41 And the Philistine came on, and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. c 42 And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 43 And the Philistine said unto David, e Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine 'cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand, and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that " all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this e 1 Kings 20:18. 2 Kings 18:23, 24. Neh. 4:2-4. d 33. 16:12. that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for P the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands. 48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. r assembly shall know 13. Heb. 11:33,34. 49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they " fled. 52 And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron: and the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. 53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents. satisfied to go forth in that manner.-This was questionably be ascribed to JEHOVAH; and he anlikewise from the Lord, who would have it made ticipated the effects of this transaction. He even manifest that his servant fought and conquered by conceived a hope of its producing a salutary confaith, and that the victory was from him, who viction in the minds of the Philistines, that the works by the most despised means and instru- God of Israel was the only true God; and he prements. (Notes, Josh. 6:3–5. Judg. 3:31. 7:16-dicted that his power and glory would by means of 22. 15:14-17. Zech. 4:4-7. 1 Cor. 1:20-31. 2 Cor. 4:7.) V. 42-44. Perhaps David might at this time be twenty-two or twenty-three years of age; (33. Note, 16:10,11.) and his unwarlike appearance in all respects excited contempt and disdain in Goliath's breast; nay, he was greatly affronted to be opposed by a stripling, accoutred in so unwarlike a manner. But though he cursed David by his gods, he evidently trusted not in them, but in the might of his own arm. The Romans used thus to curse their enemies: All the gods and goddesses 'destroy thee!' (Notes, Num. 22:6.) V. 45-47. Nothing can exceed the modesty, the faith, the piety, and the zeal for the glory of God, and the cause of Israel and of true religion, which glow in this most beautiful speech. David expressed, with peculiar animation, his assured expectation of success, of which doubtless some immediate intimations had been communicated to him; satisfying him, that the zeal of the Lord for his own glory would engage him in the cause: he even gloried in his own contemptible appearance and armor, that the victory might the more un || it be made known to all the earth. (Notes, 1 Kings 18:36,37. 2 Kings 19:14—19.) V. 48, 49. The courage of David appears illustrious in the whole narrative. Goliath understood that his challenge was accepted, by David's boldly marching out to meet him; and at this crisis, David with great activity at once struck the fatal blow. Either Goliath, in fearless presumption and contempt of his opponent, had neglected to fasten on his helmet; or the stone, directed and impelled by the power of the Almighty, penetrated both the helmet and his skull, and sunk into his forehead, as a stone sinks into the water. (Note, 1 Kings 22:32-35.) V. 50-53. Perhaps the sword of Goliath was not so large and unwieldy in proportion, as the other parts of his armor; for we find that David afterwards used it, as well as on this occasion. (Note, 21:8,9.)-When the Philistines saw that their champion, or mighty man, was dead; they were so convinced of the power and presence of the God of Israel, that they had no courage to fight, but yielded Israel a complete victory: and the Israelites pursued them even to their own 54 T And David a took the head of 57 And as David returned from the the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem: but he put his armor in his tent. b 55 And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, Whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell. 56 And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is. cities, and plundered their camp. (Marg. Ref.) Champion. (51) The original word is not the same here as in the fourth verse. V. 54. Either David, after a time, carried the head of Goliath to Jerusalem, as a terror to the Jebusites; and put his armor in his own tent, til it was removed to the tabernacle of God: (21:8,|| 9.) or this is spoken by anticipation; and means, that afterwards Goliath's skull and armor were preserved at Jerusalem, as a monument of the victory, and to the glory of God, in the tent which David there formed for the ark. (Note, 2 Sam. 6:17.) V. 55-58. It has been argued, from the circumstance of Saul's not recollecting David, that the history is inconsistent: and to answer this objection many learned men, by a very unnatural transposition, place this chapter, in order of time, before the preceding. But it should be considered that David was young when he went to the court of Saul: and a few years, with change of dress, (from that of a courtier, to that of a shepherd,) make a very great alteration in the appearance of young persons. Abner had no acquaintance with David, that we know of. Saul's mind was disordered, and his affairs in perplexity. Kings, especially such kings as Saul, are served by so many fresh faces, that they often literally forget their old acquaintance. Yet it is evident, that Saul had some confused and imperfect recollection of David; though he could not certainly remember whose son he was. (Notes, 1,15.