1 Samuel 17:48

48 That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward 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 very day God is handing you over to me. I'm about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there's an extraordinary God in Israel.

47 And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God - he's handing you to us on a platter!"

48 That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine.

49 David reached into his pocket for a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine hard in the forehead, embedding the stone deeply. The Philistine crashed, facedown in the dirt.

50 That's how David beat the Philistine - with a sling and a stone. He hit him and killed him. No sword for David!