16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.
16 For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.
16 For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening.
16 Each morning and evening for forty days, Goliath took his stand and made his speech.
16 And the Philistine drew near and presented himself forty days, morning and evening.
16 For forty days, every morning and evening, the Philistine champion strutted in front of the Israelite army.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:16
Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:12-30
(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.