2 Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines.
2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines.
2 Saul and the Israelites came together, camped at Oak Valley, and spread out their troops in battle readiness for the Philistines.
2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and they encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array against the Philistines.
2 Saul countered by gathering his Israelite troops near the valley of Elah.
19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines."
19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
19 - Saul and your brothers, and all the Israelites in their war with the Philistines in the Oak Valley."
19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
19 David's brothers were with Saul and the Israelite army at the valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.
(Read 1 Samuel 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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:2
Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1-11
(Read 1 Samuel 17:1-11)
Men so entirely depend upon God in all things, that when he withdraws his help, the most valiant and resolute cannot find their hearts or hands, as daily experience shows.