And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
When David came back from killing the Philistine, Abner brought him to King Saul, and David was still carrying Goliath's head in his hand.
The writer is showing how David was immediately brought before King Saul after his victory, still holding proof of his incredible triumph over Goliath.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place after David's famous victory over the giant Goliath, when the young shepherd boy defeated the Philistine champion with just a sling and stone. Abner was the commander of Saul's army, and it was customary to bring victorious warriors before the king to be honored and questioned. Taking the head of a defeated enemy was a common practice in ancient warfare to prove the victory.
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