What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 17:42?

When the Philistine looked

“When the Philistine looked…” (1 Samuel 17:42) places us on the battlefield at the precise moment Goliath shifts his gaze from Israel’s ranks to the lone youth approaching him.

• The narrative stresses literal sight—Goliath’s towering eyes measuring the challenger (cf. 1 Samuel 17:4–7).

• Scripture often depicts God reversing what the eye expects (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Kings 6:17), preparing us for the coming upset of human calculations.

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and saw David

Goliath “saw David,” not an army. He observes one shepherd, staff in hand (1 Samuel 17:40).

• David’s presence fulfills the earlier anointing promise (1 Samuel 16:13), showing God’s chosen servant in action.

• The contrast recalls earlier deliverances through solitary leaders—Moses before Pharaoh (Exodus 5), Gideon against Midian (Judges 6).

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he despised him

Goliath’s reaction is visceral contempt.

• “Despised” echoes 1 Samuel 17:43, where he curses David “by his gods,” underscoring spiritual hostility (cf. Psalm 74:18).

• Such scorn anticipates divine vindication; those who despise God’s servants face judgment (Proverbs 14:31; Luke 10:16).

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because he was just a boy

The Philistine’s disdain hinges on David’s youth.

• Saul earlier voiced the same doubt (1 Samuel 17:33), yet David’s testimony of lion and bear victories (17:34–37) proves God equips the young.

• Scripture confirms that age never limits divine calling: Samuel as a child (1 Samuel 3), Josiah at eight (2 Kings 22:1), and Timothy urged, “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12).

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ruddy and handsome

David’s “ruddy and handsome” appearance, first noted at his anointing (1 Samuel 16:12), stands in contrast to Goliath’s armored bulk.

• The description highlights David’s vitality—God chooses beauty unarmed over brute force (cf. Psalm 147:10–11).

• It underscores the irony: the very qualities that charm others provoke Goliath’s scorn, yet the outward that sways human hearts still yields to the inward faith God values (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 3:4).

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summary

Every phrase of 1 Samuel 17:42 underlines the wider theme of the chapter: human perception versus divine purpose. Goliath’s eyes measure youth, beauty, and apparent weakness; God’s plan raises that very youth to victory. The verse reminds us that literal events recorded in Scripture reveal enduring truths—God delights to confound the proud through vessels the world underestimates, ensuring all glory goes to Him.