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1 Samuel 17:47

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 17:47 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and that all this assembly may know that Jehovah saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is Jehovah`s, and he will give you into our hand.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and that all this assembly may know that Jehovah saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is Jehovah`s, and he will give you into our hand.
1 Samuel 17:47 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
44And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the birds of the heavens, and to the beasts of the field.
45Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
46This day will Jehovah deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from off thee; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day unto the birds of the heavens, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,
47and that all this assembly may know that Jehovah saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is Jehovah`s, and he will give you into our hand.
48And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
49And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth.
50So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And all this assembly shall know, etc.] The congregation of Israel, and church of the living God, great part of which were now gathered together, and were spectators of this wonderful event: that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear; that is, by outward means and instruments, by arms and armed men; he does not save by them only, or by them always; he can save as well without them as with them: for the battle [is] the Lord’s; it is under his direction; the issue and event of it depend on his will, and are owing to him; or, as the Targum, “from the Lord is the victory of wars,” it is he that gives it to whom he pleases: and he will give you into our hands; not only this Philistine into the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The Lord saveth not with sword ... - Observe the consistent teaching of such passages as 1 Samuel 14:6; Exodus 14:13-18; Judges 7:2, Judges 7:4,Judges 7:7; Psalms 44:6, etc., and their practical use to the Church as lessons of trust in God, and distrust of ourselves. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Saveth - That is, that he can save without these arms, and with the most contemptible weapons. The battle - That is, the events of war are wholly in his power. He will - David speaks thus confidently, because he was assured of it by a particular inspiration. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 17:48”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“saveth not: Psa 33:16, Psa 33:17, Psa 44:6, Psa 44:7; Pro 21:30, Pro 21:31; Hos 1:7 the battle: Sa1 14:6; Ch2 20:15-17; Psa 46:11; Isa 9:7; Zac 4:6; Rom 8:31, Rom 8:37 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 17:48”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification