1 Samuel 17:48

48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and advanced to meet David, that David hasted, and ran towards the ranks to meet the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:48 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 17:48

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose
Or prepared for the encounter, and was in all probability in great wrath and fury at hearing what David said, and which hastened him to it:

and came and drew nigh to meet David;
as fast as his unwieldy body, and heavy load of armour on him, would admit of:

that David hasted and ran toward the army;
the army of the Philistines, from whence this champion came:

to meet the Philistine;
to get up to him before he could draw his sword, or put himself in a posture to make use of any weapon to strike at David with.

1 Samuel 17:48 In-Context

46 This day will Jehovah deliver thee up into my hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the camp of the Philistines this day to the fowl of the heavens and to the wild beasts of the earth. And all the earth shall know that Israel has a God;
47 and all this congregation shall know that Jehovah saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is Jehovah's, and he will give you into our hands.
48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and advanced to meet David, that David hasted, and ran towards the ranks to meet the Philistine.
49 And David put his hand into the bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, and the stone sank into his forehead; and he fell on his face to the earth.
50 So David overcame the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and smote the Philistine and killed him; and there was no sword in the hand of David.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.