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-30. slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul, with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58 And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse, the Beth-lehemite. needs fear defying the disciples of man, any more than Goliath feared defying "the servants of Saul," were they only such, as the names which they assume, as well as their conduct on some occasions, seem to imply. For in human acun-complishments the opposers of the truth of God have frequently possessed an undisputed superiority: (Note Ez. 15:6—8. P. O.) confiding in this, they have defied, and still do defy, the advocates of spiritual truth to engage with them; and they dream of a total and decided victory. But they have "the armies of the living God," and their invincible Captain himself, to contend with; and "who are these uncircumcised Philistines," that a true Israelite should fear them? Any believer in the divine Savior may predict that their triumphing will be short: and, if fairly called to it, we need not fear to go forth with the despised sling and stone, with plain testimonies of holy Scripture, unadorned by eloquence, and unsupported by human learning, against the most formidable of them; trusting in him who has all power in heaven and earth.-Those who would serve God must be endued with patience, meekness, and self-denial; and they must learn to bear neglect, contempt, and ingratitude; to be laborious, faithful, and obedient; to shun observation and ostentation; to walk by faith, and to wait the Lord's time for every promised or expected mercy; not putting themselves forward, till it be undeniably evident that there is a cause.-In times of general formality and lukewarmness, every degree of zeal, which implies a readiness to go further, or venture more in the cause of God, than others do, will be censured as pride and ambition; and by none more than near relations and negligent superiors: and such censures will seldom be unmingled with unjust insinuations, slanders, and attempts to blacken a man's character. But conscious integrity, and confi dence in God, united with meekness, wisdom, and perseverance, will carry the believer through such discouraging opposition, and raise him above them: and those who would do good, should not multiply words in defence of their own characters; but avoid whatever may needlessly exasper ate, prolong contention, or foment envy; and be satisfied with appealing to the consciences and common sense of impartial persons, that time and circumstances require their exertions. The hope of being an instrument of good, and of being accepted by the Lord, will animate the faithful servant of God in every undertaking; and the expectation of a reward from man, or the fear of human censure, will be with him a very inferior consideration. When those, to whom it officially belongs to|| defend the cause of God and his church, are destitute of his Spirit, and given up to ambition, covetousness, envy, malice, or lust; no wonder if open enemies are encouraged, and friends dispirited: and as the fear of God declines, the fear of man, in one form or other, will gather strength. But when one instrument is thrown aside, another is prepared, and produced for the work of the Lord: and though Israel be cast down, and his enemies for a season triumph; yet shall he be raised up again, and their success terminate in deeper disgrace and ruin.-Every gift of God to fallen man, instead of inspiring gratitude, naturally increases proud self-admiration and confidence, and a disposition to despise and insult over others. But what are human wisdom, strength, and courage, unless preserved and prospered by him who gave them? When confidence in these endowments withdraws men from their dependence on God, and when they are employed in rebellion against him; the haughty possessor becomes more expressly the enemy and rival of the Almighty, and is prepared to be a more distinguished monument of his righteous vengeance. (Noles, Job 40:9-14. Jer. 9:23,24. Dan. 4:34 37. 5:18-24.)--Degenerate professors of religion often receive just rebukes from most decided enemies; and indeed no persecutor or heresiarch || V. 31-58. If we improve our experience of the Lord's faithfulness, love, and power, in former seasons of danger and difficulty, it will inspire confidence in the prospect of future conflicts; and on some occasions it may be referred to for the satisfac tion of others: and to be engaged against the avowed and haughty enemies of God and his CHAP. XVIII. f Saul sent him, and behaved himself Jonathan loves David, and covenants with him, 1-4. David wisely: and Saul set him over the men gains favor with the people and the servants of Saul, 5. The of war; and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. praises bestowed on David excite Saul's envy, 6-9. Saul at tempts to kill him, 10, 11. David's prudence and success make Saul afraid of him, 12-16. He offers to give him his elder daughter, hoping to ensnare him; but gives her to another, 1719. He promises him Michal, his younger daughter, finding that she loved him; and David brings two hundred foreskins of the Philistines, being double the stipulated dowry, and marries her, 20-27. Saul's hatred and David's reputation increase, 28 -30 the true Israel join in his conquests, and share the benefits; and they shall ere long meet in heaven to celebrate his triumphs with everlasting songs of praise. NOTES. CHAP. XVIII. V. 1. The modesty, piety, and courageous faith of David were so con genial to the character of Jonathan, that they attracted his most cordial esteem and affection: (Notes, 14:6-15.) so that the most endeared friendship subsisted between them, from that time, without the least interruption, notwithstanding Saul's envy and malice; and though Jonathan knew that David was anointed to be king, and that he himself was excluded! (Notes, 19:1-7. 20:14-17,32-42. 23:17,18. 2 Sam. 1:19-27.) This disinterested friendship was the effect of that grace of God, which produces in all true believers "one heart and soul," and causes them to delight in each other's converse and comfort: (Notes, 1 Pet. 1:22—25. 1 John 3:13-15.) yet similarity of disposition, and the coincidence of the extraordinary services which in the courage of faith they had performed, served to render their reciprocal affection peculiarly fervent and intimate. (Marg. Ref.) church, is in all cases a proper ground of en-pel to pursue the victory; while all the hosts of couragement.