1 Samuel 17:40-51
17:40 a A stream flowed through the valley of Elah (17:2 b).• A sling was a leather pouch attached to two leather thongs. When the sling containing a stone was whirled rapidly, one of the thongs could be released, sending the stone toward its target. David probably became deadly accurate with a sling as a shepherd, but the sling was used by warriors as well (Judg 20:16 c).
17:42 d ruddy-faced: The same Hebrew word is translated “dark” (16:12 e) and “very red” (Gen 25:25 f). Here, it emphasizes David’s youthfulness and inexperience.
• boy: Saul had expressed similar disbelief (1 Sam 17:33 g). As a champion, Goliath expected to be met by an Israelite warrior of similar rank.
17:43 h a dog: A metaphor for a compliant, bowing servant (cp. 2 Sam 9:8 i).
• a stick: David had concealed his sling, and Goliath could see only his staff.
• by the names of his gods: Since Goliath appealed to his gods, David’s victory over Goliath would also symbolize God’s victory over Dagon, the chief god of the Philistines (1 Sam 5:2 j, 5 k).
17:44 l A corpse left to scavengers such as birds and wild animals was grievously cursed (cp. Deut 21:23 m; 28:26 n).
Summary for 1Sam 17:45-47: 17:45-47 o the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: See study note on 1:3. Despite the Philistines’ apparent military advantage, David knew that Israel had the supreme advantage in the one true God.
17:49 p Goliath’s forehead remained exposed beneath his enormous helmet.
• stumbled and fell face down: The stone only incapacitated Goliath; David killed him by decapitating him (17:51 q).
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