18 And carry these ten cheeses
18 Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them."
18 And take these ten wedges of cheese to the captain of their division. Check in on your brothers to see whether they are getting along all right, and let me know how they're doing
18 And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and see how your brothers fare, and bring back news of them."
18 And give these ten cuts of cheese to their captain. See how your brothers are getting along, and bring back a report on how they are doing. "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:18
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.