1Samuel:17

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* Verse 1-11 - Men so entirely depend upon God in all things , that when he withdraws his help , the most valiant and resolute cannot find their hearts or hands , as daily experience shows . * Verse 12-30 - Jesse little thought of sending his son to the army at that critical juncture ; but the wise God orders actions and affairs , so as to serve his designs . In times of general formality and lukewarmness , every degree of zeal which implies readiness to go further , or to venture more in the cause of God than others , will be blamed as pride and ambition , and by none more than by near relations , like Eliab , or negligent superiors . It was a trial of David 's meekness , patience , and constancy . He had right and reason on his side , and did not render railing for railing ; with a soft answer he turned away his brother 's wrath . This conquest of his own passion was more honourable than that of Goliath . Those who undertake great and public services , must not think it strange if they are spoken ill of , and opposed by those from whom they expect support and assistance . They must humbly go on with their work , in the face not only of enemies ' threats , but of friends ' slights and suspicions . * Verse 31-39 - A shepherd lad , come the same morning from keeping sheep , had more courage than all the mighty men of Israel . Thus God often sends good words to his Israel , and does great things for them , by the weak and foolish things of the world . As he had answered his brother 's passion with meekness , so David answered Saul 's fear with faith . When David kept sheep , he proved himself very careful and tender of his flock . This reminds us of Christ , the good Shepherd , who not only ventured , but laid down his life for the sheep . Our experience ought to encourage us to trust in God , and be bold in the way of duty . He that has delivered , does and will continue to do so . David gained leave to fight the Philistine . Not being used to such armour as Saul put upon him , he was not satisfied to go in that manner ; this was from the Lord , that it might more plainly appear he fought and conquered in faith , and that the victory was from Him who works by the feeblest and most despised means and instruments . It is not to be inquired how excellent any thing is , but how proper . Let Saul 's coat be ever so rich , and his armour ever so strong , what is David the better if they fit him not ? But faith , prayer , truth , and righteousness ; the whole armour of God , and the mind that was in Christ ; are equally needful for all the servants of the Lord , whatever may be their work . * Verse 40-47 - The security and presumption of fools destroy them . Nothing can excel the humility , faith , and piety which appear in David 's words . He expressed his assured expectation of success ; he gloried in his mean appearance and arms , that the victory might be ascribed to the Lord alone . * Verse 48-58 - See how frail and uncertain life is , even when a man thinks himself best fortified ; how quickly , how easily , and by how small a matter , the passage may be opened for life to go out , and death to enter ! Let not the strong man glory in his strength , nor the armed man in his armour . God resists the proud , and pours contempt on those who defy him and his people . No one ever hardened his heart against God and prospered . The history is recorded , that all may exert themselves for the honour of God , and the support of his cause , with bold and unshaken reliance on him . There is one conflict in which all the followers of the Lamb are , and must be engaged ; one enemy , more formidable than Goliath , still challenges the armies of Israel . But "resist the devil , and he will flee from you ." Go forth to battle with the faith of David , and the powers of darkness shall not stand against you . But how often is the Christian foiled through an evil heart of unbelief ! Henry ' _1__18 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

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