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I know your pride and wickedness of heart--you have come down to see the battle!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/17-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/09_1Sa_17_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 17:28 - David Accepts the Challenge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now when David's oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. Why have you come down here? he asked. And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart--you have come down to see the battle!" /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/17-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/17-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/17-27.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:27">◄</a> 1 Samuel 17:28 <a href="/1_samuel/17-29.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17.htm">New International Version</a> When Eliab, David&#8217s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, &#8220Why 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.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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!” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a> 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.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab&#8217s anger burned against David and he said, &#8220Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned 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 insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I myself know your arrogance and the wickedness of your heart, for you have come down in order to see the battle.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now Eliab his oldest brother heard what he said to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, “Why have you come down here? With whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption (overconfidence) and the evil of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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! ” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> David&#8217s oldest brother Eliab listened as he spoke to the men, and became angry with him. &#8220Why did you come down here?&#8221 he asked. &#8220Who 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!&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why art thou come down? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> David's oldest brother Eliab heard him talking with the soldiers. Eliab was angry with him and said, "What are you doing here, anyway? Who's taking care of your little flock of sheep out in the desert? You spoiled brat! You came here just to watch the fighting, didn't you?" <a href="/erv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why art thou come down? 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. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard David talking to the men. Then Eliab became angry with David. "Why did you come here," he asked him, "and with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how overconfident and headstrong you are. You came here just to see the battle." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard David talking to the men. He became angry with David and said, "What are you doing here? Who is taking care of those sheep of yours out there in the wilderness? You smart aleck, you! You just came to watch the fighting!" <a href="/isv/1_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> Eliab his oldest brother heard him talking to the men. Eliab was angry with David and said, "Why did you come down here? And who did you leave those few sheep with in the wilderness? I know your insolence and wicked intentions. You came down just to see the battle!" <a href="/net/1_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a> When David's oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, he became angry with David and said, "Why have you come down here? To whom did you entrust those few sheep in the desert? I am familiar with your pride and deceit! You have come down here to watch the battle!" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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? With whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down that you might see the battle." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to 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 thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mayest see the battle.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!” <a href="/web/1_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a> Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? With whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the evil of your heart; for you have come down that you might see the battle.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Eliab, his eldest brother, hears when he speaks to the men, and the anger of Eliab burns against David, and he says, “Why [is] this—[that] you have come down? And to whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I have known your pride, and the evil of your heart—for you have come down to see the battle.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Eliab, his eldest brother, heareth when he speaketh unto the men, and the anger of Eliab burneth against David, and he saith, 'Why is this -- thou hast come down! and to whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I have known thy pride, and the evil of thy heart -- for, to see the battle thou hast come down.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Eliab his brother the great, will hear in his speaking to the men, and Eliab's anger will kindle against David, and he will say, Why this camest thou down? and upon whom didst thou cast those few sheep in the desert? I knew thy pride and the evil of thy heart, for in order to see the battle thou camest down.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now when Eliab his eldest brother heard this, when he was speaking with others, he was angry with David, and said: Why earnest thou hither? and why didst thou leave those few sheep in the desert? I know thy pride, and the wickedness of thy heart: that thou art come down to see the battle. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now when Eliab, his eldest brother, had heard this, as he was speaking with the others, he became angry against David, and he said: “Why did you come here? And why did you leave behind those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the wickedness of your heart, that you have come down so that you might see the battle.