The Church Fathers on this verse
THEOSIS
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1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 17:45Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And David said to the Philistine: Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, which thou hast defied

Douay-Rheims

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר דָּוִד֙ אֶל־הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔י אַתָּה֙ בָּ֣א אֵלַ֔י בְּחֶ֖רֶב וּבַחֲנִ֣ית וּבְכִיד֑וֹן וְאָנֹכִ֣י בָֽא־אֵלֶ֗יךָ בְּשֵׁם֙ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֔וֹת אֱלֹהֵ֛י מַעַרְכ֥וֹת יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר חֵרַֽפְתָּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

David, for his part, first addresses the foreigner's arrogance with his words, declaring, ‘You approach me with sword and spear, relying on your own might; however, I confront you in the name of the Lord God.

Indeed, this declaration subdued the foreigner: the might of prayer triumphed over him before the stone struck, for David did not merely throw the stone but proclaimed first, ‘You come against me in the name of your gods, yet I approach you in the name of the Lord of hosts, whom you have dishonored today,’ and then he released the stone. This proclamation guided the stone; it bewildered the foreigner and stripped the enemy of strength. Why then should it astonish you that the voice of a righteous person calms wrath and conquers foes, especially when it also expels demons?

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As soon as the apostles began to speak, all hostile powers retreated. The voice of the just frequently quelled the elements and altered their course. Thus, Joshua simply declared, ‘Let the sun and the moon be made,’ and they were. Similarly, Moses commanded the sea, and it complied. Likewise, the three young men subdued the flames through their melodies and utterances.

Nilus of Sinai

5th centuryChurch Father

Those who are plagued by the dread of impending misfortune tend to interpret every sound and noise as a reflection of their fears. Their conscience, weighed down by the memory of past wrongdoings, perceives everything as adversarial, distasteful, and vengeful, nurturing an internal expectation of retribution for their sins, even if their deeds are shrouded in secrecy and beyond anyone's accusation. In contrast, a conscience that is devoid of deceit possesses great confidence, recognizing no just cause for condemnation and firmly believing in its own integrity.

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This purity serves as a basis for its courage, echoing the sentiment: "If a host encamps against me, my heart shall not fear" (Psalms 26:3), or "I will not be afraid of the thousands who have set themselves against me round about" (Ps. 3:7). This steadfastness is exemplified in David, who, relying on God, boldly confronted the formidable Goliath without the conventional armaments. Armed only with a staff and a few stones, he faced the giant, seeing him not as a threat but as a mere dog. Despite the Philistine's imposing weapons, David triumphed, not through physical strength but by the might of what he called the unseen weapon—the revered name of the Lord. Trusting in this divine protection, he approached the battlefield proclaiming: "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a shield, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel." It was with this singular weapon that he countered such might, hurling the stone precisely to strike the chosen target, shattering the bronze helmet, defeating the arrogant, and casting down the one who had exalted himself.

Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)

19th centuryChurch Father

The Almighty proclaimed through the prophet, "If My people had heeded My voice, Israel would have walked in My paths; for nothing would humble his adversaries." This indicates a straightforward and certain triumph over foes: "for nothing would he humble his enemies." God attributes such victory to Himself, as it stems from His blessings and His divine assistance, either unseen or, when necessary, manifestly apparent for His chosen ones. This assistance is granted not arbitrarily or indiscriminately to the chosen people but under specific moral and spiritual conditions: "If My people would listen to Me, Israel would walk in My ways." While Israel could possess warriors, weaponry, leaders, and an abundance of strength, these alone were insufficient.

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His adversaries might be more numerous, skilled, shrewd, and daring, yet this posed no challenge. It is crucial for him to heed God and follow the path of the Lord. Trust in God, O Israel; call upon Him; pay attention to His words; live according to His commandments with justice, morality, and compassion; if you have sinned, promptly repent and seek atonement; place your reliance not on yourself but on God: and He is prepared "to humble your enemies," granting you an effortless and certain victory over them. What profound and remarkable lessons did Israel glean from this divine journey of conflict! Who is unacquainted with David and his sling, which proved more victorious against Goliath and the Philistines than entire armies and military might? The strength resided not in the sling and stone, but in "the name of the Lord of hosts" with which David was equipped.

In addition, the God of peace also identifies Himself as "the God of armies" and as the God of those who are united to Him through faith.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.