A Complete History and Mystery of the Old and New Testament, Biblical tract · Volume 2 · Commentary on 1 Samuel · Chapter 17
CHAP. XVII.
CHapter the Seventeenth is a Narrative of David's Duel with Goliah, wherein likewiſe the Antecedents, the Concomitants, and the Conſequents fall under Obſervation. Remarks upon the Antecedents, which is the firſt of this Chapter, are as followeth.
The Firſt is, The Introduction of this ſignal Duel, which was, The Philiſtines wage a new, and another War againſt Iſrael, v. 1. to revenge their former great and ſhameful Deſeat by the Valour of Jonathan and his Armour-bearer only, chap. 14. at large, and now their Lands were poſſeſſed by the Iſraelites, whom they had heretofore often beaten in many former Battels.
N. B. Here was occaſion enough of a new War, and they had new Encouragements to this preſent undertaking; namely,
Firſt, They heard of a breach between Saul and Samuel, whoſe Piety and Prayers had been ſometimes dreadful and hurtful to them, and therefore now they need not fear Samuel who had forſaken Saul. And,
Secondly, They heard likewiſe, that Saul was fallen into ſuch Frantick Fits as did render him unable to head, or lead an Army. And,
Thirdly, Above all, though they had been baſely Cowed with their former Diſcomfitures, yet now they found Courage unanimouſly recovered in them to undertake this Expedition, which God purpoſely gave them at this time, for the Accompliſhment of his own Glorious Ends.
N. B. The time when the Philiſtines made this Invaſion into the Land of Iſrael, was after they had got thoſe aforeſaid Encouragements; and as Dr. Lightfoot well obſerves, David went from Harping to Saul, when Saul went to this very War; as is intimated, v. 15. here: And Joſephus ſaith, That in the commencing of this War, Saul gave David his Diſmiſſion, either as having no need of him at this juncture, being well compos'd in mind, or as tendring the Comfort of his Aged Father, to whom he had ſent for him at his need, and who had now furniſh'd him with three other of his Sons for Sodiers.
The Second Remark is, The Philiſtines Champion that made the Challenge to the whole Army of Iſrael, to a Monomachy, or Duel, v. 4. to v. 12. No ſooner was the Army of Iſrael pitched upon one Mountain to oppoſe the Army of the Philiſtines that were pitched upon the other Mountain over againſt them, having a Valley between them, v. 2, 3. but out comes Goliah, that Monſter of Mankind, and who (as ſome ſuppoſe) was the Philiſtines General, and offers a ſhorter way of deciding the Controverſie about Soveraignty, ſaying, we face one another only with our Armies, but fight none, let the Dominion be determined by a Duel, wherein leſs Blood ſhall be ſhed, and the deciſion ſooner done; if I Conquer my Antagoniſt, then the Dominion over you ſhall be ours, but if I be Conquered (on whom all my Nation leaneth, and layeth their whole weight) then are we content to become your Subjects, &c.
N. B. Note well. This Ʋncircumciſed Philiſtine was the firſt Challenger to a Duel, we find upon Record: 'Tis a ſhame ſo many that profeſs Chriſtianity, ſhould dare to make him their Pattern for their deſperate practice of Duelling, and meerly upon pretended points of Honour: The Holy Patriarchs are better Patterns, whoſe Footſteps we ſhould follow, who through Faith and Patience do inherit the Promiſes, Hebr. 6.12.
This proud Challenger is deſcribed, Firſt, By his Name, Countrey and Stature, v. 4. to be higher by a Yard and a Span, than any ordinary Man, a Mighty Monſtrous Man, of the Race of the Rephaims, who were beaten out of Hebron by Joſhua, Joſh. 11.22. and now ſeated themſelves about Gath of the Philistines. Grotius and the Vulgar Latin, reads the Hebr. [Habbenaim] a Baſtard; Joſephus thinks that the old Gyants were the Devil's Brats, begot by thoſe Devils, call'd commonly Incubi ab Incumbendo, from their laying with Women in Gendring-work.
Secondly, By his Helmet, Coat of Maile, Target, and Leg-Harneſs, &c. v. 5, 6. All Accoutrements of War ſuitable to his moſt Bulky Body; the weight of his Coat is ſaid to be one Hundred and Sixty pound weight and upward, beſide all the weight of his other Arms, which yet he could well wield and make uſe of in fight; the very Head of his Spear weighed five and twenty pound, and the Spear it ſelf like a Weaver's Beam, v. 7. So that the weight of his whole Arms, Offenſive and Defenſive, muſt needs be prodigious, above two hundred weight, enough to load any ordinary Man: And being thus ſtrongly and ſtrangely fortified, [Cap-a-pee,] as we ſay, from Head to Foot, he might ſeem here to be no leſs than a walking Armory, and no wonder if the Army of Iſrael were frighted at the ſight of ſuch a Monſter, v. 11.