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a> When Eliab, his oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he grew angry with David and said: “Why did you come down? With whom have you left those sheep in the wilderness? I know your arrogance and dishonest heart. You came down to enjoy the battle!” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> His eldest brother Eliab heard him talking to the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David. He said, “Why have you come down? 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 just to see the battle.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Eliab his eldest brother heard him when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said to him, Why have you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your boldness and the evil of your heart; for you have come down to see the battle. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Elyab his older brother heard when he spoke to the men, and the anger of Elyab was provoked against David, and he said to him: “Why have you come down and with whom have you left these few sheep in the wilderness? I know your rashness and the evil of your heart! It is to see the war that you have come down!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said: 'Why art thou come down? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy presumptuousness, and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.' <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/17-28.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=4893" 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> …27The people told him about the offer, saying, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.” 28<a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: hag·gā·ḏō·wl (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">Now when David’s oldest</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/446.htm" title="446: ’ĕ·lî·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- God is father, the name of several Isr. From 'el and 'ab; God of father; Eliab, the name of six Israelites.">Eliab</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard him</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: bə·ḏab·bə·rōw (Prep-b:: V-Piel-Inf:: 3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speaking</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap̄ (N-msc) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">his anger</a> <a href="/hebrew/446.htm" title="446: ’ĕ·lî·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- God is father, the name of several Isr. From 'el and 'ab; God of father; Eliab, the name of six Israelites."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2734.htm" title="2734: way·yi·ḥar- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To burn or be kindled with anger. A primitive root; to glow or grow warm; figuratively to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy.">burned</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: bə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">against David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yā·raḏ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">have you come down</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">here?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he asked.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">“And with</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">whom</a> <a href="/hebrew/5203.htm" title="5203: nā·ṭaš·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to pound, i.e. Smite; by implication to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon.">did you leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/2007.htm" title="2007: hā·hên·nāh (Art:: Pro-3fp) -- They. Prolongation for hen; themselves.">those</a> <a href="/hebrew/4592.htm" title="4592: mə·‘aṭ (Adj-msc) -- A little, fewness, a few. Or miat; from ma'at; a little or few.">few</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: haṣ·ṣōn (Art:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">sheep</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: bam·miḏ·bār (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">in the wilderness?</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2087.htm" title="2087: zə·ḏō·nə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Insolence, presumptuousness. From zuwd; arrogance.">your pride</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’êṯ (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7455.htm" title="7455: rō·a‘ (N-msc) -- Badness, evil. From ra'a'; badness, physically or morally.">and wickedness</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇe·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">of heart—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yā·rā·ḏə·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">you have come down</a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rə·’ō·wṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">the battle!”</a> 29“What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?”…<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="/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4</a> When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. <a href="/genesis/37-8.htm">Genesis 37:8</a> “Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements. <a href="/genesis/37-11.htm">Genesis 37:11</a> And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said. <a href="/numbers/12-1.htm">Numbers 12:1-2</a> Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife. / “Does the LORD speak only through Moses?” they said. “Does He not also speak through us?” And the LORD heard this. <a href="/numbers/16-1.htm">Numbers 16:1-3</a> Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted / a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly. / They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” <a href="/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1</a> Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently. <a href="/judges/12-1.htm">Judges 12:1</a> Then the men of Ephraim assembled and crossed the Jordan to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, “Why have you crossed over to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down with you inside!” <a href="/psalms/69-8.htm">Psalm 69:8</a> I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons, <a href="/psalms/69-9.htm">Psalm 