1 Samuel 17:20
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.

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.

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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
And 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;

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 Bible
David 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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 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
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.

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.”

1 Samuel 26:5
Then David set out and went to the place where Saul had camped. He saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general of his army, had lain down. Saul was lying inside the inner circle of the camp, with the troops camped around him.

2 Samuel 17:22
So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.

2 Kings 6:14
the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city.

2 Kings 7:12
So the king got up in the night and said to his servants, “Let me tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They know we are starving, so they have left the camp to hide in the field, thinking, ‘When they come out of the city, we will take them alive and enter the city.’”

Nehemiah 4:21
So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.

Job 1:5
And when the days of feasting were over, Job would send for his children to purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.

Psalm 78:9
The archers of Ephraim turned back on the day of battle.

Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Matthew 21:28-31
But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ / ‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. / Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go. ...

Matthew 25:14-30
For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...

Mark 1:35
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a solitary place to pray.

Mark 13:34
It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch.


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 War
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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 War
1 Samuel 17
1. The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle
4. 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
David's responsibility as a shepherd is emphasized here, showing his faithfulness in small tasks, which prepares him for greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10). The act of leaving the flock with a keeper indicates his carefulness and sense of duty, ensuring the sheep are cared for in his absence. This reflects Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), who cares for His flock.

loaded up
This phrase suggests preparation and readiness. David's actions are deliberate and purposeful, indicating his commitment to the task given by his father, Jesse. It also symbolizes the spiritual preparation needed for the battles of life, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, where believers are called to put on the full armor of God.

and set out as Jesse had instructed him
David's obedience to his father is a key theme, highlighting the biblical principle of honoring one's parents (Exodus 20:12). This obedience is a precursor to his later submission to God's will. Jesse's instructions also set the stage for David's encounter with Goliath, a pivotal moment in biblical history.

He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position
David arrives at a critical moment, underscoring God's providential timing. The army's movement to its position reflects the organized nature of ancient warfare and the seriousness of the impending battle. This moment is a turning point, as David's arrival will lead to a significant victory for Israel.

and shouting the battle cry
The battle cry signifies the army's readiness and morale, a common practice in ancient warfare to intimidate the enemy and boost the soldiers' courage. This scene sets the stage for David's bold declaration of faith in God, contrasting the fear of the Israelite army with David's trust in the Lord. It foreshadows the spiritual battles believers face, where faith in God leads to victory (1 John 5:4).

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The 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 Faithfulness
David'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.(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 David
דָּוִ֜ד (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


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:20 David rose up early in the morning (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:19
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