Sermon Bible Commentary
1 Samuel 17:58
This question, short and simple as it is, is suggestive of some practical thoughts on the subjection of personal responsibility and faithfulness to the traditions of one's pedigree, or it may be, in the way of warning against lineal weaknesses and sins.
I. My first word is to those of you who have sprung from a lowly parentage. If there is anything more utterly contemptible than for one who has risen in the world to be ashamed of his humble origin, it is the conduct of him who ridicules his low-born brother. The hands of Jesse, the Bethlehemite farmer, were somewhat horny, and his wife a plain, unpretending body, but their son was proud to take them on a visit to Mizpeh of Moab, and introduce them to the king.
II. My next word is to those who have been born in the line of a Christian parentage. The purest blood this world has ever known is that of a Christian ancestry. It is not enough for those who come of a saintly stock to shun the sins of the prodigal, they ought to be conspicuous for their Christian character.
III. I am not afraid to put the question even to those who have had no such advantage. Many a clean bird has come out of a foul nest. Divine grace is stronger even than blood. History can supply many an instance to the praise of Him who oft-times finds the brightest diamonds in the darkest mines, and the richest pearls in the deepest seas.
IV. A purely spiritual meaning may be given to the text. There are but two paternities, and one or other of these we all must own. Would that we could all reply to the question "Whose son art thou? " "Behold, now are we the sons of God."
J. Thain Davidson, The City Youth,p. 127.
References: 1 Samuel 17:58. R. D. B. Rawnsley, Sermons in Country Churches,p. 96. 1 Samuel 18:1. T. Coster, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xix., p. 200. 1 Samuel 18:1; 1 Samuel 18:2. F. W. Krummacher, David the King of Israel,p. 51. 1 Samuel 18:1. W. M. Taylor, David King of Israel,p. 39. 1 Samuel 18:3. J. Van Oosterzee, Year of Salvation,vol. ii., p. 436; Spurgeon, My Sermon Notes,p. 60. 1 Samuel 18 W. Hanna, Sunday Magazine,1865, p. 530.