Bible Strands
1 Samuel 17:32
And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses King Saul after his words about the Philistine are reported to the monarch. This confrontation occurs at the battlefield immediately before Saul objects to David's youth.
The words — The Hebrew phrase אַל־ יִפֹּל לֵב אָדָם ('al- yi.Pol lev 'a.Dam) literally commands that no man's heart fall or fail. It directly counters the prevailing fear among the Israelite camp.
The thread — This declaration against fear echoes Deuteronomy 20:1’s command not to be afraid when facing larger armies. It also aligns with the confidence found in Psalm 3:6 regarding fearlessness against overwhelming forces.
Why it lands — The text demands a conscious rejection of cowardice when confronting a seemingly insurmountable threat. It requires the reader to trust divine provision over human assessment of age or experience.
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 David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.
- 1 Samuel 16:18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.”
- Psalms 3:6 I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.
- Isaiah 35:4 Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”
- Numbers 14:9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”
- Psalms 27:1 Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?
- 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
- Hebrews 12:12 Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.
- Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”
- Joshua 14:12 Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD’s help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken.”