1Sa 17:28-29 | KingComments | STEP | When Eliab hears what his youngest brother says, his anger burns. He accuses David of sensationalism, that he only comes to see the battle. That’s a bit exaggerated, because there is no battle at all. That is why Eliab’s reaction is also very unfair. The reaction can be explained logically because David’s words are an accusation of the whole army. Then the only reaction is to scoff, to scorn the comments made. This leads to false statements and accusations. Eliab skims about the flock and doubts that David has made sure that the sheep are safe during his absence. He is not aware that he treats the deliverer with contempt. The flock does not seem to have been large. Eliab talks about “those few sheep”. This makes it clear that David is faithful in the small and insignificant and that therefore the LORD can entrust him more. Faith that relies on God cannot prove to unbelief that nothing of the accusations is true. Therefore David does not defend himself. He resembles the Lord Jesus Who also reacted like that on accusations of the leaders ( ). The anointing of David will not have made much of an impression on Eliab. Little was said and he will not have understood its meaning. For him at least David is not the future king, but a younger little brother who is curious. The outburst of anger of David’s brother does not make David give up. He quietly goes through the camp and informs everywhere. This is how it becomes known that there is a man of faith walking around in the camp who, in simple confidence, testifies that there is a God in Israel.

‏ 1 Samuel 17:28-29

David Arouses the Anger of Eliab

When Eliab hears what his youngest brother says, his anger burns. He accuses David of sensationalism, that he only comes to see the battle. That’s a bit exaggerated, because there is no battle at all. That is why Eliab’s reaction is also very unfair. The reaction can be explained logically because David’s words are an accusation of the whole army. Then the only reaction is to scoff, to scorn the comments made.

This leads to false statements and accusations. Eliab skims about the flock and doubts that David has made sure that the sheep are safe during his absence. He is not aware that he treats the deliverer with contempt.

The flock does not seem to have been large. Eliab talks about “those few sheep”. This makes it clear that David is faithful in the small and insignificant and that therefore the LORD can entrust him more. Faith that relies on God cannot prove to unbelief that nothing of the accusations is true. Therefore David does not defend himself. He resembles the Lord Jesus Who also reacted like that on accusations of the leaders (1Pet 2:23a).

The anointing of David will not have made much of an impression on Eliab. Little was said and he will not have understood its meaning. For him at least David is not the future king, but a younger little brother who is curious. The outburst of anger of David’s brother does not make David give up. He quietly goes through the camp and informs everywhere. This is how it becomes known that there is a man of faith walking around in the camp who, in simple confidence, testifies that there is a God in Israel.