He is deſcribed, Thirdly, By his State and Condition, a Man of no mean figure, not one of the common Soldiers, but one that had his Squire to go before him, v. 7. a Gentleman at the leaſt, who kept his Servant to wait upon him. And,
Fourthly, By his Oration, wherein he moſt reproachfully railed (like another Rabſhekah) againſt both the Iſrael of God, and the God of Iſrael, who, beſide the Challenge to a Duel he made, as is before mentioned, he bid defiance both to Iſrael and their God, v. 8, 9, 10. Thus inſulting over both, when he ſaw that none of them durſt take his Challenge, wherein his Inſolence and Self-Confidence do plainly prove his Heart to be nothing elſe but a proud piece of Fleſh, his preſumption was both a preſage, and the procurer of his own ruine: Magna repentò ruunt, ſumma cadunt ſubitò, God will cut out the Tongue that ſpeaks proud things, Pſal. 12.3, 4.
N. B. None of his prodigious Armour could prove Armour of proof againſt an Almighty God; by whom, though he came into the Field like Thunder and Lightning, yet went he out like filthy Smoak, and a stinking Snuff, &c. And,
Fifthly, He is deſcribed by the reiteration of this his Inſolent Challenge, crying, [Give me a Man, that we may fight together,] v. 10. Oh how oft, and how long he Reproached Iſrael with his Reviling and Opprobrious Oration! he provoked them with his proud Challenges no fewer than forty Days one after another every Day.
N. B. We may here ſtand and wonder in the firſt place, that not one in all the Army of Iſrael durſt anſwer Goliah's Challenge, ſeeing they had ſuch Glorious Promiſes, [That one of them ſhould Chaſe a Thouſand,] Deut. 32.30. and precious performances hereof in the late Victory obtained by Jonathan over the whole Philistines Army, in chap. 14. Yet now all Iſrael is ſo diſmayed and greatly affrighted, v. 11. that the whole Army durſt not encounter one ſingle Goliah: So far was their Confidence in God and his Promiſes gone from them.
N. B. In the ſecond place may it not ſeem ſtrange that Saul himſelf did not accept the Challenge, ſeeing he likewiſe was a Tall Topping Man, one higher by the Head and Shoulders than the reſt of the People, none like him among them, chap. 10.23, 24. and could he but have Conquer'd this Curſed Miſcreant, this would have retrieved his Credit, which now began to be crack'd among his Subjects by Samuel's with-drawment from him; but alas, to ſay nothing of Saul's looking upon himſelf as a Dwarf, in compariſon of this prodigious Lubberly Gyant, the Spirit of the Lord was gone from him, chap. 16.14. So he had loſt his Fortitude which he formerly had, &c.
N. B. But in the third place, 'tis moſtly to be wondered at, that brave Jonathan did not in forty Days time adventure to embrace the Challenge, who both knew the Promiſe [of one Chaſing a Thouſand,] and had ſo lately found the performance of it, that he, with his Armour-bearer only, had diſcomfited the whole Army of the Philiſtines, chap. 14. yer durſt not now engage one ſingle Combatant: The Reaſon is twofold.
The firſt is, Man's Courage doth ſo much depend upon God's Aſſiſtance, that Man cannot be couragious at all times alike; when God withdraws, no Man can find either Heart or Hand.
The ſecond Reaſon is, No other Man muſt accept of this Challenge; for 'twas a Work the Lord reſerved for David to have the Glory of the Day.
The Third Remark is, David's Accepting the Challenge, and undertaking the Duel, unto which we have likewiſe an Antecedent Deſcription of this Dueliſt. He is deſcribed,
1. By his Name David, which ſignifies, one beloved of God, v. 12.
2. By his Parents the Son of Jeſſe, v. 12. deſcended from Ruth, as before.
3. By his Countrey, a Bethlehemite, v. 12. for he was a Type of Chriſt, and was Born a Babe of Bethlehem, where Chriſt alſo was Born.
4 By his Kindred, his Father had ſeven Sons beſide himſelf, whereof three of them were employed in this preſent War, v. 13.
5. By his Age, he was the youngeſt of all the Eight, v. 14.
6. By his Employ, v. 15. He uſed to run of Errands, as Saul had ſent him from the Court home to comfort his Old Father, when himſelf had been comforted with David's Muſick; ſo now his Father ſends him from home to the Camp to viſit his three Elder Brethren, and to bring them Victuals, &c. v. 17, 18, 20.
7. He is deſcribed by his Beauty, v. 42. Now come we from the Antecedents to the Concomitants, and to make Remarks upon them.
