֵּ֥ית (mib·bêṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> Bethlehem לֶ֙חֶם֙ (le·ḥem) Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1035.htm">Strong's 1035: </a> Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun of Judah יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites who had וְל֖וֹ (wə·lōw) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> eight שְׁמֹנָ֣ה (šə·mō·nāh) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8083.htm">Strong's 8083: </a> A cardinal number, eight, eighth sons בָנִ֑ים (ḇā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son in the days בִּימֵ֣י (bî·mê) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day of Saul. שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites And Jesse was old זָקֵ֖ן (zā·qên) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2204.htm">Strong's 2204: </a> To be or become old and advanced [in years]. בָּ֥א (bā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 17:12 Now David was the son of that (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/17-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:13" /></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>