but David went back and forth from SaulDavid's role at this time was dual in nature. He served King Saul as a musician to soothe the king's troubled spirit (
1 Samuel 16:21-23) and also fulfilled his responsibilities at home. This movement between Saul's court and his father's house highlights David's humility and obedience, as he balanced royal service with familial duties. It also foreshadows his future as a leader who would bridge the gap between the divine and the mundane. The phrase "went back and forth" suggests a period of transition and preparation for David, who would later become Israel's greatest king.
to tend his father’s sheep
David's role as a shepherd is significant both historically and theologically. Shepherding was a common occupation in ancient Israel, requiring vigilance, courage, and care—qualities that would later define David's kingship. This experience provided David with the skills necessary for leadership and protection of his people. Biblically, shepherding is a metaphor for leadership (Psalm 23;John 10:11), and David's care for his father's sheep prefigures his role as the shepherd of Israel. It also typifies Christ, the Good Shepherd, who tends to His flock with love and sacrifice.
in Bethlehem
Bethlehem, known as the "House of Bread," is a small town with significant biblical history. It is the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ (Micah 5:2;Matthew 2:1). This location ties David to the Messianic prophecy, as the Messiah was foretold to come from David's line and be born in Bethlehem. The town's humble nature contrasts with the greatness of those it produced, emphasizing God's pattern of using the lowly and unexpected to fulfill His purposes. Bethlehem's mention here roots David's story in a specific geographical and theological context, underscoring the divine orchestration of events leading to the coming of Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. At this point, he is serving both as a shepherd and as a musician in King Saul's court.
2.
SaulThe first king of Israel, who is troubled by an evil spirit and finds relief in David's music. He is unaware of David's future role as king.
3.
JesseDavid's father, who lives in Bethlehem. He is a significant figure in David's life, providing him with responsibilities and guidance.
4.
BethlehemA small town in Judah, known as the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ. It holds significant prophetic importance in the Bible.
5.
SheepRepresenting David's humble beginnings and his faithfulness in small tasks, which prepares him for greater responsibilities.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small ThingsDavid's commitment to tending his father's sheep, despite his role in Saul's court, teaches us the importance of being faithful in small responsibilities. God often uses these experiences to prepare us for greater tasks.
Balancing Multiple RolesDavid's ability to serve both Saul and his family demonstrates the importance of balancing different roles and responsibilities in our lives. We should seek God's wisdom in managing our time and duties effectively.
God's Preparation and TimingDavid's journey from shepherd to king illustrates how God prepares us for His purposes in His perfect timing. We must trust in His plan and be patient as He works in our lives.
Humility and ServiceDespite his anointing, David humbly returns to his duties as a shepherd. This teaches us the value of humility and serving others, regardless of our status or future potential.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 17:15?
2.How does David's routine in 1 Samuel 17:15 demonstrate responsibility and faithfulness?
3.What can we learn about balancing duties from David's actions in 1 Samuel 17:15?
4.How does David's journey in 1 Samuel 17:15 connect to his future leadership?
5.How can we apply David's example of service in our daily lives today?
6.What other biblical figures balanced multiple responsibilities like David in 1 Samuel 17:15?
7.Why did David return to tend sheep instead of staying with Saul's army in 1 Samuel 17:15?
8.How does David's role as a shepherd influence his future leadership as king?
9.What does 1 Samuel 17:15 reveal about David's character and priorities?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17?
11.How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?
12.How did David defeat the giant Goliath?
13.Why does David's mercy toward Saul in 1 Samuel 24 contradict other violent actions David takes elsewhere in Scripture?
14.How is it historically accurate that David carried Goliath's head to Jerusalem if it wasn't yet under Israelite control (1 Samuel 17:54)?What Does 1 Samuel 17:15 Mean
But David– The verse opens with a contrast: “but David” (1 Samuel 17:15). While the army is stalled before Goliath, God highlights the young shepherd He has already anointed (1 Samuel 16:12-13).
– Earlier, “David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul” (1 Samuel 17:14), yet God’s narrative shifts to the one the world overlooks (cf.Psalm 78:70-72).
– This contrast reminds us that divine selection, not human status, drives the story, just as God later chooses “the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1Colossians 1:27).
Went back and forth– David “went back and forth,” shuttling between two assignments. He was already serving Saul as musician and armor-bearer (1 Samuel 16:21-23), yet he did not abandon home duties.
– His willingness to juggle tasks reveals:
• Faithfulness in small things before God entrusts larger ones (Luke 16:10).
