Old Testament
1 Samuel 17:55
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When Saul saw David going out to face the Philistine, he asked Abner, the commander of the army, "Abner, whose son is this young man?" Abner replied, "As surely as your soul lives, O king, I do not know."
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And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
What 1 Samuel 17:55 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King Saul notices David stepping forward to confront Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior. Saul, curious about this young man who shows such bravery, turns to Abner, his military commander, and asks about David's background. Abner, who is supposed to know the soldiers well, admits he has no idea who David is. This exchange highlights Saul's surprise and confusion about David's sudden rise to prominence. It also reflects the uncertainty in the Israelite camp, where no one seems to recognize the young shepherd who is about to change the course of their battle. David's courage stands out, but his identity remains a mystery to those around him. This moment sets the stage for David's incredible journey from obscurity to becoming a national hero, emphasizing that greatness can come from unexpected places. It reminds us that sometimes, the most significant contributions come from those we least expect, challenging our perceptions of who can make a difference.
How to apply 1 Samuel 17:55 to your life
When faced with challenges, remember that anyone can rise to the occasion, regardless of their background. Embrace opportunities to step forward, even if you feel unrecognized or unprepared. Your actions can inspire others and lead to significant change in your community or life situation. Trust in your potential to make a difference, just like David did when confronting Goliath.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: David Defeats Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40–58)
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David
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 17:55 mean?
1 Samuel 17:55 describes King Saul's surprise at seeing David confront Goliath. Saul asks Abner about David's identity, highlighting that David was not well-known despite his bravery.
What is the significance of Saul asking about David in 1 Samuel 17:55?
Saul's inquiry about David's identity shows his confusion and curiosity about the young shepherd who is stepping up to face a giant. It emphasizes the unexpected nature of David's rise to prominence.
What does Abner's response in 1 Samuel 17:55 indicate?
Abner's response, admitting he does not know David, indicates a lack of recognition for David's potential among the Israelite leaders. This reflects the uncertainty and surprise surrounding David's role in the battle.
What themes are present in 1 Samuel 17:55?
Key themes in this verse include identity, courage, and the emergence of unexpected heroes. It illustrates how greatness can come from unknown individuals in times of crisis.
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