1 Samuel 17 48

1 Samuel 17:48 kjv

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:48 nkjv

So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:48 niv

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.

1 Samuel 17:48 esv

When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:48 nlt

As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.

1 Samuel 17 verses

1 Samuel 17 48 Meaning

This verse dramatically captures the pivotal moment before the epic confrontation between David and Goliath. It highlights Goliath's final approach, yet shifts focus to David's extraordinary and proactive response. Rather than waiting defensively or retreating in fear, David exhibits immense courage and faith, rapidly moving to engage the giant. His hastened run towards the battle line signifies not recklessness, but a divine impulsion and a decisive, faith-filled embrace of the battle set before him by God.

1 Samuel 17 48 Context

The preceding verses in 1 Samuel 17 set the stage for this iconic confrontation. The armies of Israel and the Philistines are encamped in the Valley of Elah, locked in a stalemate due to Goliath's daily challenge. For forty days, the Philistine champion, a giant of formidable stature, taunted Israel and their God, demoralizing Saul's army, who were paralyzed by fear. David, a young shepherd boy, arrives at the battle scene bringing provisions for his brothers and hears Goliath's blasphemous challenge. Fueled by righteous indignation and unwavering faith in the living God, David volunteers to fight Goliath, dismissing Saul's doubts and armor, relying instead on his shepherd's tools—a staff, five smooth stones, and a sling—and, most importantly, on the name of the LORD of Hosts (1 Sam 17:45). This verse (1 Sam 17:48) immediately follows Goliath's advance and taunts, capturing David's immediate, fearless, and proactive response, contrasting starkly with the earlier widespread terror among the Israelite forces. Historically, champions were often employed to settle disputes between armies, making Goliath's challenge conventional, but Israel's inaction under Saul and David's atypical response were not. David’s swift move directly challenged the conventional understanding of power and demonstrated polemic against pagan beliefs in strength and might versus the God of Israel.

1 Samuel 17 48 Word analysis

• And it came to pass: A common Hebrew literary device (וַיְהִי, vayhi) often signaling the introduction of a significant event or turning point in the narrative. It emphasizes that this was part of God's unfolding plan.
• when the Philistine arose: Implies Goliath's deliberate and intimidating action, rising from his waiting stance to initiate the final phase of the challenge. This was a pre-meditated, calculated advance by the champion.
• and came and drew nigh: Signifies his physical progression across the valley, closing the distance for combat. His intent was to meet David for battle, expecting an easy victory over the youth.
• to meet David: Goliath intended to initiate the close-quarters engagement and dispatch his opponent. The giant was confidently taking the offensive.
• that David hasted: From the Hebrew מְהֵרָה (meherah), meaning "quickly," "with haste." This is a crucial detail, showing David's promptness and lack of hesitation. Unlike the terrified Israelites who cowered, David rushed to the danger.
• and ran: From the Hebrew יָרַץ (yaraṣ), meaning "to run," "to rush," "to move quickly." This further emphasizes David's extraordinary swiftness and active posture. He wasn't walking cautiously; he was sprinting, charging towards the giant. This was not typical of a smaller combatant against a formidable foe.
• toward the army: This phrase does not mean David ran into the Philistine ranks, but rather he ran to the line of battle, to the central conflict zone where Goliath stood, clearly visible to both armies. He did not skirt around or seek advantage; he ran directly into the open arena of combat where Goliath awaited. This underscored his open, faith-driven challenge to Goliath, visible to all as an act of absolute commitment to the LORD.
• to meet the Philistine: This repetition highlights the immediate, direct, and unreserved nature of David's response. He met Goliath's aggression with his own aggressive forward movement, effectively turning the tables psychologically.

Words-group analysis

• "when the Philistine arose and came and drew nigh to meet David": This phrase describes Goliath's slow, menacing, and confident advance, typical of a seasoned warrior closing in for the kill, expecting submission or fear from his opponent.
• "that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine": This starkly contrasts Goliath's movement. David's action is characterized by urgent, energetic, and purposeful movement. His "haste" and "running" indicate a complete reversal of the expected fearful response. He proactively closed the distance, demonstrating supreme courage and unshakeable faith in God's victory. This proactive sprint visually depicted his spiritual readiness and his conviction that God had already delivered the giant into his hand. It wasn't rashness but a Spirit-inspired charge, designed to maintain the momentum and confidence he gained through prayer and conviction.

1 Samuel 17 48 Bonus section

• David's run wasn't just physical; it was a visible declaration of faith against a worldview steeped in power dynamics and the worship of mighty gods like Dagon, demonstrating the superiority of Yahweh.
• The psychological impact of David's run must have been profound: it was an audacious act that could disarm Goliath and infuse the Israelite camp with courage, even before a stone was thrown.
• This act by David, rushing into confrontation, foreshadows Christ's willing and determined movement towards the cross, engaging sin and death head-on, rather than retreating from the ultimate battle.

1 Samuel 17 48 Commentary

This verse captures the climax of anticipation and the dawn of David's faith-inspired action. Goliath, lumbering forward with his mighty presence, embodies brute force and humanistic pride, relying on his size and weaponry. Yet, David's response, characterized by haste and a full-on sprint, reveals the power of divine enablement overriding natural limitations and fear. He wasn't merely walking or approaching; he was actively, even aggressively, charging towards the seemingly insurmountable enemy. This was not the expected timid shuffle of an undersized opponent, but the courageous thrust of a warrior empowered by the Holy Spirit. David's speed symbolizes his spiritual readiness and unwavering belief in the God who fights for His people. This dramatic visual, of the young shepherd running towards the giant, instead of away or cautiously, spoke volumes to both armies about the character of the God David served and foreshadowed the decisive, swift victory.