“Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.”
Context:The book of 1 Samuel focuses on the transition of leadership from the judges to the monarchy in Israel. In chapter 17, we encounter the famous story of David and Goliath. The Philistine army had gathered to wage war against the Israelites, and Goliath, a giant champion, challenged the Israelites to send out a warrior to fight him in single combat. This verse introduces David, who would later confront Goliath.
David’s Background:David, the youngest son of Jesse, was from the town of Bethlehem in the tribe of Judah. Bethlehem would later become significant as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. David’s family background is mentioned to provide context and establish his lineage.
Jesse and His Sons:Jesse, David’s father, had eight sons. The mention of Jesse’s age as an “old man in the days of Saul” indicates that he was advanced in years at the time. David was the youngest of his sons, and he was not initially considered by Samuel when he came to anoint the future king (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
Significance:This verse sets the stage for David’s introduction into the narrative and hints at his unlikely rise to prominence. It also highlights that David was not initially considered a significant figure compared to his older brothers, as Jesse’s advanced age suggests that his older sons might have been more suitable for military service. Yet, God’s providence and His divine plan chose David for a special purpose.
Lessons to Learn:
- God’s Selection:This verse reminds us that God often chooses individuals who may seem unlikely or overlooked by society to fulfil His purposes. It is not worldly appearances that matter to God but the heart and obedience of a person (1 Samuel 16:7).
- God’s Timing:David’s journey to become king took time and involved various challenges. This verse reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and He works in our lives according to His plan, even if we can’t see it immediately. Patience and trust in God are crucial as we wait for His timing to unfold in our lives.
- The Value of Humility:David’s humble beginnings, being a shepherd and an overlooked son, serve as a reminder that humility is a valuable virtue. God exalts those who are humble in heart (James 4:10), and He often uses humble people to accomplish great things for His kingdom.
Overall, this verse from 1 Samuel 17:12 serves as a crucial introduction to the story of David and Goliath, highlighting God’s surprising choice of an unlikely hero and setting the stage for the epic confrontation between David and the giant.
