1 Samuel 17:57

57 So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul.

1 Samuel 17:57 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 17:57

And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine,
&c.] Carrying his head in triumph, and no doubt accompanied with the acclamations of the people:

Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the head of the
Philistine in his hand;
to give an answer to the king's question concerning him, who could best do it himself; and that Saul might have the opportunity of rewarding him, according to his merit, for so great a piece of service he had done for Israel, of which the head in his hand was a sufficient proof.

1 Samuel 17:57 In-Context

55 As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.”

56 “Find out whose son this young man is!” said the king.

57 So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul.

58 “Whose son are you, young man?” asked Saul. “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,” David replied.