1 Samuel 17:12-13

12 Now David was 1the son of the 2Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and 3he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men.
13 The three older sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle. And 4the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and the second to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

1 Samuel 17:12-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 17

This chapter relates how the armies of Israel, and of the Philistines, prepared for battle, and where, 1Sa 17:1-3, describes a champion of the Philistines, who defied the armies of Israel, 1Sa 17:4-11, and while he was so doing, it informs us that David came into the camp, and he heard his words, and signified to one and another his inclination to fight with him, 1Sa 17:12-30, which being reported to Saul, David was sent for by him, and much discourse passed between them about it, 1Sa 17:31-37 when we are told the manner in which he engaged with the Philistine, and the victory he obtained over him, 1Sa 17:38-51 upon which the Philistines fled, and Israel pursued them; and on account of this action David was taken notice of by Saul, and brought to court again, as the following chapter shows, 1Sa 17:52-58.

Cross References 4

  • 1. Ruth 4:22; 1 Samuel 16:18
  • 2. Genesis 35:19
  • 3. 1 Samuel 16:10, 11; 1 Chronicles 2:13-15
  • 4. 1 Sam 16:6, 8, 9

Footnotes 3

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