Bethlehem Beth-lehem David Father's Feed Flock Forth Fro Returned Returning Saul Sheep Tend
17:15 But David {c} went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.
(c) To serve Saul, 1Sa 16:19.
17:15 Went - From Saul's court: where having relieved Saul, he was permitted to go to his father's house, to be sent for again upon occasion.
17:12-30 Jesse little thought of sending his son to the army at that critical juncture; but the wise God orders actions and affairs, so as to serve his designs. In times of general formality and lukewarmness, every degree of zeal which implies readiness to go further, or to venture more in the cause of God than others, will be blamed as pride and ambition, and by none more than by near relations, like Eliab, or negligent superiors. It was a trial of David's meekness, patience, and constancy. He had right and reason on his side, and did not render railing for railing; with a soft answer he turned away his brother's wrath. This conquest of his own passion was more honourable than that of Goliath. Those who undertake great and public services, must not think it strange if they are spoken ill of, and opposed by those from whom they expect support and assistance. They must humbly go on with their work, in the face not only of enemies' threats, but of friends' slights and suspicions.
Bethlehem Beth-Lehem David Returning Saul Sheep Tend
Bethlehem Beth-Lehem David Returning Saul Sheep Tend
