The Church Fathers on this verse

1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 17:47Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for it is his battle, and he will deliver you into our hands.

Douay-Rheims

וְיֵֽדְעוּ֙ כָּל־הַקָּהָ֣ל הַזֶּ֔ה כִּֽי־לֹ֛א בְּחֶ֥רֶב וּבַחֲנִ֖ית יְהוֹשִׁ֣יעַ יְהוָ֑ה כִּ֤י לַֽיהוָה֙ הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה וְנָתַ֥ן אֶתְכֶ֖ם בְּיָדֵֽנוּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

We only require the goodness of the Almighty to calm the tempest, as this is an effortless task for Him. Yet, we are unworthy of tranquility. The blessing of endurance is sufficient for us, enabling us to prevail against those who challenge us. The divine Apostle instructed us to seek this. The Scripture states, "When you are tempted, it will also provide a way out so that you can endure" (1 Cor. 10:13). I implore your holiness to silence the scorners and to convince them that those who are out of harm’s way should not deride those who stand resolutely in the face of adversity. What difference does it make if a soldier employs one weapon over another to defeat his foe? Even the mighty David, without the use of an arsenal, vanquished Goliath, the champion of the Philistines.

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Likewise, Samson, wielding only the jawbone of a donkey, single-handedly struck down thousands. No one mourns the triumph or criticizes the bravery of the valiant who overcame opponents without brandishing a spear, without utilizing armor, or without hurling numerous projectiles. In a similar manner, we ought to assess those who uphold righteousness, focusing not on the names that have incited discord but on the signs that unmistakably reveal the truth, and we should observe those who have dared to rise against the one who bears shame.

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