And 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.
When Saul saw David walking out to fight the Philistine, he asked Abner, the commander of his army, 'Abner, whose son is this young man?' And Abner replied, 'I swear by your life, O king, I don't know.'
King Saul suddenly realizes he doesn't know who David is, even though this young shepherd is about to represent all of Israel in the most important battle of their lives.
📚 Historical Context
This moment occurs just before David's famous battle with Goliath, when the entire Israelite army was paralyzed with fear. Saul had been looking for a champion to fight the giant, and when young David volunteered, the king suddenly realized he knew nothing about this brave youth's family background. In ancient times, knowing someone's lineage was crucial for understanding their status and reliability.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.