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1 Samuel 17:53

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 17:53 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their camp.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their camp.
1 Samuel 17:53 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
51Then David ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
52And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou comest to Gai, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.
53And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their camp.
54And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.
55And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
56And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is.
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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 the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, etc.] The remainder that escaped having got into their fortified cities: and they spoiled their tents; which they left in their camp, all their armour, goods, money, and provisions, they found there, they seized upon as their prey and booty; these they did not stay to meddle with as soon as the Philistines fled, but first pursued them, and slew as many of them as they could, and then returned to the spoil; which was wisely done.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“17:53 Unless expressly prohibited (e.g., 15:3; Josh 6:18), victory in battle allowed for the taking of war spoils (Deut 2:35; Josh 8:2).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they spoiled: Kg2 7:7-16; Jer 4:20, Jer 30:16 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 17:54”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification