1 Samuel 17 30

1 Samuel 17:30 kjv

And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.

1 Samuel 17:30 nkjv

Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did.

1 Samuel 17:30 niv

He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before.

1 Samuel 17:30 esv

And he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before.

1 Samuel 17:30 nlt

He walked over to some others and asked them the same thing and received the same answer.

1 Samuel 17 verses

1 Samuel 17 30 Meaning

David's immediate reaction to his brother Eliab's unfounded anger and jealous accusations was not to engage in conflict or defend himself, but rather to turn away and seek clarity on the vital information concerning the reward for confronting Goliath. This verse reveals David's focused determination to understand the details of the king's promise and the honor offered, reinforcing his singular resolve to address the giant and the reproach brought upon Israel, despite familial misunderstanding. It underscores his commitment to the greater purpose over personal slight or internal dispute.

1 Samuel 17 30 Context

1 Samuel Chapter 17 narrates the famous encounter between David and Goliath. The Philistine army has amassed against the Israelite army in the Valley of Elah. For forty days, Goliath, the Philistine champion, has stepped forward challenging any Israelite to single combat, bringing fear and despair to Saul and the entire army. David, a young shepherd, has been sent by his father Jesse to bring provisions to his brothers in the camp. Upon arriving, he hears Goliath's taunts and observes the terror gripping the Israelite soldiers. David is appalled by Goliath's blasphemy against the living God and the shame brought upon Israel. When David begins asking questions about the situation and the reward for defeating the giant, his oldest brother, Eliab, filled with anger and contempt, rebukes him sharply (1 Sam 17:28), questioning his presence and impugning his motives. Verse 30 is David's immediate response to this verbal attack, showing his steadfastness and refusal to be derailed from his pursuit of God's honor.

1 Samuel 17 30 Word analysis

• Then David turned from him: The Hebrew verb is Sabb (שָׁב), meaning "to turn back, return, turn away." This signifies a deliberate action by David. He did not engage in argument or defend himself against Eliab's baseless accusations. Instead, he redirected his attention, signaling a strategic disengagement from unproductive conflict. This shows maturity and focus, valuing the mission over personal ego.
• toward another: This phrase (אֶל־מוּל אַחֵר, ʾel-mul ʾaḥēr) indicates a deliberate reorientation to a different individual, suggesting David sought someone more open or better informed. This was not a random turning but a specific movement towards someone else from whom he hoped to gain valid information without contention. It demonstrates wisdom in choosing his battles.
• and inquired the same: The Hebrew verb Shā'al (שָׁאַל) means "to ask, inquire, beg." David precisely repeated his original question, demonstrating clarity of mind and unwavering purpose. He wasn't distracted by Eliab's jealousy but remained fixed on the significant implications of Goliath's challenge and the proposed solution. His inquiry wasn't driven by greed but by his concern for the divine name being blasphemed.
• and the people answered him again as before: This shows consistency in the message about the reward and serves to confirm David's conviction regarding the severity of the situation and the clear royal decree. The "people" (הָעָם, hāʿām) likely refers to other soldiers or those within earshot who were aware of King Saul's promise. Their repeated answer validates David's purpose, reassuring him that his concern and interest were legitimate and consistent with the understanding within the army. This further confirms David's calling as his divine guidance.

1 Samuel 17 30 Bonus section

• Contrast in Spirits: This verse highlights a stark contrast between Eliab's jealous, fleshly spirit and David's humble, discerning spirit guided by the Lord. Eliab saw David through the lens of personal insecurity and worldly judgment, while David's vision was fixed on God's honor.
• Divine Confirmation: The consistent answers from "the people" acted as a form of divine confirmation for David. It affirmed the reality of the promise and further strengthened his resolve, reinforcing his belief that his unusual inquiry was justified and aligning with God's ultimate plan.
• Principle of Disengagement: David's act of turning away provides a profound lesson in wise disengagement. Not every conflict or accusation merits a response. Sometimes, the most effective strategy for pursuing a righteous cause is to politely disengage from those who seek to hinder through ungodly means, and instead, press forward to those who can offer clarity and support for God's purposes.

1 Samuel 17 30 Commentary

Verse 1 Samuel 17:30 powerfully illustrates David's spiritual maturity and unwavering focus on God's glory amidst adversity. Despite being unjustly scorned by his own brother, he exhibited remarkable self-control and refused to be drawn into a futile personal dispute. His turning "toward another" wasn't an act of defiance, but a pragmatic redirection of his efforts toward obtaining necessary information crucial for executing God's will. By reiterating his question, David underscored that his concern was not superficial or based on a misunderstanding; rather, he possessed a clear objective rooted in faith and courage. This decisive action prevented personal conflict from eclipsing the divine mandate, highlighting David as a man singularly devoted to confronting the spiritual and physical challenges facing God's people. This serves as a vital lesson: do not let human opposition or family conflict distract you from God's calling.