The Firſt is, The occaſion of David's undertaking this Duel: No ſooner is David well got into the front of the Army to Salute his Brethren, &c. v. 20, 21, 22. but out comes Goliah, and belcheth out his old black Blaſphemies in defiance of Iſrael and their God; all which David heard with utmoſt Indignation, v. 23. Nor was this all David's trouble to hear Goliah Blaſpheme Iſrael and their God, but he was troubled alſo to ſee the Iſraelites tremble at his Preſence, and to ſhrink from him, v. 24. Hereupon he enquires, What Reward will the King give to the Conquerour of him? To whom it was anſwered, in ſeveral Companies where he made his Enquiry, [That the King would enrich him with great Riches, and give him his Daughter, and make his Fathers Houſe free in Iſrael,] v. 25, 26, 27. Theſe were great Rewards that Saul (in his forty Days Diſtreſs) promiſeth to Man, now when he had loſt his truſt in the Promiſes of God; yet David was not tickled at all with theſe great Promiſes of Saul; for as probably he did hardly credit them, ſo certainly he never claimed them; yet out of a fervent Zeal to God's Glory, his Fingers even itched to be taking off the Head of that Dead Dog that kept continually bawling at the Moon (God's Church) and daily Barking againſt the God of Iſrael: This ſtirr'd up David's Spirit to accept the Challenge offered, only his care in all Companies was, that his deſire might come to the King's Ear▪
The Second Remark upon the Concomitants of this Conflict is, the Impediments to obſtruct it; which are twofold:
The Firſt is from Davids Brother Eliab, who rebuked him for his Pride and Raſhneſs, telling him, he was fitter to Attend Sheep than to Fight with this Philiſtine, v. 28… where the Eldeſt Brother baſely belyeth his Younger Brother, as if he had left his Fathers Sheep without a Keeper in the Wilderneſs, (whereas that is expreſly contradicted, v. 20) and he judgeth of the naughtineſs of David's Heart, moſt probably by his own, taking upon him that which belongeth to God alone, Namely, To know the Heart, Jer. 17.10.
N. B. Whereas indeed it was Eliab's Envy at Davd's former favour and preferment at Court, when ſent for by Saul to Harp away his Evil Spirit; and now he fears his further advancement above himſelf and his Brethren, ſhould it happen that he ſhould have the Victory over Goliah; and therefore he upbraids him, that he was come up out of Curioſity, only to behold the Battle. This foul Accuſation of Eliab, David fairly anſwereth, v. 29. that he came not thither out of his own Curioſity, but his Father had ſent him with ſupplies to himſelf, and to his two other Brothers; and tells him, he look'd upon himſelf as equally concerned with others in the Common Cauſe.
N. B. Thus he Anſwers his Envious Brother with Meeknnſs of Wiſdom, Jam. 3.13. and when he had ſaid ſomething in defence of his own Innocency, He giveth place to his Brothers Wrath▪ Rom. 12.19. And turns from him to another, v. 30 That he might not Anſwer Anger with Anger.
The Second Impediment was from David's King, as the Firſt was from David's Brother; David's deſire was, that Saul might receive intelligence of his Embracing the Challenge, and therefore did he ſo buſie himſelf to be in ſeveral Companies, that ſo ſome or other might carry theſe tydings to the King, which was ſo grateful to all under ſo great a Conſternation: And accordingly it came to paſs, Saul ſends for him; to whom David ſpake, [Let no Mans Heart fail becauſe of him,] v. 31, 32. with ſo much Courage and Confidence, as if he had already ſet his Feet upon the Philiſtines Neck; all to comfort Diſtreſſed and Diſtruſtful Saul, who from his Diſtruſt in God,
Firſt, Denies David's Ability to Encounter ſuch an Antagoniſt, v. 33. telling him, he was no fit match for ſo great a Monſter, being but a Novice both in Age and in Arms, ſpeaking to David as the King of Troy ſaid to young Troilus: Thou art Impar Congreſſus Achilli. Such a Raw and unexperienced Souldier cannot Cope with ſo great a Warriour.
Secondly, David Affirms his own Ability by his Affiance and Confidence in his God; and this he confirms by various Arguments, v. 34, 35, 36, 37. He Argueth,
Firſt, From his own former Experiences concerning his Ability; God gave him to Conquer a Bear at one time, and a Lion at another time; ſaying, both which came to devour my Lambs, and caught each of them one in their Mouths: Upon which I aroſe up againſt the Lion without either Sword or Spear in my Hand (having no Weapon but my Sheep-hook by me,) I cloſed with him hand to hand, (as we ſay) took him by the Nether Jaw, forced him by plain ſtrength to let go the Lamb out of his Mouth, and then ſlew him when I had delivered the prey. And it being eaſily underſtood and believed that he did the ſame to the Bear, therefore he looked upon it as needleſs to expreſs the particulars thereof.
N. B. From whence Note theſe two things, the firſt is, That ever after Samuel had Anointed David, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, he was endued with extraordinary Might and Magnanimity: So much he had given him, as that he was able to break a Bow of ſteel (as he ſaith of himſelf) Pſal. 18.34. and what could a Samſon have done more, than what David did here in deſtroying a Lion that was Hungry and poſſeſſed of his Prey, though he had nothing but his hands to grapple with him? The ſecond Note is, David in delivering his Lamb out of the Jaw of the Lion, was therein a Type of Chriſt, who Delivered his Darling (the Church, Pſal. 74.19.) out the Mouth of that Lion of Hell, who is called the Dragon alſo, Rev. 20.2. and if the Devil be [Leo foreign] a Roaring Lion, 1 Pet. 5.7. Chriſt the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Rev. 5.5. is [foreign.] He that delivereth all his from the Wrath to come, 1 Theſ. 1.10. A Salve fit for the Sore, &c.