-In the service of our common Lord we are not all qualified to handle the same weapons, or to fill up the same stations: none should therefore be set up in all things as models, nor ought any of us indiscriminately to imitate the most approved characters. Rules and methods, which are useful and natural to one man, may prove encumbrances to another: and we do best, when we cultivate our own peculiar talent, taking hints from every body, and not attempting exact conformity to any. But faith, and prayer, and truth, and righteousness, "the whole armor of God," and "the mind which was in Christ,' are equally needful for all his servants.-The curses of wicked men are no more to be feared, than their power or menaces; as they will af length rebound upon themselves, and their proud self-confidence will surely be confounded. But those who trust in the Lord, and simply seek his glory, shall never be ashamed: in their hands the feeblest means shall be successful, and before them the most formidable opposition shall come to nothing. The event of every conflict of the church of God against her enemies, will undeniably evince, "that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give it into our hands:" and this shall tend to make known his glory throughout the earth.-Human favor is of small value, for men soon forget those who have been most useful to them; and they alone are happy, who enjoy the favor of him, who never forgets or forsakes the meanest of his true people.-Finally, in David's victory over the champion of the Philistines, we may see a faint shadow of the Redeemer's victory over Satan, who for ages had defied the armies of the living God, and, from the fall of Adam to the coming of Christ, found no one able in his own strength Lo stand against him: but Jesus overcame him on his own ground, and foiled him with his own weapons, and still goes on by his despised gos V. 2. Saul did not at first know David, but he soon recollected him. It is manifest from this, that he had before returned from Saul to his pastoral employments, but from this time he went back no more to them. (Note, 17:55-58.) V. 3, 4. Jonathan, by stripping off his own clothes and armor, and giving them to David, intended avowedly to ratify the covenant between them, as well as to testify his affection, and equip him according to his character and station. So that David then put off the shepherd, and put on the courtier and soldier. V. 5. Abner continued commander in chief; but David had some high military station, and perhaps he was made captain of Saul's guards. 9 And Saul" eyed David from that day and forward. 10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he P prophesied in the midst of the house; and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. 11 And Saulcast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. s And David avoided out of his presence twice. 12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. 13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. 14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. Mark 6:20. Luke 8:37. 5. u 16:13,18. 22:13. Acts 7:9. v 16:14. 28:15. Ps. 51:11. Hos. x 17,25. 8:12. 22:7. y 16. Num. 27:16,17. 2 Sam. *Or, prospered. See on 5. V. 6-9. After the death of Goliath, and the consequent victory over the Philistines; Saul, and David with him, went to several of the cities of Israel. I suppose, Saul and the whole court 'thought fit to honor David, by accompanying him to Jerusalem when he carried Goliath's 'head thither.' Bp. Patrick. However this might be, in all places to which they came, the women, according to the custom of the times, went forth to meet them with instruments of music, and singing an ode composed on the occasion. (Judg. 11:34. Notes, Ex. 15:1,20,21. Judg. 5:1. Ps. 68:24,25.) In this ode, composed in poetical language, no injustice was done to Saul, nor any affront intended him: yet the language employed might have given umbrage to a mind less propense to envy and suspicion, than that of Saul. Accordingly, he was greatly displeased; and, perceiving how David increased in popularity, he concluded that God was about "to rend the kingdom from him, and to give it to a neighbor of his, who was better than he." (15:28.) Probably he had been also informed, that Samuel anointed David, and favored his interest; so that he began to look upon him with a jealous and inalignant eye. a a 15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them. d 17 And Saul said to David, Behold, my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife; only be thou † valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles: for Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. 18 And David said unto Saul, 'Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-inlaw to the king? 19 But it came to pass, at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the h Meholathite to wife. 20 And Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. satisfied that he was doing his duty under God's protection, would not leave his place, yet he evidently suspected some mischief from the javelin in Saul's hand; and was enabled to avoid the blow, both at this time and on another occasion. (Note, 19:8-10.) V. 12-16. Saul was sensible that the Lord was departed from him, and that his former capacity for public business was diminished: at the same time he perceived, that the Lord had given David peculiar wisdom, and was with him to prosper all his undertakings; and this increased the disquietude of his malevolent mind, and his dread of David as a prevailing rival. He therefore removed him from his presence, changing the command which he had before given him, for that of a thousand men, who made war at a distance. (Note, 5.) But this served the more to ingratiate him with the people, by affording him the opportunity of leading them forth to victory over their enemies. V. 17-19. Saul appears to have been influenced, in this purpose, by fear of exciting a revolt among the people, rather than by the fear of God, or reluctance to commit murder with his own hand. (Note, 2 Sam. 11:14-17.) He was V. 10, 11. When Saul indulged malevolence, engaged by promise to give his daughter to Dahe "gave place to the devil," and provoked God vid: (17:25.) but he