1 samuel 17:56 - The king said, “Inquire whose son the young man is!”

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 17:56

What does "1 samuel 17:56" mean?


In 1 Samuel 17:56, "The king said, “Inquire whose son the young man is!”" refers to King Saul's request to find out the identity of David after David slayed Goliath. Saul was impressed by David's courage and victory, but he didn't recognize him.

Here's a breakdown of what this signifies:

Saul's Astonishment and Curiosity: Saul was likely astonished by David's bravery and skill in defeating Goliath, a Philistine warrior who had terrified the Israelite army. He was curious about the background of this young man who had accomplished such a feat.

Unfamiliarity despite Previous Service: It seems odd that Saul wouldn't know David, especially since David had been serving in Saul's court as a musician to soothe Saul's troubled spirit (1 Samuel 16:14-23). This could indicate that Saul was not fully present mentally due to his mental illness, or that he didn't pay close attention to those around him. Some scholars suggest that the accounts of David serving Saul's court and defeating Goliath may have come from different sources and weren't originally connected.

Significance of Lineage: In ancient Israelite society, knowing someone's lineage was important. It could reveal their social standing, tribal affiliation, and potential connections. Saul wanted to know where David came from, possibly to assess his loyalty, potential future usefulness, or to reward his family.

In essence, this verse sets the stage for further interaction between Saul and David. It highlights Saul's intrigue with David and raises questions about their relationship, given David's prior service in Saul's court. This is a crucial moment that leads to significant developments in the story of David and Saul's relationship and the succession of the throne of Israel.

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