Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. New Living Translation So David left the sheep with another shepherd and set out early the next morning with the gifts, as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the camp just as the Israelite army was leaving for the battlefield with shouts and battle cries. English Standard Version And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. Berean Standard Bible So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry. Berean Literal Bible And David rose early in the morning, and left the flock with a keeper, and loaded up, and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp and to the force going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. King James Bible And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. New King James Version So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. New American Standard Bible So David got up early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper, and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the entrenchment encircling the camp while the army was going out in battle formation, shouting the war cry. NASB 1995 So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. NASB 1977 So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. Legacy Standard Bible So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and carried the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the military force was going out in battle lines shouting the war cry. Amplified Bible So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, picked up the provisions and went just as Jesse had directed him. And he came to the encampment as the army was going out in battle formation shouting the battle cry. Berean Annotated Bible So David (beloved) got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse (I possess) had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry. Christian Standard Bible So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with someone to keep it, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had charged him. He arrived at the perimeter of the camp as the army was marching out to its battle formation shouting their battle cry. Holman Christian Standard Bible So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with someone to keep it, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He arrived at the perimeter of the camp as the army was marching out to its battle formation shouting their battle cry. American Standard Version And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the place of the wagons, as the host which was going forth to the fight shouted for the battle. Contemporary English Version David obeyed his father. He got up early the next morning and left someone else in charge of the sheep; then he loaded the supplies and started off. He reached the army camp just as the soldiers were taking their places and shouting the battle cry. English Revised Version And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the place of the wagons, as the host which was going forth to the fight shouted for the battle. GOD'S WORD® Translation David got up early in the morning and had someone else watch [the sheep]. He took [the food] and went, as Jesse ordered him. He went to the camp as the army was going out to the battle line shouting their war cry. Good News Translation David got up early the next morning, left someone else in charge of the sheep, took the food, and went as Jesse had told him to. He arrived at the camp just as the Israelites were going out to their battle line, shouting the war cry. International Standard Version David got up early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, took the supplies, and went as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the encampment as the army was going out to the battle line, shouting the battle cry. NET Bible So David got up early in the morning and entrusted the flock to someone else who would watch over it. After loading up, he went just as Jesse had instructed him. He arrived at the camp as the army was going out to the battle lines shouting its battle cry. New Heart English Bible So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the perimeter of the camp as the army was marching out to its battle formation and shouting the war cry. Webster's Bible Translation And David rose early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry. World English Bible David rose up early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper, and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. He came to the place of the wagons as the army which was going out to the fight shouted for the battle. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David rises early in the morning, and leaves the flock to a keeper, and lifts up, and goes, as Jesse commanded him, and he comes to the path, and to the force which is going out to the rank, and they have shouted for battle; Berean Literal Bible And David rose early in the morning, and left the flock with a keeper, and loaded up, and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp and to the force going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. Young's Literal Translation And David riseth early in the morning, and leaveth the flock to a keeper, and lifteth up, and goeth, as Jesse commanded him, and he cometh in to the path, and to the force which is going out unto the rank, and they have shouted for battle; Smith's Literal Translation And David will rise early in the morning, and will cast the sheep upon a watcher, and he will lift up and go as Jesse commanded him; and he will come to the track, and the army going forth to the array and they shouted in the war. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDavid therefore arose in the morning, and gave the charge of the flock to the keeper: and went away loaded as Isai had commanded him. And he came to the place of Magala, and to the army, which was going out to fight, and shouted for the battle. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, David rose up in the morning, and he commended the flock to the caretaker. And he went away burdened, just as Jesse had instructed him. And he went to the place of the battle line, and to the army, which, in going out to fight, was shouting in the conflict. New American Bible Early the next morning, having left the flock with a shepherd, David packed up and set out, as Jesse had commanded him. He reached the barricade of the camp just as the army, on their way to the battleground, were shouting their battle cry. New Revised Standard Version David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, took the provisions, and went as Jesse had commanded him. He came to the encampment as the army was going forth to the battle line, shouting the war cry. