1 Samuel 21 9

1 Samuel 21:9 kjv

And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.

1 Samuel 21:9 nkjv

So the priest said, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, there it is, wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it. For there is no other except that one here." And David said, "There is none like it; give it to me."

1 Samuel 21:9 niv

The priest replied, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it; there is no sword here but that one." David said, "There is none like it; give it to me."

1 Samuel 21:9 esv

And the priest said, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here." And David said, "There is none like that; give it to me."

1 Samuel 21:9 nlt

"I only have the sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah," the priest replied. "It is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. Take that if you want it, for there is nothing else here." "There is nothing like it!" David replied. "Give it to me!"

1 Samuel 21 verses

1 Samuel 21 9 Meaning

David, in dire straits and fleeing from Saul, approaches Ahimelech the priest for aid. In this verse, Ahimelech confirms that the only suitable weapon available in the sanctuary is the sword of Goliath, the Philistine champion David had famously defeated in the Valley of Elah. It was stored honorably, wrapped in a cloth, behind the high priest's ephod. Ahimelech offers it to David, highlighting that no other weapon is at hand, signifying God's direct provision and validation of David's past triumphs even amidst his present peril.

1 Samuel 21 9 Context

This verse occurs during a desperate moment for David. He is fleeing King Saul, who is determined to kill him, and has arrived at Nob, the city of priests, where the Tabernacle and its sacred articles were located. David is alone, exhausted, and likely unarmed, claiming a secret mission from Saul as a pretext to acquire provisions from Ahimelech the priest. Having already secured the holy bread, David's next need is a weapon. The offer of Goliath's sword directly references David's greatest victory, underscoring his divine appointment and God's powerful presence with him, even as he faces severe trials. It serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and a symbol of hope for future deliverance in the midst of adversity.

1 Samuel 21 9 Word analysis

• And the priest said:
  • Priest (Heb. Kohen, כֹּהֵן): Refers to Ahimelech, the high priest and guardian of sacred objects. His role signifies religious authority and a link to God's sanctuary.
• "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah,"
  • Sword (Heb. Ḥereb, חֶרֶב): A weapon of war, symbolizing power and battle. Here, it is specific: not just a sword, but the sword of Goliath, transforming it from a mere weapon into a powerful trophy.
  • Goliath (Heb. Gol'yath, גָּלְיָת): The iconic Philistine giant. His name evokes overwhelming human might, but also the spectacular divine victory achieved by David over seemingly impossible odds (1 Sam 17).
  • Struck down (Heb. Nakhah, נָכָה): Signifies a decisive, complete defeat, highlighting David's direct agency and God's empowerment in that moment.
  • Valley of Elah (Heb. Emeq ha'Elah, עֵמֶק הָאֵלָה): The precise battleground of David and Goliath. Mentioning it emphasizes the historical veracity and monumental significance of David's past triumph, rooting the present offering in past divine provision.
• "behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod."
  • Behold (Heb. Hineh, הִנֵּה): An exclamation drawing attention to something important or surprising.
  • Wrapped in a cloth (Heb. Lataph, לָטַף; Besimlah, בְּשִׂמְלָה): Indicates it was carefully preserved, possibly for veneration or protection as a sacred spoil. It suggests reverence for the object as a memorial of God's victory.
  • Behind the ephod (Heb. Achor ha'Ephod, אַחַר הָאֵפֹד): This crucial location places it within the Tabernacle's holiest section accessible to the priests, near the sacred vestment used by the high priest for consulting God (Urim and Thummim). This suggests its status as a consecrated object, not merely a memento, but tied to divine presence and revelation. Its presence here testifies to God's hand in David's victory and suggests His ongoing care.
• "If you will take that, take it; for there is no other but that here."
  • Take (Heb. Laqaḥ, לָקַח): An action verb, giving David the choice and responsibility. Ahimelech is not forcing it but offering what is available.
  • No other (Heb. Ein Aḥeret, אֵין אַחֶרֶת): Emphasizes the critical situation David is in and the scarcity of resources. This single weapon, steeped in symbolic meaning, is the only practical and fitting provision from God's sanctuary. It reinforces divine providence in extreme necessity.

• "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah": This phrase instantly links David's current desperate need to his past glorious, divinely-empowered victory. It is a powerful reminder to David—and to the audience—of God's consistent anointing and backing.
• "wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod": This group of words conveys the sword's unique status. It's not discarded or publicly displayed but carefully stored in a highly sacred space, underscoring its reverence as a divine trophy rather than a mere war memento. This location further sanctifies its offering to David.
• "If you will take that, take it; for there is no other but that here": This pragmatic and definitive statement by Ahimelech underlines both the urgent necessity and the divine singular provision. It emphasizes that this is a unique, providential offering to David, validating his identity as God's champion even in flight.

1 Samuel 21 9 Bonus section

• The symbolic nature of Goliath's sword being "behind the ephod" is crucial. The ephod was closely associated with seeking divine guidance (e.g., Urim and Thummim). Thus, the sword's location ties the victory not just to David's might, but to God's active presence and guidance in His people's affairs.
• This moment highlights David's desperation but also God's remarkable way of meeting needs. While David was relying on a deception (1 Sam 21:2), God still providentially provided, showing His sovereign care extends even through human weakness.
• The irony is striking: David, who refused Saul's armor and relied on a sling and stone (1 Sam 17), now receives the very weapon of his giant enemy. This is not a shift to relying on human weaponry but taking up a consecrated object that testifies to God's triumph over human might.
• This encounter at Nob, though seemingly a small incident, sets in motion tragic events later (1 Sam 22:9-19) due to David's deception and Doeg's betrayal, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of human actions, even in times of desperation.

1 Samuel 21 9 Commentary

In this pivotal moment, 1 Samuel 21:9 provides more than just a weapon for a fleeing king; it offers profound symbolic assurance. The very sword of Goliath, kept reverently in the sacred precinct behind the ephod, serves as a tangible trophy of Yahweh's decisive power displayed through David. For David, it was not merely a blade, but a concrete reminder of his anointing and God's consistent faithfulness in empowering him to overcome insurmountable odds. Receiving this specific weapon affirms God's continued presence and provision even in dire circumstances, signaling that the God who granted David victory over Goliath will not abandon him now. This act reinforces David's identity as the Lord's champion and prepares him for further challenges under divine providence.