1 Samuel 17 26

1 Samuel 17:26 kjv

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

1 Samuel 17:26 nkjv

Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

1 Samuel 17:26 niv

David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

1 Samuel 17:26 esv

And David said to the men who stood by him, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

1 Samuel 17:26 nlt

David asked the soldiers standing nearby, "What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?"

1 Samuel 17 verses

1 Samuel 17 26 Meaning

In 1 Samuel 17:26, David, encountering the formidable challenge of Goliath and the paralyzed fear of the Israelite army, expresses his fervent indignation and concern for God's honor. He questions the standing reward for slaying the Philistine champion and emphatically decries Goliath as a contemptible "uncircumcised Philistine" who has audaciously dared to "defy the armies of the living God," highlighting the severe theological offense of Goliath's taunts against the covenant people and, more critically, against God Himself.

1 Samuel 17 26 Context

Chapter 17 of 1 Samuel unfolds with Israel and the Philistines arrayed for battle. For forty days, the Philistine champion Goliath has issued a daily challenge for single combat, which would determine the outcome of the war. King Saul and the entire Israelite army are gripped by overwhelming fear and despair, unable to respond to Goliath's blasphemous taunts. David, sent to the battlefield to bring supplies to his brothers, witnesses this shameful scene. He hears Goliath's defiant words, which directly attack not only Israel but, more profoundly, the God of Israel. It is in this context of widespread fear, national humiliation, and open blasphemy against God that David, moved by righteous indignation and unwavering faith, poses the question of 1 Samuel 17:26, setting the stage for his heroic confrontation. Historically, the Philistines represented a persistent, powerful, and idol-worshipping enemy threatening Israel's very existence, contrasting their military strength with Israel's divinely promised protection.

1 Samuel 17 26 Word Analysis

• And David spake: This highlights David's initiative and deep concern. Unlike others paralyzed by fear, David actively seeks to understand the situation and voice his indignation.
• to the men that stood by him: David's question is initially addressed to fellow soldiers, perhaps to gauge the public's understanding of the dire spiritual situation or to confirm the rumored reward, which he leverages to stir conversation.
• What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel?: David is not motivated by greed but is inquiring about the reward, which functions as a device to bring forth discussion. His focus is on "taketh away the reproach" (יָסֵר הַחֶרְפָּה, yāser haḥerpāh), meaning to remove the public shame or disgrace. This reproach was brought upon God's people by Goliath's blasphemous taunts and the army's fear-driven inaction. It signifies a profound concern for the honor of God's name, which was being tarnished through Israel's humiliation.
• for who is this uncircumcised Philistine,: "Who is this?" (כִּי מִי הֶעָרֵל הַזֶּה, kî mî he‘ārēl hazzeh) is a rhetorical question expressing profound contempt and disbelief. David reduces Goliath from a terrifying giant to a contemptible "nobody."
• uncircumcised (עָרֵל, ‘ārēl): This is a pivotal term. It's not merely a physical description but a profound theological insult and identifier. Circumcision was the covenant sign of God with Abraham and his descendants (Gen 17:10-14), marking Israel as God's chosen people. An "uncircumcised" individual was outside this covenant, spiritually alien and unblessed by God. For David, Goliath's uncircumcision means he has no right to challenge God's people, nor is he protected by the covenant, making him spiritually vulnerable. It strips Goliath of any divine legitimacy or protection in David's eyes.
• that he should defy (כִּי חֵרֵף, kî ḥērep): The verb ḥāraph (from which ḥerpāh, "reproach," is derived) means to taunt, scorn, reproach, or blaspheme. Goliath was not just making military threats but actively reviling and ridiculing God's people and, by extension, God Himself. This was seen as a direct act of blasphemy, fueling David's indignation.
• the armies of the living God: This is the culmination of David's theological perspective.
  • armies (מַעַרְכוֹת, ma‘arkôṯ): Refers to battle lines or divisions of troops, implying God's people are His spiritual forces, though physically defeated.
  • the living God (אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים, ’Ĕlōhîm Ḥayyîm): This phrase powerfully contrasts Yahweh with the lifeless idols of the Philistines (like Dagon). It emphasizes God's active presence, power, and sovereign vitality. He is not a dead, passive deity but the God who acts in history and sustains life. Goliath's defiance, therefore, is not merely against a nation's military, but against the actively reigning, all-powerful, and utterly unique God of Israel. David recognizes that the honor and reputation of this "Living God" are at stake, making the conflict a divine rather than purely human struggle.
• Word-group Analysis: "taketh away the reproach" + "defy" + "uncircumcised Philistine": These phrases are intrinsically linked. The Philistine's defiance (a direct taunt and blasphemy against God and His people, thus bringing reproach upon Israel) stems from his "uncircumcised" status – he is outside the covenant and thus has no reverence for God. David understands that removing this "reproach" means directly confronting and eliminating the source of the defiance, validating God's power and sovereignty. This reveals David's covenantal and theological lens for understanding the crisis.

1 Samuel 17 26 Bonus Section

• David's Paradigm Shift: The significance of this verse lies in David's profound theological shift. While Saul and Israel judged the situation by physical appearances (Goliath's size, armor, voice), David judged it by spiritual realities (Goliath's covenant status as "uncircumcised," his defiance against "the Living God"). This divinely inspired perspective is the foundation for his fearless resolve and subsequent victory, emphasizing that spiritual discernment outweighs human limitations.
• Theocratic Warfare: David's question positions the conflict as theo-centric warfare. The reproach is not merely military defeat but a challenge to God's reign and reputation. David views himself not just as an Israelite soldier but as a representative of the "Living God," tasked with vindicating divine honor.
• Type of Christ: David's zeal for God's glory and his willingness to face the seemingly unconquerable foe, taking away the "reproach" from God's people, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Christ, too, confronted the ultimate "uncircumcised" enemy—Satan, sin, and death—taking away the ultimate reproach (humanity's sin) by vindicating God's holiness and honor through His sacrifice and resurrection, liberating those enslaved.

1 Samuel 17 26 Commentary

1 Samuel 17:26 unveils David's unique perspective, starkly contrasting with the fear-driven inaction of Saul and the Israelite army. While others saw an insurmountable giant and their impending defeat, David perceived an "uncircumcised Philistine" insolently defying the "armies of the Living God." His concern was not for military strategy or personal safety, but for the profound shame brought upon God's name and people. This verse reveals a pivotal theological understanding that motivates David: the battle is not ultimately between Israel and the Philistines, but between the God of Israel and a pagan challenger. Goliath's taunts were perceived by David as direct blasphemy against Yahweh, the active, powerful, and sole living God, as opposed to lifeless pagan deities. David's indignation arises from a zeal for God's honor and the absolute certainty that no one, especially not an "uncircumcised" pagan, can ultimately prevail against the Sovereign God and His covenant people. This righteous indignation, fueled by an intimate knowledge of God's character, transforms a seemingly impossible human conflict into a divine mission.