The ſecond Argument David urges to Saul (for procuring the King's Commiſſion to fight this Duel) is drawn from the perſon of his Antagoniſt Goliah, as the firſt was drawn from himſelf, ſaying, [This Ʋncircumciſed Philiſtine ſhall be no more in my hands, than was the Bear and the Lion, &c.] ver. 36. wherein he confirmeth his own Courage, and corroborateth Saul's trembling and fainting Hope with a Reaſon grounded upon clear Experience, which, as it giveth way to no Diſputes, ſo it is expoſed to no Denial: As if he had ſaid, if I have through the Valour of my Mind, and Strength of my Body, (wherewith the Lord then endowed me) been made able to maſter the Bear and the Lion, why may I not maſter this Ʋncircumciſed Dog? (as Goliah called himſelf, ver. 43.) who is an Alien to the Covenant of God, and therefore Death will ſweep him away, and Hell will ſwallow him up, (as Lucifer, Iſa. 14.9, 15, 23.) by the means of my hands who am circumciſed, becauſe he is out of the cuſtody of God's Covenant.
The third Argument David draws from the Dignity of thoſe People whom this bawling Dog had defied [He hath defied the Armies of the Living God] Ver. 36. wherein he argueth, this Railing Beaſt hath not only reproached the Iſrael of God, ver. 10. but alſo through their ſides even the God of Iſrael himſelf; ſo bring he in
His fourth Argument, from the God of Iſrael, v. 37. I know He will not ſuffer himſelf to be thus reproached by ſuch a barking Beaſt, who is far more injurious to God's Honour, than was either the Bear or the Lion, which I ſlew. The Lord is ſenſible of the woundings of himſelf in the ſides of his Servants, whom he hath promiſed protection unto; ſaying to them, [Your Cauſe ſhall be my Cauſe] I will concern my Almighty Power for you.
N. B. Thus our Lord ſaid to another Saul of this Kings name, [Saul, Saul, why perſecutes thou me?] Namely, in my Members, Acts 9.4. This Blaſph…mer thinks God is not able to defend Iſrael.
The third Remark upon the Concomitants is, David's Auxiliaries applied, when his Impediments were removed: The firſt wat Saul's Conſent and Commiſſion for the Combate, ver. 37. David had ſo convinced the King with his ſtrenuous Arguments, ſeeing his Courage and Confidence was ſo well grounded upon his former Experience, not doubting but the ſame God who by his gracious Aſſiſtance had delivered him from the Bear and Lion, would deliver him from Goliah, (as 2 Cor. 1.10.) and deliver him up into David's hands; he could no longer deny his Royal Aſſent.
N. B. Some indeed do ſay, that Saul did not believe what David had ſaid of himſelf touching his Conqueſts over the Bear and Lion, but look'd upon theſe Stories as the vain glorious Vaunts of Young Men, who commonly make proud Proclamations of their own Heroick Exploints; ſeeing he had heard no Teſtimony from others about the truth of them, therefore reckoned he them as no better than bare Romances of a Rodomantado Yonkſter. However, ſuch were the ſad circumſtances of Saul and his Army at this juncture, that as he had not time now to ſend a Meſſenger to Bethlehem, for enquiring the truth of theſe things, which the Enemy preſſed ſo hard upon him; ſo he ſaw that his whole Army had made an abſolute Refuſal of Accepting the Champion's Challenge, ſave only this young David, who was no Member thereof, yet proffer'd his Service upon a pious Profeſſion of his Truſt in God (grounded upon ſenſible experience) he diſmiſſeth him to the Duel, and together with his Diſmiſſion, gave him not only his Commiſſion, but alſo his Supplication, ſaying, [Go, and the Lord be with thee.]
N. B. Which was the beſt Prayer that an Hypocrite could make, and ſuch as might be cordial ſo far as it concerned the weal of his own Crown and Kingdom: Saul might heartily pray for David's proſperous Enterprize, that the Lord (in whom he ſo much profeſſed to place his Confidence) might go along with him to aſſiſt him in the Conqueſt of ſo curſed a Caitiff.
The ſecond Auxiliary, Saul furniſhes David with, was not only his Prayers, but his Arms and Armour alſo; [Saul Armed David with his Armour] Ver. 38. which David put on for Saul's pleaſure, but put off again for his own pleaſure, v. 39. ſaying, I cannot go with theſe, for I have not proved them] and therefore was he ſoon weary of them; for for tho' Saul had made him his Armour-bearer, chap. 16.21. yet this was but for a ſhort ſeaſon; and he had only the bare Title of that Office and Honour: For we never read that David was clad in Armour at that time, or was in any Battel with Saul at any other time; hereupon he ſaith here [I have not been accuſtomed to there] having ſo much led a Rureal and a Paſtoral Life: and well might David ſay, [I cannot go with theſe] if it were Saul's own Armour which he uſed to wear in War; for there could be no proportion betwixt that which was fitted for Saul's bulky Body (who overtop'd all the People, chap. 10.23.) and that which muſt fit David's Body of a ſmaller ſize and ſtature, &c.
