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1 Samuel 17:15

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

But David would go back and forth between serving Saul and taking care of his father's sheep in Bethlehem.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse shows that David was balancing his duties as a musician for King Saul with his responsibilities as a shepherd for his family back home.

📚 Historical Context

In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, David was a young shepherd from Bethlehem who had been brought to King Saul's court to play music and soothe Saul's troubled spirit, as God had already anointed him as the future king. This verse highlights David's routine of returning home from his service to Saul, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to his family's needs by tending the sheep, even as his life was intersecting with national events. It reflects the cultural expectation in ancient Israel that family responsibilities took precedence alongside emerging opportunities.

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