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David rose up early in the morning and left the sheep with the keeper, and took and went as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the camp in the valley which goes up to the battle array, and the army shouted for the battle. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David arose early at dawn and he left the sheep with a Keeper and he picked up and he went on as Iyshay had commanded him, and he came to the encampment in the valley that went out to the ranks, and they cried out for battle OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the barricade, as the host which was going forth to the fight shouted for the battle. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Accepts the Challenge…19They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” 20So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry. 21And Israel and the Philistines arrayed in formation against each other.… Cross References So David got up early in the morning, Joshua 3:1 Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. Genesis 22:3 So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated. Genesis 19:27 Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD. left the flock with a keeper, 1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. loaded up, Genesis 24:10 Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master in hand. And he set out for Nahor’s hometown in Aram-naharaim. Genesis 42:26 and they loaded the grain on their donkeys and departed. and set out as Jesse had instructed him. Proverbs 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. Genesis 12:4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position Joshua 8:14 When the king of Ai saw the Israelites, he hurried out early in the morning with the men of the city to engage them in battle at an appointed place overlooking the Arabah. But he did not know that an ambush had been set up against him behind the city. 2 Samuel 5:24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” and shouting the battle cry. Joshua 6:20 So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. Judges 7:20 The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” 2 Chronicles 13:15 and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. Numbers 10:9 When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. Judges 7:1 Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the men with him camped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. Treasury of Scripture And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. left the sheep 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. Ephesians 6:1,2 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right… trench. 1 Samuel 26:5 And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him. Luke 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, fight. Jump to Previous Army Array Barricade Battle Camp Circle Commanded David Directed Early Encampment Host Jesse Keeper Line Morning Provisions Reached Rose Sheep Shepherd Shouted Shouting Trench Wagons WarJump to Next Army Array Barricade Battle Camp Circle Commanded David Directed Early Encampment Host Jesse Keeper Line Morning Provisions Reached Rose Sheep Shepherd Shouted Shouting Trench Wagons War1 Samuel 17 1. The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle4. Goliath challenges a combat 12. David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge 28. Eliab chides him 30. He is brought to Saul 32. shows the reason of his confidence 38. and slays the giant 55. Saul takes notice of David So David got up early in the morning David's early rising demonstrates his diligence and obedience, traits that are consistently highlighted throughout his life. This mirrors the biblical principle of seeking God early (Psalm 63:1) and the importance of being prompt in fulfilling one's duties (Proverbs 6:6-11). It also foreshadows his readiness to respond to God's call, as seen later in his life. left the flock with a keeper loaded up and set out as Jesse had instructed him He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd who would later become the king of Israel. At this point, he is obediently following his father's instructions. 2. Jesse David's father, who sends David to the battlefield to check on his brothers and bring back news. 3. The Flock Represents David's responsibilities as a shepherd, which he temporarily leaves in the care of a keeper. 4. The Camp The location where the Israelite army is stationed, preparing to face the Philistines. 5. The Army The Israelite forces, who are preparing for battle against the Philistines, led by King Saul. Teaching Points Obedience and FaithfulnessDavid's immediate response to his father's instructions highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness in small tasks, which prepares us for greater responsibilities. Preparation and Readiness David's early rising and preparation demonstrate the value of being ready and proactive in fulfilling our duties. Trust and Delegation Leaving the flock with a keeper shows David's trust in others and the importance of delegation in managing responsibilities. Courage and Confidence The army's war cry signifies the courage and confidence needed in spiritual battles, reminding us to face challenges with faith. Divine Timing David's arrival at the camp at the precise moment of the army's movement underscores God's perfect timing in orchestrating events for His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 17:20?2. How does David's obedience in 1 Samuel 17:20 inspire our daily faithfulness? 3. What can we learn from David's early rising to fulfill his duties? 4. How does David's journey connect with Jesus' mission in the New Testament? 5. In what ways can we prioritize God's calling over personal comfort like David? 6. How does David's example encourage us to serve others in our community? 7. How does 1 Samuel 17:20 demonstrate David's obedience and faithfulness to his father and God? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Samuel 17:20? 9. How does David's early morning departure in 1 Samuel 17:20 reflect his character and priorities? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17? 11. How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David? 12. How is it historically accurate that David carried Goliath's head to Jerusalem if it wasn't yet under Israelite control (1 Samuel 17:54)? 13. 