The third Auxiliary, in the failure of the ſecond, was, David takes to the Duel his own Shepherd's▪ Staff, his Sling, and his five ſmooth Stones in his Scrip, ver. 40. from whence we draw theſe Notes.
N. B. 1. The Firſt is, The wonderful Providence of God, that Saul's Armour ſhould not ſit Davids Body, but were more like to hinder him, than to help him in the Duel; therefore muſt all thoſe Martial Accoutrements be laid wholly aſide, and thoſe contemptible Tools only made uſe of, that God alone might have the whole glory of this Victory, wherein David was to be a Type of Chriſt, who ſubdued his Enemies, not by Carnal, but by Spiritual Weapons, Zech. 4.6. 2 Cor. 10.4.
N. B. 2. The Second Note is, David diſdained not to wage War againſt ſuch a Walking Armory, and ſo Armed an Antagoniſt as Goliah was, with ſuch worthleſs Weapons as theſe, being aſſured by Gods Spirit, that he ſhould win the Victory with them; well-kowin… he went furniſhed with the Whole Armour of God, Eph. ….14. to 19. He had a Good Cauſe, a Good Call, and a Good Conſcience; this was Armour of Proof to David for a Good Courage alſo.
N. B. 3. The Third Note is, No doubt but David was an Artiſt in improving his Sling; for the Philiſtines having forbid the Iſraelites the uſe of any Iron-Weapons during their Dominion over them, Chap. 13.19, 20. So that they were forced in fights to uſe Slings, wherein ſome of them arrived to great Dexterity, even with their Left Hands, Judg. 20.16. And it need not be queſtioned but David under the Teachings of Gods Spirit (which reſted upon him, ever after he was Anointed,) muſt needs make him the more dexterous in ſlinging ſtones: Inſomuch that he gives God the Glory of teaching His Hands to War and his Fingers to Fight, Pſal. 18.34. and 144.1.
N. B. 4. The Fouth Note is, David chuſes Five Stones that were ſmooth for his Sling, that they might ſlip the better out of his Sling by their ſmoothneſs; and ſo many as five, that if the firſt failed of its effect, he might uſe another. All thoſe five he put into his Shepherds-purſe or Bagge; having his Shepherds-crook in one Hand and his Sling in the other, and ſo he draws night to the Champion of the Philiſtines; not like a Souldier, but like a Shepherd, v. 40. That the Glory of the Victory might not be aſcribed to any Humane Valour, but altogether unto Divine Vertue: And a Conqueſt over ſuch an Accompliſhed Warriour by ſuch contemptible means, as it would be moſt honourable to Iſraels God, ſo it muſt be moſt diſgraceful and diſcouraging to the Philiſtines.
The Fourth Remark upon the Concomitants of this Conflict is, The Conteſt it ſelf in the manner of its management on both ſides: which is Twofold.
Firſt, There is their Conteſt in a Conference, which was a Logomachia, or a War with Words, not Swords. No ſooner did thoſe two Dueliſts draw nigh within the ſeeing and hearing each of other at ſome due diſtance, but preſently the proud Philiſtine diſdains the very ſight of ſo mean a Man as David, v. 41, 42. When Goliah ſaw that his own Terrible and Diſdainful Frowns did not firghten David to flee from him, then begins he to Bawle at him, ſaying, [Am I a Dog, that thou comeſt to me with a Staff?] meaning his Shepherds Staff, (which he walked towards him with in his Hand) was good for nothing but for driving Dogs out of Doors.
N. B. If Joſephus may be believed, David told him moſt ſtoutly and ſternly that he was not ſo good as a Dog: However, he could not look upon him as any better than a Beaſt: And indeed he gave himſelf a right Name, for he was no other than a Dog for Impudence, Uncleanneſs and Infidelity. Whether David call'd him a Barking Dog for Defying the Armies of the Living God, we find it not recorded; however ſomething might probably be ſaid by David in anſwer to his Queſtion, [Am I a Dog?] which made Goliah ſo mad, that he moſt bitterly curſed David; ſaying [Dagon Deſtroy thee,] v. 43. which is Tantamount in Profane Diſcourſe, [The Devil take thee:] Such was his Dogger Diſcourſe.
