1 Samuel 17:57

57 As David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.

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 When Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? Abner said, As your soul lives, O king, I can't tell.

56 The king said, "Inquire whose son the young man is!"

57 As David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.

58 Saul said to him, Whose son are you, you young man? David answered, I am the son of your servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.