What does 1 Samuel 17:48 mean?
ESV: When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.
NIV: As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.
NASB: Then it happened, when the Philistine came closer to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.
CSB: When the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly to the battle line to meet the Philistine.
NLT: As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.
KJV: And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
NKJV: So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
Verse Commentary:
The Philistines and Israelites have been encamped against one another for war (1 Samuel 17:1–3). For forty days, a Philistine giant, Goliath, has been challenging Israel to representative champion warfare (1 Samuel 17:4–10, 16). Such a duel seems unwinnable, and Israel has responded with fear (1 Samuel 17:11, 24). But David, having heard the Philistine's taunts while checking on his older brothers at the battle (1 Samuel 17:12–18), has volunteered (1 Samuel 17:32). King Saul has agreed to send the youth, clad only in shepherd's gear (1 Samuel 17:40). David is confident the Lord will deliver him (1 Samuel 17:37).

After Goliath's curses and insults (1 Samuel 17:42–44) come David's confident declarations that the Lord would give the victory (1 Samuel 17:45–47).Now the battle between the giant warrior and the inexperienced youth begins. Goliath starts toward David, but the text seems to indicate that his approach is slow. He is said to rise and come and draw near to David, needing three verbs to describe his movement. Perhaps the giant man is weighed down by heavy armor and weapons or is simply being cautious—or bored. He is also moving behind his shield-bearer. In any case, Goliath closes distance to the youthful David.

David, on the other hand, is simply said to have run toward the battle line to meet Goliath. Without anything heavy to slow him down, David was free to quickly run straight toward his enemy, preparing to fire his sling when he was within good range. This might have been part of David's strategy: to add even more power to his first slung stone.
Verse Context:
First Samuel 17:41–54 describes a world-renowned fight. Goliath is a Philistine giant armed with massive weapons. David is a teenager armed only with his shepherd's sling: a long leather strap used to throw hand-sized stones at deadly speed. Goliath mocks David, and the Lord. David replies by expressing faith and vowing to cut off Goliath's head. As the two approach each other, David slings a stone into Goliath's forehead, crushing the giant's skull. The Philistine falls, and David runs up to remove Goliath's sword, making good on his promise to behead the enemy. The Philistine army panics, flees, and the Israelite army follows to complete the victory.
Chapter Summary:
David, delivering food to his brothers at the Israelite army camp, hears the Philistine Goliath's defiant challenge. Single man combat could decide the battle, but no Israelite wanted to face the massive warrior. David is appalled that a Philistine would defy the armies of the living God. He volunteers to fight, and King Saul agrees. Before the battle, David declares that the Lord will give victory and thereby show the world that there is a God in Israel. David quickly kills and beheads Goliath. The Israelites chase the Philistines back to their own territory and plunder their camp. David brings Goliath's head to Saul.
Chapter Context:
Saul was made king of Israel (1 Samuel 9—10) and had many early successes (1 Samuel 11—14). However, his disobedience resulted in God's plan for a different king (1 Samuel 15). The prophet Samuel anointed David as this future monarch (1 Samuel 16:11–13). David has been serving as a musician for Saul (1 Samuel 16:18–21) and comes visit his brothers during a standoff between Israelite and Philistine forces. This leads to the famous story of David and Goliath. David's victory publicly triggers his rise to power, paralleled by Saul's collapse. In the end, Saul will die in disgrace (1 Samuel 31:4–7) and David will be appointed the new king of Israel (1 Samuel 2:45:1–3).
Book Summary:
First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.
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