N. B. And had David deemed him better than a Dog, he had never come forth to him with a Staff and a Stone. Nor was David diſcouraged at his execrable Oaths, but took Goliah's Curſe as a pledge for his own Victory: For Gods Promiſe to Abraham was [I will Bleſs thoſe that Bleſs thee, and I will Curſe thoſe that Curſe thee, Gen. 12.3.] he knew that Cauſeleſs Curſes would never come, Prov. 26.2. and that his God would deſtroy Dagon and all the Idols of the Infidels, and not ſuffer Dagon to Deſtroy him. David can be content to Let him Curſe, ſo God will but Bleſs. Nor could this Curſed Caitiff content himſelf with Curſing David by Dagon, Baalim and Aſhtaroth; even by all His Gods, v. 43. but he goes on like a proud Thraſo to threaten him, that he will make both Hawks-meat and Hounds-meat of his Fleſh; for Hungry Hawks and Hungry Hounds to devour, v. 44. when he Saw him but a Youth, and Ruddy, and of a Fair Complexion, v. 42. Where the three Cauſes of Goliah's Contempt of David are expreſſed. As,
N. B. Firſt, His Youth, which argued his weakneſs, unable to grapple with a Grown up Gyant, and his want of Experience in Martial Affairs:
N. B. The Second is, His Ruddy Colour, ſhewed his Raſhneſs and Cholerick Indiſcretion in undertaking to Combat with ſuch an Overtopping and Over-matching Champion, clad in Armour Cap-a-pee, whom himſelf Addreſſed as a naked Stripling.
N. B. The Third Cauſe of his Contempt was▪ His Fair Countenance and Beauty made him ſeem in his Eyes ſome Effeminate piece, fitter for the Sports of Venus, than for the Exploits of Mars, that a Canopy would become him better than a Camp, or feats of Chivalry, ſaying to him, [Militia eſt operis altera digna tui,] thou art more apt to Woe a Woman, than to War with a Man of War, ſuch an one as I am. All theſe things fluſhed up this proud Champion to make ſuch a Vain-glorious Triumph before the Victory, v. 44. that he might ſtrike a Terror into David's Spirit, and cauſe him to flee before the Fight; he would ſell the Hide (as we ſay) before he had taken the Beaſt; thus the Goliah of Rome doth at this Day, &c.
N. B. Now come we to David's Anſwer in this Dialogue betwixt the two Dueliſts, v. 45, 46, 47. wherein we may Obſerve,
Firſt, David declareth to Goliah, ſaying, [Thou truſteſt in thy own ſtrength, in thy own Armour, in an Arm of Fleſh, which will not only deceive thee, but alſo bring God's Curſe upon thee,] Jer. 17.5, 6. but as for me, I ſhall be bleſt of God, becauſe I put my truſt in him, v. 7. of Jer. 17. I place my Confidence in him, I receive my Commiſſion from him, who hath given me aſſurance of his aſſiſtance in the Vindication of his Glorious Name, which thou haſt ſo prophanely Blaſphemed, v. 45. where David telleth him twice, from whom he expected the Victory, both from the Lord of Hoſts, which holds forth Omnipotency, and the God of Iſrael, which ſheweth the Benevolency and good Will of God▪ as well as his Power, to protect David himſelf and all his People from him who had defied both.
Secondly, David proceeds with his particular Faith, for obtaining the Victory in God's Strength, and not in his own, ſaying, [This Day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand, &c.] v. 46. grounding his Faith upon theſe ſolid Foundations. (1.) On the goodneſs of his Cauſe, and the badneſs of Goliah's, &c. (2.) On Goliah's Reproaching of God himſelf, which, he verily believed, the Lord would revenge. (3.) On Goliah's Pride and preſumption, which he knew that God abhorred, and would ſeverely puniſh it. (4.) On Goliah's Confidence in Dagon, whom he deſired to deſtroy David, v. 43. therefore he tells him, [Both thou and all the Earth ſhall know, that there is a God in Iſrael,] v. 46. a God indeed, able to help his Servants, and not like thy Impotent Idols, thy Dunghil Deities, Dagon, &c. whom you ſerve, yet cannot ſave, &c.
Thirdly, David ſtill goeth on in Preaching the Power and Providence of God to this Uncircumciſed Miſcreant, v. 47. which proved a Funeral Sermon both to him and to his People, ſaying, [The Battle is the Lords,] who is not tyed to Tools, but will give Victory by my weak Weapons which thou ſcorneſt: We fight for God, and you againſt God, therefore his Honour is concerned to give us the Victory: Here Joſephus brings in David crying up [Jehovah, the Conquerour, is my Armour, &c.] All which he ſpake with confidence, Pſal. 27.3. becauſe he was aſſured by a ſpecial Revelation from God.
Having diſpatch'd the Logomachia, or Word-War betwixt theſe two Dueliſts, now comes the Sword-War, (2.) which is related, v. 48, 49, 50, 51. wherein obſerve,
N. B. Firſt, As to the general, though it be call'd a Sword-War, yet find we but one Sword uſed in this Duel; to wit, that of Goliah's, which David made uſe of to cut off his Antagoniſt's Head, when foiled.
Secondly, As to Particulars, the two Combatants, after their Word-War was done, drew near each other, but David haſted to ſling at Goliah, before he came too nigh him with his Spear and Sword, for a due diſtance was neceſſary in ſlinging of a Stone, to cauſe the caſt of it far more forcible, which David could not have done, had he delayed till they had come cloſe together; here both David's Courage and Prudence appeared to give the firſt Blow, fighting Eminùs at diſtance, not Comminùs, Hand to Hand, before he came within the reach of Goliah's Sword or Spear.
