1 Samuel 17:53-58

53 and the sons of Israel turn back from burning after the Philistines, and spoil their camps.

54 And David taketh the head of the Philistine, and bringeth it in to Jerusalem, and his weapons he hath put in his own tent.

55 And when Saul seeth David going out to meet the Philistine, he hath said unto Abner, head of the host, `Whose son [is] this -- the youth, Abner?' and Abner saith, `Thy soul liveth, O king, I have not known.'

56 And the king saith, `Ask thou whose son this [is] -- the young man.'

57 And when David turneth back from smiting the Philistine, then Abner taketh him and bringeth him in before Saul, and the head of the Philistine in his hand;

58 and Saul saith unto him, `Whose son [art] thou, O youth?' and David saith, `Son of thy servant Jesse, the Beth-Lehemite.'

1 Samuel 17:53-58 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.