The armies of the Israelites and Philistines ready for battle: Goliath terrifieth the Israelites with his stature, armour, and challenge, 1-11. David sent by his father to visit his brethren; is willing to encounter with him, 12-27; for which Eliab chideth him: he is brought to Saul, and showeth the reason of his confidence, 28-37. He taketh a staff, and sling, with five stones, 38-40. Goliath curseth and threateneth him, 41-44. David’s faith: he slayeth him, 45-50. The Philistines flee; are smitten and plundered, 51-54. Saul taketh notice of David, 55-58.
George Swinnock's Christian Man's Calling: 'List thy children under the captain of their salvation betimes. It was the commendation given Goliath by Saul, that he was a soldier from his youth, 1 Samuel 17. It is the privilege, and let it be the praise of thy children, that they are the soldiers of Christ from their infancy. It is hopeful that they will fight the Lord's battles well, who are sworn soldiers to him in their swaddling-clothes.'
Thomas Manton's The Lord's Prayer: 'God knows what proportion is best for us; he is a God of judgment, and knows what is most convenient for us, for he is a wise God. It is the shepherd must choose the pasture, not the sheep. Leave it to God to give you that which is convenient and suitable to your condition of life. A shoe may be too big for the foot, and a garment too great for the body, as Saul's armour was too large for little David: 1 Samuel17. God will give you that which is convenient, that which is agreeable to you. A garment, when too long, proves a dirty rag; we may have too much; and therefor…
Matthew Henry: 'David is the man whom God now delights to honour, for he is a man after his own heart. We read in the foregoing chapter how, after he was anointed, Providence made him famous in the court; we read in this chapter how Providence made him much more famous in the camp, and, by both, not only marked him for a great man, but fitted him for the throne for which he was designed. In the court he was only Saul's physician; but in the camp Israel's champion; there he fairly fought, and beat Goliath of Gath. In the story observe, I. What a noble figure Goliath made, and how daringly he challenged the armies of Israel, verse…
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