1 Samuel 17 22

1 Samuel 17:22 kjv

And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.

1 Samuel 17:22 nkjv

And David left his supplies in the hand of the supply keeper, ran to the army, and came and greeted his brothers.

1 Samuel 17:22 niv

David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were.

1 Samuel 17:22 esv

And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers.

1 Samuel 17:22 nlt

David left his things with the keeper of supplies and hurried out to the ranks to greet his brothers.

1 Samuel 17 verses

1 Samuel 17 22 Meaning

David's immediate and orderly actions upon arrival at the Israelite camp demonstrate his diligence and concern. He ensures his responsibilities are completed by properly entrusting the provisions he brought, then swiftly moves towards the center of activity at the battle lines, motivated by a desire to ascertain the welfare of his brothers. This verse highlights David's obedience to his father, his sense of duty, and his personal initiative and calm focus amidst the surrounding military tension.

1 Samuel 17 22 Context

This verse is positioned as David arrives at the Israelite camp in the Valley of Elah, where the armies of Israel and the Philistines are arrayed for battle. For forty days, Goliath of Gath has defied the armies of Israel, causing fear and paralysis among King Saul and his soldiers. David has been sent by his father Jesse to deliver provisions to his elder brothers and to bring back news of their well-being. This verse marks David's first physical interaction upon entering the tense military setting, contrasting his disciplined actions and calm demeanor with the pervasive fear and inaction gripping the Israelite army. It sets the stage for David's encounter with Goliath.

1 Samuel 17 22 Word analysis

• And David left his baggage (וַיִּטֹּשׁ דָּוִד אֶת־כֵּלָיו - vayyiṭṭōsh dāwīd et-kēlāv):
  • וַיִּטֹּשׁ (vayyiṭṭōsh) - "And he left/entrusted/deposited." The verb implies placing something somewhere deliberately, not abandoning it carelessly. It speaks to David's responsible and methodical approach to his task. He didn't just dump the supplies.
  • כֵּלָיו (kēlāv) - "his baggage/equipment/articles." This refers to personal belongings, supplies, and provisions rather than military armor or weapons. David arrived in the capacity of a provision-bearer and messenger, not yet a warrior. This signifies the ordinary nature of his task from Jesse.
• in the hand of the keeper of the baggage (עַל־יַד־שֹׁמֵר הַכֵּלִים - ʿal-yad-shōmēr hakKēlīm):
  • יַד־שֹׁמֵר (yad-shōmēr) - "hand of the keeper" or "custody of the guardian." This indicates an organized military system where certain individuals were assigned the specific task of watching over equipment and supplies, ensuring order and security even in camp. David followed proper protocol.
  • הַכֵּלִים (hakKēlīm) - "the baggage." Reinforces that a designated person had charge of these logistical aspects.
• and ran toward the battle line (וַיָּרָץ לַמַּעֲרָכָה - vayyārāṣ lammaʿărakāh):
  • וַיָּרָץ (vayyārāṣ) - "and he ran." This verb suggests speed, eagerness, and purpose. David was not leisurely walking or hesitant; he was swiftly moving towards the heart of the action, indicative of his energetic and curious character, contrasted with the paralyzed state of the Israelite army.
  • לַמַּעֲרָכָה (lammaʿărakāh) - "to the battle line/array." This refers to the structured military formation or front where the two armies were arrayed against each other. It was the immediate scene of confrontation, and where Goliath made his daily challenge.
• and greeted his brothers (וַיִּשְׁאַל לִשְׁלוֹם אֶחָיו - vayyišʾal lišlōm eḥāv):
  • וַיִּשְׁאַל (vayyišʾal) - "and he inquired/asked." A common Hebrew expression for asking about someone's welfare.
  • לִשְׁלוֹם (lišlōm) - "concerning the peace/welfare." The root shalom (peace) indicates asking about their overall well-being, health, and status. It underscores David's care and family responsibility, even amidst the escalating military crisis.
  • אֶחָיו (eḥāv) - "his brothers." Specific reference to his older brothers serving in Saul's army.

1 Samuel 17 22 Bonus section

The seemingly mundane details of David's arrival, such as leaving his baggage with a "keeper," are significant. They underscore the divine Providence guiding David's steps. God uses ordinary situations to place His chosen vessels exactly where they need to be, at the right time. David's meticulous attention to his father's instruction, down to confirming his brothers' welfare, illustrates the concept of faithfulness in the small things that precedes faithfulness in greater matters (Lk 16:10). This quiet competence and filial piety contrasts sharply with the king's inaction and the army's paralysis, implicitly preparing the reader for David's eventual emergence as God's chosen deliverer. His eager rush to the battle line shows an immediate, active engagement with reality, instead of withdrawal, hinting at his role as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22).

1 Samuel 17 22 Commentary

This verse, though brief, provides key insights into David's character, setting the stage for his subsequent confrontation with Goliath. David arrives not as a warrior, but as an obedient son delivering provisions, yet he acts with remarkable order and purposeful haste. His promptness in delegating responsibility for the provisions to the designated keeper reflects an orderly mind and disciplined approach, in stark contrast to the chaotic fear dominating the Israelite camp. His immediate "running" toward the battle line, instead of merely walking or observing from a distance, signifies a deep interest and youthful zeal to understand the unfolding situation. He prioritizes checking on his brothers' well-being, displaying genuine familial concern amidst a volatile environment. These actions — responsibility, initiative, observation, and personal care — subtly highlight qualities that foreshadow his divine anointing and future leadership. He arrives at the front prepared to understand and respond, not to fear and retreat.