Thirdly, Obſerve the Providence of God, that this proud Gyant had lift up that part of his Helmet, which ſhould have covered his Forehead, out of a contempt of David, whom he ſaw come againſt him unarmed, ſo that he ſcorn'd to pull down the Beaver of his Helmet to cover his Face and Forehead, that David might the better diſcern his foul frightful Frowns in their Diſcourſe together.
Fourthly, Obſerve what difficulty David had to hit his bare Forehead with the Sling-ſtone: For though David, and many other Iſraelites, had moſt excellent skill in the Art of Slinging Stones, and coming within an Hairs-breadth of hitting a fixed Mark, that moved not out of its place, as appeareth, Judg. 20.16. Yet ſeeing the Forehead of this Philiſtine was in a continual motion, and the more moved, becauſe David had moved his Mind, and put him into a pelting chaſe (as we ſay) with his warm words to him, inſomuch that he haſted in great heat to have David's Heart out of his Body, &c. v. 44. All this would make it hard to hit.
Fifthly, Obſerve, notwithſtanding all this difficulty, yet David by a ſpecial direction, and ſingular guidance of Divine Providence, hit this moving Mark even at the firſt Hurl.
N. B. No doubt but God directed this Stone, as he did that Stone which ſlew Abimelech, Judg. 9▪ 53. and the Arrow that ſlew Ahab, 1 Kings 22.34. Things caſual and contingent with Man become neceſſary an unavoidable by God▪ whoſe over ruling Providence ordereth all chances, Deut. 19 5. Exod. 21.13. 1 Som. 19.10, &c.
Sixthly, Obſerve this Wonderful Wor… that this Stone ſhould hit the Killing place of the Forehead ſo exactly, the ſeat of his Pride and Impudence, when no other part of Goliah was capable of danger, he being wholly Immured from Top to Toe, as it were, in a Wall of Braſs, that the Stone did ſink into his Forehead, v. 49.
N. B. As a ſtone doth naturally and ſpeedily fink into the ſoft Water, ſo it ſank into his hard Skull, and through that into his Brain alſo: But ſuppoſe he had his Helmet pull'd down over his Forehead and Face (as ſome ſay he had) this renders the Wonder more Wonderful, that a Sling ſtone ſhould pierce through his Helmet of Braſs, which was harder than his Skull; ſurely David by the Spiritual force of his moſt Heroick Faith, makes this Stone fly at the Face of his Adverſary, and he ſeemed no otherwiſe, than to have wrapped up in his Sling, not a Stone only, but (with Reverence be it ſpoken) even the Bleſſed God himſelf, he hurl'd the Almighty Power of his God, at the Head of Goliah, and this b…ke through all.
Seventhly, No ſooner had this Stone pierced through the Pia Mater, which compaſſeth the Brain like a Swathing Cloth, which Solomon calls, The Golden Bowl, Eccleſ. 12.6. if that be broken, the Wound is Mortal, and Goliah with this Wound was deprived of all ſenſe and motion, ſo that he fell flat with his Face on the ground; and there lay the Greatneſs of Great Goliah.
N. B. No doubt but he caus'd an Earthquake by his great fall, conſidering both the Bulk of his Body, and Weight of his Armour.
Eighthly, Obſerve how David prevailed over the Philiſtine with a Sling and a Stone, v. 50. which were unlikely means to proſtrate ſo Bulky a Body, in ſo ſtrong a Garriſon, as it was wrap'd up in ſuch ſtrong Armour: All this did David by the help of his God, and by the force of his Faith, Hebr. 11.32. So Shamgar had obtained a great Victory over thoſe Philiſtines with an improbable Weapon, namely, an Oxes-Goad; and Samſon the like with a like contemptible Inſtrument; to wit, the Jaw-bone of an Aſs: 'Tis no matter what the Tool be, if God take it in his Hand. God oft uſeth ſuch contemptible means the more to manifeſt his own Power and Glory, 2 Cor. 12 9.
Ninthly, Obſerve how Goliah's Head was cut off with his own Sword, v. 51. So ſoon as David ſaw Goliah lay ſprawling upon the ground (ſaith Joſephus) then David ran, and drew out the Gyants Sword out of its Sheath, which Goliah had not as yet drawn out, deſigning firſt to begin the Fight with his Spear, and not to uſe his Sword till he came to a cloſer Combat, but David's Sling-ſtone had prevented that, and now David doth draw it for him, to cut off his own Head with his own Sword.
N. B. This argues that David was a ſtrong Man, (if he were a little Man, as moſt imagine) otherwiſe he had not been able to have wielded a Giant's Sword, as he did here for cutting off the Giant's Head; and we read, he was able to wear it after, Chap. 21.9.
