1 Samuel 17:57
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Notice that after David’s incredible victory, it's not David who takes himself to the king, but Abner who takes David. This suggests that even in this moment of David's greatest triumph, he is still brought to prominence and presented by another, highlighting his reliance on God and his humble respect for established authority.
And as soon as David returned from the striking down of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This moment happens right after David, the young shepherd boy, has miraculously defeated the giant Goliath, the Philistines' champion. Before this, David had volunteered to fight, much to the surprise of the Israelite army and King Saul. This verse captures the immediate aftermath, showing Abner presenting David and Goliath's severed head to Saul, setting the stage for David's dramatic entrance into the royal court and the beginning of his fame.
David just did the impossible, defeating Goliath with God's help. But who gets the credit in the immediate aftermath? It wasn't David stepping into the spotlight himself.
A King's Man Steps In
When David returns, victorious, it's not Saul who rushes out, nor David who boldly presents himself. Instead, the narrative points to Abner, the commander of Saul's army.
In a world without instant news or photographic evidence, how do you prove you've accomplished something extraordinary? David's victory had undeniable, physical evidence.
The Head as Evidence
The verse is stark and visceral: 'with the head of the Philistine in his hand.' This isn't just a detail; it's the core of the evidence.
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Understand the original words
Pelishti · Hebrew Noun
In this context, a military adversary of Israel, known for their persistent oppression and conflict with the Israelites during the period of the judges and early monarchy.
This event marks a pivotal moment where a shepherd boy, through faith and divine empowerment, becomes a national hero, shifting the political and military landscape for Israel and setting the stage for his future kingship.
c. 1020 BC
Saul's Early Reign
Saul has been anointed king and is leading Israel, but faces constant threats from surrounding nations, particularly the Philistines.
c. 1020 BC
Philistine Threat Grows
The Philistines are a formidable military power occupying significant territory in Canaan, often engaging in battles with the Israelites.
c. 1010 BC
Jesse's Sons Called to War
David's older brothers are serving in Saul's army, and Jesse sends David to bring them supplies, inadvertently placing him at the battlefield.
c. 1010 BC
Goliath's Challenge
The giant Philistine warrior Goliath issues a daily challenge to the Israelite army, demanding a champion to fight him in single combat.
c. 1010 BC— this verse
David Defeats Goliath
The young shepherd David, trusting in the Lord, accepts Goliath's challenge and defeats him with a sling and stone, routing the Philistine army.
c. 1010 BC
David Presented to Saul
Immediately after his victory, David is brought before King Saul, carrying Goliath's head, marking the beginning of his rise to prominence.
c. 1010 BC onwards
David's Military Service
Following the defeat of Goliath, David enters Saul's service, leading Israelite forces and achieving further victories, which grows his popularity.
This verse highlights David's reliance on God and his faith in His power, directly contrasting with the Philistine's reliance on physical might. It sets the stage for the courage seen in verse 57.
1 Samuel 17:45-47Here, David explicitly states that his victory will not be by his own strength or skill, but by the power of the Lord. This theological foundation is crucial for understanding the significance of his triumph and presentation to Saul.
1 Samuel 18:6-7These verses show the immediate impact of David's victory, as the people praise him more than Saul. It illustrates the societal recognition and shift in power that began with the event described in 1 Samuel 17:57.
Psalm 23:1-4This Psalm, often attributed to David, speaks of the Lord as his shepherd who walks with him through the valley of the shadow of death. It reflects the deep trust and spiritual reality that underpinned David's courageous actions against Goliath.
Notice that after David’s incredible victory, it's not David who takes himself to the king, but Abner who takes David. This suggests that even in this moment of David's greatest triumph, he is still brought to prominence and presented by another, highlighting his reliance on God and his humble respect for established authority.
This moment happens right after David, the young shepherd boy, has miraculously defeated the giant Goliath, the Philistines' champion. Before this, David had volunteered to fight, much to the surprise of the Israelite army and King Saul. This verse captures the immediate aftermath, showing Abner presenting David and Goliath's severed head to Saul, setting the stage for David's dramatic entrance into the royal court and the beginning of his fame.
This moment happens right after David, the young shepherd boy, has miraculously defeated the giant Goliath, the Philistines' champion. Before this, David had volunteered to fight, much to the surprise of the Israelite army and King Saul. This verse captures the immediate aftermath, showing Abner presenting David and Goliath's severed head to Saul, setting the stage for David's dramatic entrance into the royal court and the beginning of his fame.
"And as soon as David returned from the striking down of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand." — Notice that after David’s incredible victory, it's not David who takes himself to the king, but Abner who takes David. This suggests that even in this moment of David's greatest triumph, he is still…
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Last reviewed October 2026
