1 Samuel 17 20

1 Samuel 17:20 kjv

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

1 Samuel 17:20 nkjv

So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle.

1 Samuel 17:20 niv

Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry.

1 Samuel 17:20 esv

And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry.

1 Samuel 17:20 nlt

So David left the sheep with another shepherd and set out early the next morning with the gifts, as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the camp just as the Israelite army was leaving for the battlefield with shouts and battle cries.

1 Samuel 17 verses

1 Samuel 17 20 Meaning

This verse details David's prompt and responsible departure from his shepherd duties to deliver provisions to his brothers, as commanded by his father Jesse. It highlights David's obedience, diligence, and faithfulness in fulfilling a seemingly mundane task. His timely arrival at the battlefield, coinciding with the army lining up for battle and raising their war cry, underscores God's providential orchestration, positioning David precisely where he was needed to initiate His greater plan.

1 Samuel 17 20 Context

First Samuel chapter 17 sets the scene for one of the most famous confrontations in biblical history: David and Goliath. Prior to this verse, the armies of Israel and the Philistines have encamped opposite each other in the Valley of Elah, locked in a stalemate. The Philistine champion, Goliath, has challenged Israel to single combat for forty days, but no Israelite champion, including King Saul, has dared to respond, leaving the army gripped by fear. David, who has already been secretly anointed by Samuel as Israel's next king (1 Sam 16), has returned to tending his father's sheep. In this immediate context, David is sent by his father Jesse to deliver food to his elder brothers and the army captain, a routine family errand that God providentially uses to bring David into the fateful encounter.

1 Samuel 17 20 Word analysis

• So David: Introduces the subject, David, whose character is key to the ensuing events. He acts not on impulse but as a direct result of prior instruction (v. 17-18).
• rose early: (Hebrew: hashkêm, השכם) Implies diligence, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. This phrase often describes significant actions in the Bible, indicating seriousness and earnestness. Examples include Abraham rising early to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:3) or Moses to meet the Lord (Ex 34:4).
• in the morning: Reinforces the "early" aspect, stressing promptness and preparedness.
• and left the sheep: David's primary responsibility was shepherding, a task he was faithful in.
• with a keeper: (Hebrew: shômēr, שׁוֹמֵר) Demonstrates David's responsibility and trustworthiness. He did not abandon his duty but ensured proper care for his charge, reflecting a mature and reliable character. This attention to detail highlights his readiness for greater leadership (Ps 78:70-72).
• and took the provisions: Referring to the bread and cheese Jesse instructed him to carry for his brothers and their commander (v. 17-18). This underscores his role as a humble messenger performing a family duty.
• and went: Simple, direct action of obedience.
• as Jesse had commanded him: (Hebrew: tsawwâ, צָוָה, meaning "to command" or "appoint"). This phrase emphasizes his filial obedience. David acted under paternal authority, demonstrating submission and discipline—qualities vital for future leadership (Eph 6:1; Col 3:20). His journey was not arbitrary but an act of commanded obedience.
• And he came to the camp: David's arrival at the specific location where the armies were arrayed. This is not accidental but divinely orchestrated timing.
• as the army was going out: His arrival was precisely at the moment of peak military activity for the day. This timing ensures he immediately witnesses the situation firsthand.
• to the battle line: (Hebrew: ma`ărăkhâ, מַעֲרָכָה, referring to a military formation, battle array). This signifies the army taking up positions for combat, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation.
• shouting: (Hebrew: rūa‘, רוּעַ) A war cry or battle shout.
• for the battle: Indicates the purpose of the shouting—a war cry preceding an engagement, a psychological tactic used by armies. This confirms the immediacy and reality of the impending conflict David has walked into.

• "So David rose early... as Jesse had commanded him": This phrase highlights David's disciplined and obedient character. He prioritizes his duty to his father, showcasing a foundation of faithfulness that will extend to his duties toward God. It reveals a man of diligence and humble submission to authority, even in a seemingly ordinary task.
• "left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions": This detail underscores David's sense of responsibility. He does not neglect his current charge but ensures its safety before undertaking a new one. This demonstrates trustworthiness and diligence, essential traits for future leadership and the care of God's flock (Ps 78:70-72; 1 Pet 5:2).
• "he came to the camp as the army was going out to the battle line shouting for the battle": This signifies impeccable divine timing. David arrives not coincidentally but precisely at the critical moment when the fear-stricken Israelite army is confronting Goliath’s challenge daily. This is not mere happenstance but God's providence positioning David to become Israel's deliverer. His arrival amidst the loud, fearful shouts sets a powerful contrast with his calm, faith-driven demeanor later.

1 Samuel 17 20 Bonus section

The act of rising early (hashkêm) often signifies dedication, seriousness, and intention in biblical narratives, connecting mundane tasks to God’s significant workings. David's willingness to tend sheep diligently and then immediately shift to fulfilling a new command demonstrates the concept of readiness—being spiritually and practically prepared for whatever God calls one to, even before the full scope of the task is known. This serves as a pattern for believers to be faithful and ready in their current sphere, as God's providence might open doors to unexpected and profound roles. David's errand of carrying "provisions" foreshadows a greater provider role, eventually leading him to provide true leadership and faith for a nation.

1 Samuel 17 20 Commentary

This verse encapsulates David's readiness and God's providence. David’s actions—rising early, responsibly securing his current charge (the sheep), and faithfully executing his father's command—reveal a character already prepared for greater service. His diligence in small matters reflects the biblical principle that faithfulness in the least prepares one for much (Lk 16:10). His timely arrival at the battlefield, coinciding precisely with the army's formation and battle cry, is not accidental. It is divine orchestration, placing the shepherd boy, secretly anointed king, at the epicenter of the national crisis to be God's instrument. This seemingly mundane errand became the gateway to a pivotal moment in Israel's history, demonstrating how God often uses ordinary obedience and common circumstances to achieve His extraordinary purposes, revealing His power through those who depend on Him, not on human strength or conventional military might.