N. B. Thus Goliah [Propriis pennis configitur,] as Julian the Apoſtate ſaid, when the Chriſtians conſuted his Heathens by their own Arts and Authors; alluding to that Adage, [A Fowl may be ſhot with an Arrow that is Feather'd out of its own Wing.] So Goliah was firſt ſtunn'd with the ſtone out of David's Sling, is now Beheaded with his own Sword, which he had deſigned for the Death of David, and for the Deſtruction of God's People. Thus Haman was Hang'd upon his own Gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. See Pſal. 9.16. They are Snared in their own Snares.
Tenthly, Obſerve how David's fighting and prevailing againſt Goliah, was a ſingular Type of Chriſt; who fighting againſt Satan, Sin, the World and Death, doth Vanquiſh them with their own Weapons.
N. B. For [By his Death he deſtroyed him that had the power of Death, to wit, the Devil,] Heb. 2.14 He ſwallowed up Death in Victory, Hoſea 13.14. and took away Sin, Iſa. 25.18. which is the ſting of Death, and the ſtrength of Sin, which is the Law, 1 Cor. 15.54, 55. He hath Cancell'd this Handwriting of the Law, and Nail'd it to his Croſs, Col. 2.14, 15. and finally, he hath broke open the Priſon of the Grave▪ and ſo hath ſet all his Elect at Liberty, as a Learned Annotator here ſaith: No doubt but the Iſraelites run as faſt to Inſult over Goliah when now Dead, as they had ſled from him, for fear of him before while he was alive, v. 11.24. Chriſt hath kill'd Death for us, &c. ſo we ought not to fear Death, Mors Mortis Morti Mortem quoque Morte dediſſet.
N. B. See more of this Monomachy in the Third Volume upon that Duel fought betwixt Chriſt and the Devil, Matth. 4. where our Saviour throws three ſmooth ſtones, the three Scriptum eſt's at Satan, wherewith he broke the Serpent's Head, the Type and Antitype agrees, &c.
Now the third part of this Chapter is the Conſequents of all. Remarks hereupon are,
Firſt, No ſooner did that vaſt Hoſt of the Philiſtines behold their Champion, their Idol (in whom alone they put all their Confidence) fall down Dead, and Beheaded by David, but they all fled out of the Field, v. 51. yielding the Victory to Iſrael, partly as the Condition of the Covenant at the undertaking of this Duelling Combat did oblige them, v. 8, 9. and partly, yea more eſpecially becauſe the Lord ſtruck them with a Panick Terrour, otherwiſe the loſs of one Man could never have ſo daunted ſuch a Prodigious Army as they were, &c.
The Second Remark is, The Army of Iſrael purſues, and makes a dreadful Slaughter (of Thirty Thouſand Men, ſaith Joſephus) even to the Gates of Gath and Ekron, v. 52. and then return'd to take the Plunder of their Camps, v. 53. This Purſuit was prudently manag'd by Saul, who ſuffer'd not his Soldiers to Plunder, till the Victory was compleated.
The Third Remark is, David's Triumph, v. 54. David brought Goliah's Head to Jeruſalem, and ſet it up upon ſome Pinacle, as a Trophy of his Victory, and to terrifie the Jebuſites that ſtill held the ſtrong hold of Sion, 2 Sam. 5.7. though the City had been won before by the Tribe of Judah and Benjamin, Judg. 1.21. and 19.10. [and put his Armour in his Tent,] either that Tent he had at his Father's Houſe, or that Tabernacle he erected afterwards.
N. B. Then David penn'd the Ninth Pſalm, the Title being Muthlaben, the Death of the Champion, &c. and ſome ſay the Hundred and forty fourth Pſalm alſo, for the Chaldee reads, v. 10. From the Sword of Goliah.
The Fourth Remark is, David's Honours from Saul, v. 55. to the end, which are related in the two firſt Verſes of the Eighteenth Chapter upon theſe laſt Verſes here.
N. B. A Doubt is moved, How Saul could be ignorant who David was, when he lived at the Court, Chap. 16.21.
Anſwer 1. David was not conſtantly at Court, till after this Conqueſt, chap. 18.2. but only was ſent for by times when Saul had his Fits, which came not again all that time the Philiſtines threatned Iſrael.
2. Kings take not much notice of Inferiour Servants.
3. Eſpecially King Saul, whoſe Brain had been diſtemper'd with his Fits.
4. Much Alteration a little time makes in a growing Youth, as David was.
5. Eſpecially having laid aſide his Courtiers Habit, and now coming as a Shepherd.
6. Abner might not know him, becauſe he convers'd more in the Camp (as General) than in the Court, &c.
N. B. Dr. Lightfoot affirmeth that neither Saul nor Abner were ignorant who David was, becauſe he went but from Harping to Saul, when Saul went to this War, v. 15. and Saul's Queſtion to Abner, was not ſo much [Filius cujus, as Filius qualis viri,] not of his Perſon, but of his Parentage, as wondering what kind of Man Jeſſe was, that had ſuch Brave Sons in his Army, &c.