had delayed the perform to permit the evil spirit again to trouble him. ||ance, and David was willing to dispense with it. (Note, 16:14. Ps. 51:11.) Being thus under Malice, however, at length prompted him to prosupernatural though malignant influence, he be- pose it, that he might excite David to venture haved in some respects as the prophets did, when his life more freely, in order to be counted worthe Spirit of inspiration came upon them; yet thy of such an honor; and that he might thus be from a contrary cause. It is not indeed certain cut off, without Saul's direct interposition. And whether he assumed this appearance to cloke his though David humbly owned himself unworthy attempting to murder David, or whether Satan of such an alliance, and his services of such a really wrought upon him till he seemed to proph-reward, he did not decline the stipulated condi esy. He was, however, influenced by deliberate tions. But when Saul's design proved abortive, malice when he threw the javelin at David. he affronted him in the grossest manner, by giv Though David, conscious of his innocence, and [ing his daughter to another man. 21 And Saul said, I will give him her, || David fall by the hand of the Philistines. that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my sonin-law in the one of the twain. 22 And Saul "commanded his ° servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son-inlaw. 23 And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son-in-law, seeing that I am Pa poor man, and lightly esteemed? 24 And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David. * 25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any ¶ dowry, but a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's But Saul thought to make enemies. S t Heb. According to these q Gen. 29:18. 34:12. Ex. 22: r 17:26,96. Gen. 17:11-14. o 2 Sam. 13:28,29. Prov. 29:2. 8 14:24. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son-in-law: and " the days were not expired. 27 Wherefore David arose, and went, he and his men, and * slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son-in-law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. 28 And Saul y saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him. 29 And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and a Saul became David's enemy continually. 30 Then the princes of the Philistines bwent forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much I set by. V. 23-27. David would doubtless suspect how different is the nature of fallen man! When some invidious design in this proposal also: but the Lord is provoked to leave us, and Satan is he cautiously avoided mentioning the slight permitted to excite our evil propensities, we bewhich had been put upon him; and waved the come capable of envying and hating those espematter upon the ground of his own poverty and cially who are most amiable, and who have done inferiority; though his original was not much if at the most to serve us, with malignity proportionall inferior to that of Saul. But when, instead of ed to their meekness and wisdoin; the commendowry according to the custom of those times, dations bestowed upon them are considered as (Marg. Ref. q,) a hundred foreskins of the Phi- an injury and reproach to us; and even the pelistines were required, he would not seem back-culiar favor of God for them will greatly aggraward to any perilous service; and therefore he promptly went forth, and returned with twice as many as had been prescribed. V. 28-30. Michal's affection for David, his prudent conduct in another incursion of the Philistines, and his increasing reputation, appeared to Saul's distempered mind to forebode David's advancement to the kingdom by dethroning him;|| nay, the full conviction that God favored David, rendered Saul, not only more afraid of him, but also more malignant against him! (Notes, Gen. 4:3-8. Matt. 2:3-18. John 15:22-25. 1 John 3:11-15.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. True religion teaches us to love real excellency; to rejoice in it, though it eclipse our own reputation; and to delight in the society of those whom the Lord loves and honors, who bear his image and are zealous for his glory, regardless of inferiority of station or selfish considerations. This union of souls, resulting from participation f the Spirit of Jesus Christ, prepares men for filling up their several stations in the church of God, in harmony, sympathy, and love, as the several members do in the natural body; and which, being perfected in heaven, will for ever exclude envy and discontent, and render the felicity of each favored inhabitant an accession to the joy of all the rest. (Notes, 1 Cor. 12:12-31.) But vate malice and envy, and incite to revenge. Thus men imitate and gratify Satan's malevolence; while they themselves are tortured with continued terrors and suspicions, and urged by temptations to every horrid crime, by which they bring upon themselves swift destruction. If we would not be given up to such dreadful excesses, let us watch and pray against the first risings of these dire passions: and we should also be prepared for the effects of them, as they prevail in the minds of others.-For every great and good work a man must expect to be envied by his neighbor: no distinction or pre-eminence can be so unexceptionably obtained, but it will expose the possessor to slander and malice, and perhaps to the most fatal consequences. But such trials are very useful to those who love God: they serve as a counterpoise to the honor put upon them, and check the growth of pride and attachment to the world; they exercise them to faith, patience, meekness, and communion with God; they give them a fair opportunity of exemplifying the amiable nature and tendency of true godliness, by acting with wisdom and propriety in the most difficult circumstances; they make way for increasing experience of the Lord's faithfulness, in restraining their enemies, raising them up friends, and affording them his gracious protection; and they both prepare them for those stations in which they are to be employed, and |