1 Chronicles 20:1: How does David's apparent absence during the battle align with or contradict other accounts of his military leadership? 14. How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12) What Does 1 Samuel 17:20 Mean So David got up early in the morning• “So David got up early in the morning” highlights diligence. Faithful servants rise promptly when the Lord (and parents) entrust a task (Proverbs 6:9-11; Mark 1:35). • David’s readiness echoes Abraham’s early rise for obedience (Genesis 22:3) and points forward to Christ’s eagerness to do the Father’s will (John 4:34). • God often chooses leaders who serve before sunrise, proving character in hidden hours (Luke 16:10). left the flock with a keeper • Though anointed to be king (1 Samuel 16:13), David still protects the sheep—delegating responsibly, not abandoning duty (John 10:3-4). • This teaches stewardship: fulfill new assignments without neglecting present responsibilities (Colossians 3:23-24). • Jesse’s household evidently trusted David; likewise, the Lord entrusts greater influence to those faithful in small things (Matthew 25:21). loaded up • Practical preparation precedes spiritual victory. David gathers provisions (1 Samuel 17:18) just as believers should equip themselves with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13). • Obedience involves both heart and hands—planning, carrying supplies, facing inconvenience (Proverbs 21:31). set out as Jesse had instructed him • Honoring father and mother remains central (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3). David obeys earthly authority while ultimately serving God (Acts 5:29). • Submission to family guidance foreshadows his future submission to God’s guidance as king (Psalm 78:70-72). He reached the camp • Timing is providential; David arrives precisely when needed (Esther 4:14). • God positions His servants where His glory will be displayed (Romans 8:28). the army was marching out to its position • Israel’s troops assemble daily yet lack a champion; routine without faith can stall progress (1 Samuel 17:16). • Contrast David’s solitary dependence on God with the army’s corporate hesitation (Psalm 20:7). shouting the battle cry • Outward enthusiasm masks inward fear—noise without confidence (Isaiah 29:13). • Genuine courage flows from trust in the Lord of hosts, which David soon demonstrates (1 Samuel 17:45; Joshua 6:16-20). summary 1 Samuel 17:20 records David’s swift, obedient response to a simple errand that becomes a divine appointment. Rising early, delegating duties, preparing supplies, and honoring his father all position him for the pivotal confrontation with Goliath. The verse reminds believers that everyday faithfulness—handled with diligence, stewardship, and respect for authority—opens doors for God’s greater purposes. (20) He came to the trench.--Literally, to the wagon rampart; a circle of wagons formed a rude fortification about the camp of Israel. There--that is, within the fortified enclosure--he left (1Samuel 17:22) his baggage, the ten cheeses, &c, and hastened to the "front," where he knew his brethren and the men of Judah would be posted. (See Numbers 10:14.)Verses 20-22. - He came to the trench. More probably the barricade, or outer circle of defence for their camp, made of their wagons (see on ch. 10:22). Strictly the word means a wagon track, but the primary meaning of the verb is to be round. This was the shape of camps in old time, and they were protected against surprise by having the wagons and baggage placed round them. The word occurs again in 1 Samuel 26:5, 7. The latter part of the verse is literally, "And he came to the circle of the wagons, and to the host that was going forth to the array; and they shouted for the battle." If the article be omitted before "going forth," for which there is some authority, the rendering of the A.V. would be right. David left his carriage. I.e. that which he was carrying. The word is rendered stuff in 1 Samuel 10:22; 1 Samuel 25:13; 1 Samuel 30:24. Literally the word means utensils, and so whatever he had with him for any purpose (comp. Acts 21:15). Ran into the army. Literally, "to the array," "to the ranks," the place where the troops were drawn up (see ver. 10).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Davidדָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse got up early וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם (way·yaš·kêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7925: To load up, to start early in the morning in the morning, בַּבֹּ֗קֶר (bab·bō·qer) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning left וַיִּטֹּ֤שׁ (way·yiṭ·ṭōš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5203: To pound, smite, to disperse, to thrust off, down, out, upon the flock הַצֹּאן֙ (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock with עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against a keeper, שֹׁמֵ֔ר (šō·mêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to loaded up, וַיִּשָּׂ֣א (way·yiś·śā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take and set out וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk as כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that Jesse יִשָׁ֑י (yi·šāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3448: Jesse -- father of David had instructed him. צִוָּ֖הוּ (ṣiw·wā·hū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order He reached וַיָּבֹא֙ (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go the camp הַמַּעְגָּ֔לָה (ham·ma‘·gā·lāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 4570: An entrenchment, track as the army וְהַחַ֗יִל (wə·ha·ḥa·yil) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength was marching out הַיֹּצֵא֙ (hay·yō·ṣê) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to its position הַמַּ֣עֲרָכָ֔ה (ham·ma·‘ă·rā·ḵāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4634: An arrangement, a pile, a military array and shouting וְהֵרֵ֖עוּ (wə·hê·rê·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7321: To mar, to split the ears, shout the battle cry. בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃ (bam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war Links 1 Samuel 17:20 NIV1 Samuel 17:20 NLT 1 Samuel 17:20 ESV 1 Samuel 17:20 NASB 1 Samuel 17:20 KJV 1 Samuel 17:20 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 17:20 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 17:20 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 17:20 French Bible 1 Samuel 17:20 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 17:20 David rose up early in the morning (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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