69:9</a> because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me. <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Proverbs 18:19</a> An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle. <a href="/proverbs/27-4.htm">Proverbs 27:4</a> Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? <a href="/matthew/10-36.htm">Matthew 10:36</a> A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">Matthew 12:46-50</a> While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. / Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” ... <a href="/mark/3-21.htm">Mark 3:21</a> When His family heard about this, they went out to take custody of Him, saying, “He is out of His mind.” <a href="/mark/6-4.htm">Mark 6:4</a> Then Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why came you down here? and with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride, and the naughtiness of your heart; for you are come down that you might see the battle.Eliab's anger<a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a> Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.<a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4,8,11</a> And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him… <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Proverbs 18:19</a> A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.with<a href="/1_samuel/17-20.htm">1 Samuel 17:20</a> And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.I know<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.<a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">Psalm 35:11</a> False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.<a href="/jude/1-10.htm">Jude 1:10</a> But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/11-6.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">Camest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-26.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-14.htm">Eldest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-13.htm">Eliab</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-23.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-6.htm">Kindled</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Naughtiness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-20.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-18.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-10.htm">Camest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-29.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-27.htm">Eldest</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-13.htm">Eliab</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-31.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">Kindled</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-6.htm">Naughtiness</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-28.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">Wilderness</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 when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men Eliab, as the eldest son of Jesse, held a position of authority and responsibility within the family. His presence in the army indicates his role as a soldier in Saul's forces. The context of David speaking to the men highlights his curiosity and concern for Israel's plight against the Philistines. This moment foreshadows David's future leadership and his heart for God's people, contrasting with Eliab's dismissive attitude.his anger burned against David Eliab's anger may stem from jealousy or embarrassment, as David's anointing by Samuel (<a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a>) could have caused tension among the brothers. This reaction also reflects a common human tendency to misinterpret motives, especially when feeling threatened or insecure. Eliab's anger contrasts with David's faith and courage, setting the stage for David's rise as a leader.“Why have you come down here?” he asked Eliab's question implies suspicion and disbelief in David's intentions. It reflects a protective, perhaps condescending, attitude towards his younger brother. This question also underscores the perceived inappropriateness of David's presence on the battlefield, given his youth and role as a shepherd.“And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness?” This remark belittles David's responsibilities, emphasizing the perceived insignificance of his duties compared to the battle at hand. It highlights the cultural view of shepherding as a lowly occupation, yet it is significant that many biblical leaders, including Moses and Jesus, are associated with shepherding, symbolizing care and leadership.I know your pride and wickedness of heart Eliab accuses David of arrogance and malicious intent, projecting his own insecurities onto his brother. This accusation is ironic, as David is later described as a man after God's own heart (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>). The theme of misjudging others' hearts is prevalent in Scripture, reminding believers to seek God's perspective rather than relying on human judgment.you have come down to see the battle!” Eliab assumes David's motives are driven by mere curiosity or thrill-seeking, failing to recognize David's genuine concern for Israel's honor and God's glory. This misunderstanding sets the stage for David's demonstration of faith and courage against Goliath, highlighting the contrast between human perception and divine purpose.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. At this point, he is a shepherd and has come to the battlefield to deliver supplies to his brothers. 2. <a href="/topical/e/eliab.htm">Eliab</a> David's oldest brother, who is serving in King Saul's army. He reacts with anger and jealousy towards David. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_battlefield.htm">The Battlefield</a> The setting is the Valley of Elah, where the Israelites are encamped against the Philistines. This is the prelude to David's famous encounter with Goliath. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelite_army.htm">The Israelite Army</a> The army of Israel, led by King Saul, is in a standoff with the Philistine forces. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_philistines.htm">The Philistines</a> The enemy of Israel, represented by the giant Goliath, who is challenging the Israelites to send out a champion to fight him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/sibling_rivalry_and_jealousy.htm">Sibling Rivalry and Jealousy</a> Eliab's reaction to David highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and rivalry within families. Believers are called to love and support one another, avoiding the pitfalls of envy. <a href="/topical/m/misjudging_motives.htm">Misjudging Motives</a> Eliab accuses David of pride and wickedness, yet David's heart is aligned with God's purposes. We must be cautious not to judge others' motives without understanding their hearts. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_criticism.htm">Courage in the Face of Criticism</a> David's willingness to stand firm despite his brother's criticism is a model of courage. Believers are encouraged to pursue God's calling even when facing opposition from those closest to them. <a href="/topical/h/humility_and_service.htm">Humility and Service</a> David's role as a shepherd and his obedience in serving his brothers by bringing supplies demonstrate humility. True leadership often begins with humble service.<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/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> <a href="/q/why_mention_brothers'_protection_in_song_8_8-9.htm">Why does Song of Solomon 8:8–9 mention the brothers’ protective stance, yet offer no clear historical context or evidence of such customs in ancient Israel? </a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_take_goliath's_head_to_jerusalem.htm">How is it historically accurate that David carried Goliath's head to Jerusalem if it wasn't yet under Israelite control (1 Samuel 17:54)?</a> <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><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>(28) And Eliab's anger was kindled against David.--There were probably many years between the ages of the eldest and youngest of these eight brothers, and this jealous anger was, no doubt, no new thing in Eliab. The casual mention (<a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm" title="And David said to Saul, Your servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:">1Samuel 17:34</a>) of the boy's prowess, when the lion and the bear attacked his father's flock, tells us that the boyhood and youth of David had been no ordinary one, and Eliab's jealous disposition had been, doubtless, often aroused. Probably, too, the envious elder brother well remembered the visit of the great seer to Bethlehem, and how Samuel had, for some mysterious, and as yet unknown, reason, anointed this young brother of his, and had chosen him to be his pupil and companion. Was he now come with power unknown to him (Eliab) to perform some startling deed of daring?<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 28, 29. - Eliab's anger was kindled against David. As David, with growing indignation at an uncovenanted heathen thus dishonouring the subjects of the living God, puts eager questions to all around, his ehier brother angrily reproaches him with words full of contempt. Between the eldest and youngest of eight sons was a vast interval, and Eliab regards David's talk as mere pride, or, rather, "presumption," "impertinence;" and also as naughtiness, or badness, of heart, probably because he imagined that David's object was to provoke some one else to fight, that he might see the battle. David's answer is gentle and forbearing, but the last words are difficult. Is there not a cause? Have not those whom we are ready to condemn a reason and justification for their conduct? Such a question put to ourselves might stop much slander and fault finding. But the Hebrew literally has, Is it not word? And the ancient versions and the best modern commentators understand by this, "It was but a mere word;" "I was only talking about this challenge, and was doing no wrong. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/17-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now when David’s oldest הַגָּד֔וֹל (hag·gā·ḏō·wl) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent brother אָחִ֣יו (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) Eliab אֱלִיאָב֙ (’ĕ·lî·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_446.htm">Strong's 446: </a> Eliab -- 'God is father', the name of several Israelites heard וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently him speaking בְּדַבְּר֖וֹ (bə·ḏab·bə·rōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the men, הָאֲנָשִׁ֑ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person his anger אַף֩ (’ap̄) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire burned וַיִּֽחַר־ (way·yi·ḥar-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2734.htm">Strong's 2734: </a> To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy against David. בְּדָוִ֜ד (bə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “Why לָמָּה־ (lām·māh-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have you come down יָרַ֗דְתָּ (yā·raḏ·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend here?” זֶּ֣ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that he asked. וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “And with וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against whom מִ֨י (mî) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix did you leave נָטַ֜שְׁתָּ (nā·ṭaš·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5203.htm">Strong's 5203: </a> To pound, smite, to disperse, to thrust off, down, out, upon those הָהֵ֙נָּה֙ (hā·hên·nāh) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2007.htm">Strong's 2007: </a> Themselves few מְעַ֨ט (mə·‘aṭ) Adjective - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> A little, fewness, a few sheep הַצֹּ֤אן (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock in the wilderness? בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר (bam·miḏ·bār) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech I אֲנִ֧י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I know יָדַ֣עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know your pride זְדֹנְךָ֗ (zə·ḏō·nə·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2087.htm">Strong's 2087: </a> Insolence, presumptuousness and wickedness רֹ֣עַ (rō·a‘) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7455.htm">Strong's 7455: </a> Badness, evil of heart? לְבָבֶ֔ךָ (lə·ḇā·ḇe·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart you have come down יָרָֽדְתָּ׃ (yā·rā·ḏə·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend to לְמַ֛עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> Purpose -- intent see רְא֥וֹת (rə·’ō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see the battle!” הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 17:28 Eliab his eldest brother heard when he (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/17-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:29" /></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>