And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands.
What does 1 Samuel 17:47 mean?
The security and presumption of fools destroy them. Nothing can excel the humility, faith, and piety which appear in David's words.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 1 Samuel 17:45-47 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:47
The Lord saveth not with sword ... - Observe the consistent teaching of such passages as 1 Samuel 14:6 ; Exodus 14:13-18 ; Judges 7:2 , Judges 7:4 , Judges 7:7 ; Psalm 44:6 , etc., and their practical use to the Church as lessons of trust in God, and distrust of ourselves.
Key words
- assembly
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And all this assembly shall know,.
Context in 1 Samuel 17
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1 Samuel 17 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as David’s anointing and conflict with Saul. First Samuel traces the fall of Eli’s house, the ministry of Samuel, the failure of Saul, and the painful emergence of David. Read this chapter with the wider themes of leadership, anointing, and obedience in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
A collection of passages on hope under pressure, future inheritance, resurrection expectation, and confidence in God’s final faithfulness.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.
Passages on godly leadership, servant leadership, the responsibilities of leaders, and examples of leadership in Scripture.