• A servant heart that does not cling to prestige but meets the ordinary needs of life (Philippians 2:3-4).
– Such rhythm of movement trains David for the constant demands of future kingship (Proverbs 27:23).
From Saul– The phrase anchors David’s service to the very king whose throne he will someday inherit. He honors Saul’s authority even while holding a higher divine appointment (1 Samuel 24:6;Romans 13:1).
– By coming “from Saul,” David models respect for leadership, echoing “Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). His obedience under a flawed ruler refines patience and loyalty, virtues essential for a godly monarch.
To tend his father’s sheep– Despite palace duties, David returns “to tend his father’s sheep,” the task Samuel first found him doing (1 Samuel 16:11).
– Shepherding is:
• Training ground for courage—defending lambs prepares him to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37).
• School of compassion—leading sheep foreshadows leading Israel (Ezekiel 34:23).
• A preview of Christ, the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11) born in David’s line.
– David’s humility fulfills the command, “Children, obey your parents” (Ephesians 6:1), showing that family responsibilities are not beneath future kings.
In Bethlehem– Bethlehem, meaning “house of bread,” is David’s hometown (1 Samuel 17:12). God roots His purposes in a humble village rather than the capital.
–Micah 5:2 foretells that from this same Bethlehem “one will go forth to be ruler over Israel,” linking David’s origin to the Messiah’s birth (Luke 2:4-11).
– The setting underscores God’s pattern of choosing the lowly place to unveil His greatest works.
summary1 Samuel 17:15 highlights David’s character more than his location. The verse shows a young man who, though anointed, patiently alternates between royal service and humble shepherding. He respects Saul, honors his father, and proves faithful in both court and pasture. In Bethlehem’s fields God quietly shapes the shepherd-king, foreshadowing the Shepherd-King yet to come.
(15)
Returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep.--This short statement was, no doubt, introduced by the compiler of the First Book of Samuel to show that, in spite of this apparent introduction of David into the history for the first time in this chapter (see
1Samuel 17:12 and following verses), and the inquiry of King Saul from Abner respecting the young hero's father (see
1Samuel 17:55-58), he, the compiler, was perfectly aware that David had already visited the court of Saul in the capacity of a musician (see
1Samuel 16:18-23). As has been already suggested, these historical books of the Old Testament are, no doubt, made up from contemporaneous documents, stored up most probably in one or other of the prophetic schools. It is, therefore, to be expected that certain facts will be found occasionally repeated. The circumstances connected with the healing influence of the music of David in the case of the
soul maladyof King Saul were of course preserved with great care and detail in these "schools," where music and poetry were so highly cultivated and esteemed. We have here many of the very words of the original narrative preserved to us. Similarly the story of the first exploit of David is incorporated in the history probably unchanged. Each of these ancient and favourite "memories" of David, as being complete in themselves, would of course contain some of the same details.
The apparent ignorance of Saul and Abner respecting the young shepherd's family will be discussed in the note on1Samuel 17:55-58.
Verse 15. -
David went and returned from Saul. This is a very important statement, as it shows that the writer, in spite of what is said in vers. 55-58, knew that David had visited Saul at his court, and become personally known to him. Apparently it had been but a short visit, possibly because after the fit of melancholy had passed away there was no return of it for the present; and if David had been back at Bethlehem for two or three years, a young man changes so much in appearance at David's time of life that it is no wonder that neither Saul nor Abner recognised him in his shepherd's dress. For some reason, then, or other David had not remained with Saul at Gibeah, but had resumed his pastoral life at Bethlehem, and the statements made in
1 Samuel 16:21-23 belong to the time immediately after the combat with Goliath, and not before.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
but Davidוְדָוִ֛ד(wə·ḏā·wiḏ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessewent back and forthהֹלֵ֥ךְ(hō·lêḵ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkfromמֵעַ֣ל(mê·‘al)Preposition-m
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstSaulשָׁא֑וּל(šā·’ūl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelitesto tendלִרְע֛וֹת(lir·‘ō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7462:To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate withhis father’sאָבִ֖יו(’ā·ḇîw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fathersheepצֹ֥אן(ṣōn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6629:Small cattle, sheep and goats, flockin Bethlehem.לָֽחֶם׃(lā·ḥem)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035:Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun
Links
1 Samuel 17:15 NIV1 Samuel 17:15 NLT1 Samuel 17:15 ESV1 Samuel 17:15 NASB1 Samuel 17:15 KJV
1 Samuel 17:15 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 17:15 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 17:15 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 17:15 French Bible1 Samuel 17:15 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 17:15 Now David went back and forth (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) 
