Bible Strands
1 Samuel 17:31
Now David’s words were overheard and reported to Saul, who sent for him.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David’s inquiry about the reward for slaying Goliath is overheard by the Israelite camp and relayed to King Saul. The narrative moves from David’s public question to Saul’s immediate command to summon him.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַיִּשָּׁמְעוּ (va/yi.sha.me.'u) translates literally as "and they were heard," highlighting the passive reception of David’s speech. The phrase הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר דָּוִד (ha./de.va.Rim 'a.Sher di.Ber da.Vid) specifies "the words which David spoke," anchoring the report to his exact prior inquiry.
The thread — This pattern of a bold declaration reaching a ruler before action appears in Proverbs 22:29, where skilled individuals are brought into royal presence. The sequence of inquiry, report, and summons repeats in 1 Samuel 17:30 and 1 Samuel 17:32 as David’s question triggers Saul’s response and subsequent commission.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize that spoken conviction inevitably triggers authority’s response, whether for trial or assignment. It demands attention to how public declarations bypass human filters to reach those with power to act.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.
Cross-references
- 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.