1 Samuel 17:18 kjv
And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
1 Samuel 17:18 nkjv
And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and see how your brothers fare, and bring back news of them."
1 Samuel 17:18 niv
Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them.
1 Samuel 17:18 esv
Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them."
1 Samuel 17:18 nlt
And give these ten cuts of cheese to their captain. See how your brothers are getting along, and bring back a report on how they are doing. "
1 Samuel 17 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 18:21 | "Moreover, look for able men...and place such over them as commanders of thousands, of hundreds..." | Military hierarchy like "captains of thousands". |
| Num 13:16-20 | "Moses sent them to spy out the land...and bring back word..." | Sending someone to gather intelligence/report. |
| Deut 20:9 | "When the officers have finished speaking to the people, then commanders shall be appointed at the head of the people." | Commanders/officers leading Israelite army. |
| Josh 2:1-4 | "Joshua...sent two men as spies...Go, view the land...they came into the house of a prostitute..." | Sending out for information and report. |
| Judg 7:8-15 | "The Midianites...lay in the valley like locusts...Gideon arose and went down to the enemy camp..." | Going to scout out enemy or brother's conditions. |
| 1 Sam 2:32-33 | "and you will see distress in my dwelling, and no old man will be in your house ever." | Parental concern and potential for distress. |
| 1 Sam 20:6 | "David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the clan." | Returning home to family from duties. |
| 2 Sam 15:20 | "May loyalty and faithfulness be with you." | Expresses a desire for the welfare/peace of others. |
| 2 Sam 18:3-5 | "the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.'" | King/father expressing concern for son. |
| Ps 37:23 | "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way." | Divine orchestration of David's seemingly mundane trip. |
| Prov 16:9 | "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." | God's sovereign control over seemingly simple tasks. |
| Matt 25:21 | "His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much." | Faithfulness in small tasks leading to greater responsibility. |
| Lk 16:10 | "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." | David's faithfulness in his father's command. |
| Rom 8:28 | "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good..." | God's providential use of all circumstances. |
| Gal 6:10 | "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." | Caring for family and "household of faith." |
| 1 Tim 5:8 | "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith..." | Emphasizes familial responsibility/provision. |
| Heb 13:16 | "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." | The act of providing/sharing for others. |
| Ja 2:15-16 | "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace..." | Addressing physical needs and welfare. |
| 3 Jn 1:2 | "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul." | Expression of desiring another's full welfare (shalom). |
| 1 Sam 17:17 | "Then Jesse said to David his son, 'Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers.'" | Immediate preceding verse showing provision of food. |
| 1 Sam 17:22-23 | "David left the things in the charge of the keeper of the baggage...and went and greeted his brothers...the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines..." | David's immediate action and arrival at the scene. |
| 1 Sam 17:28 | "Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David..." | Highlights the brothers' context and later interaction. |
1 Samuel 17 verses
1 Samuel 17 18 Meaning
The verse conveys Jesse's practical instructions to his youngest son, David. David is commanded to transport provisions (ten specific portions of cheese or curds) to the military commander overseeing his older brothers' unit. Simultaneously, and perhaps as the primary purpose of his visit, David is instructed to inquire about his brothers' welfare and return with a tangible report or assurance concerning their condition, reflecting a father's deep concern for his sons fighting on the battlefield. This mundane errand inadvertently sets the stage for David's dramatic encounter with Goliath.
1 Samuel 17 18 Context
This verse occurs at a critical juncture in Israel's history, as the nation is locked in a stalemated conflict with the Philistines. The Israelites, led by King Saul, are encamped in the Valley of Elah, paralyzed by fear of the giant Goliath, who daily defies them. David, the youngest son of Jesse, has been faithfully tending his father's sheep in Bethlehem, occasionally serving Saul as a harpist but not a regular part of his court or army. His older brothers, Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah, are with Saul's army. Jesse, being advanced in years and unable to personally assess his sons' welfare on the battlefront, dispatches David. David’s task of delivering provisions and obtaining an update is an ordinary, familial duty, yet it divinely orchestrates his presence at the battleground at the exact moment of Goliath's daily taunt, preparing the way for his introduction to national leadership and ultimately, the defeat of Goliath. The historical context includes the typical Israelite military structure involving "captains of thousands," and the ongoing Philistine threat representing a test of Israel's reliance on God versus human strength.
1 Samuel 17 18 Word analysis
- And carry (וַתָּבוֹא, `va'ta'vo' / וַתִּשָּׂא, `va'tisa`): The initial verb is often 'bring' (`bo`) or 'carry' (`nasa`). This is a direct command from Jesse, indicating the immediate action required of David. It speaks to David's role as an obedient son, fulfilling his father's directives, even for mundane tasks.
- these ten cheeses (עֲשֶׂרֶת חֲרִיצֵי הֶחָלָב, `aseret charitzei he'chalav`): Literally, "ten cuts/slices of milk." This refers to hardened milk curds or soft cheeses, specifically prepared for transport and sustenance. The number 'ten' might reflect a standard portion or simply a suitable amount for the task. It highlights the practical care taken in provisioning soldiers. Such provisions were common during military campaigns to sustain troops away from home.
- to the captain of their thousand (לְשַׂר הָאָלֶף, `le'sar ha'eleph`): `Sar` (שַׂר) means 'prince, chief, captain, official'. `Eleph` (אָלֶף) can mean a thousand, or it can denote a family or clan unit (e.g., Mic 5:2, Judg 6:15). In a military context, `sar ha'eleph` is a high-ranking officer in charge of a large contingent, emphasizing the structured nature of Saul's army. Jesse is ensuring the provisions go to a recognized authority, who can then distribute or manage them for David's brothers.
- and look how your brothers fare (וְאֶת־שְׁלוֹם אַחֶיךָ תִּפְקֹד, `v'et sh'lom acheikha tifqod`):
- `Shalom` (שָׁלוֹם): Means 'peace, well-being, wholeness, prosperity, safety'. It's a comprehensive term for general welfare, indicating Jesse's deep parental concern beyond just physical survival.
- `Tifqod` (תִּפְקֹד): From the root `paqad` (פָקַד), which means 'to visit, to attend to, to inspect, to muster, to inquire, to oversee, to hold an account'. Jesse wants David to not just ask, but to diligently ascertain and check on their comprehensive state, including their morale, safety, and health. This suggests more than a cursory greeting.
- and bring back word (וְאֶת־עֲרֻבָּתָם תִּקָּח, `v'et arubatam tiqqach`):
- `Arubatam` (עֲרֻבָּתָם): From `ʿerev` (עָרַב), meaning 'pledge, security, surety, a token, or guarantee'. It implies that Jesse desires a reliable and convincing report, a confirmation or assurance of his sons' safety and status. It's more than a mere message; it's a verifiable update. Some translations interpret it as a "token" or "pledge" from the brothers themselves.
- `Tiqqach` (תִּקָּח): From `laqach` (לָקַח), 'to take, to seize, to receive'. David is to 'take' or 'obtain' this assurance, not just listen to it.
1 Samuel 17 18 Bonus section
- The Unseen Hand: Jesse’s instructions, driven by simple paternal concern, serve as a vehicle for God's larger plan to bring David, His chosen king, to the forefront of Israel's national life and introduce him to the challenge that would propel him to fame. This perfectly illustrates God working "behind the scenes."
- Contrasting Environments: David moves from the solitude and trust required to guard sheep against wild animals to the chaotic, fear-ridden environment of the battlefield, foreshadowing his later role as protector and leader of Israel.
- Symbolic Food: The act of carrying "cheeses" or fresh provisions speaks to sustenance and basic human need in a desperate military situation. It's a contrast to the "bread of sorrow" and spiritual hunger plaguing Israel due to Saul's inaction and Goliath's mockery.
1 Samuel 17 18 Commentary
This seemingly ordinary instruction from Jesse to David reveals layers of theological significance. It showcases divine providence at work through the mundane: David's obedience to his father, an act of familial duty and practical care, places him directly in the path of his destiny. His faithful execution of a small, seemingly insignificant task of delivering food and checking on his brothers becomes the catalyst for a monumental shift in Israel's leadership and history. It teaches us that God often uses ordinary circumstances and the faithfulness in everyday responsibilities to unfold His extraordinary plans. Jesse's concern for his sons’ 'shalom' in a time of war is a poignant display of human care, mirroring, in a smaller way, God's comprehensive care for His people. The act also underlines David’s inherent character traits of obedience, reliability, and compassion long before his public anointing as king. This foundation in humble service is a common theme in the training of biblical leaders, illustrating that true leadership often emerges from faithfulness in "a very little."