CHAP. XVII.

CHapter the Seventeenth is a Narrative of David's Duel with Goliah, wherein like∣wise the Antecedents, the Concomitants, and the Consequents fall under Observati∣on. Remarks upon the Antecedents, which is the first of this Chapter, are as fol∣loweth.

The First is, The Introduction of this signal Duel, which was, The Philistines wage a new, and another War against Israel, v. 1. to revenge their former great and shame∣ful Deseat by the Valour of Jonathan and his Armour-bearer only, chap. 14. at large, and now their Lands were possessed by the Israelites, whom they had heretofore often beaten in many former Battels.

N. B. Here was occasion enough of a new War, and they had new Encouragements to this present undertaking; namely,

First, They heard of a breach between Saul and Samuel, whose Piety and Prayers had been sometimes dreadful and hurtful to them, and therefore now they need not fear Samuel who had forsaken Saul. And,

Secondly, They heard likewise, that Saul was fallen into such Frantick Fits as did render him unable to head, or lead an Army. And,

Thirdly, Above all, though they had been basely Cowed with their former Dis∣comfitures, yet now they found Courage unanimously recovered in them to undertake this Expedition, which God purposely gave them at this time, for the Accomplish∣ment of his own Glorious Ends.

N. B. The time when the Philistines made this Invasion into the Land of Israel, was after they had got those aforesaid Encouragements; and as Dr. Lightfoot well observes, David went from Harping to Saul, when Saul went to this very War; as is intimated, v. 15. here: And Josephus saith, That in the commencing of this War, Saul gave David his Dismission, either as having no need of him at this juncture, being well compos'd in mind, or as tendring the Comfort of his Aged Father, to whom he had sent for him at his need, and who had now furnish'd him with three other of his Sons for So∣diers.

The Second Remark is, The Philistines Champion that made the Challenge to the whole Army of Israel, to a Monomachy, or Duel, v. 4. to v. 12. No sooner was the Army of Israel pitched upon one Mountain to oppose the Army of the Philistines that were pitch∣ed Page  266upon the other Mountain over against them, having a Valley between them, v. 2, 3. but out comes Goliah, that Monster of Mankind, and who (as some suppose) was the Philistines General, and offers a shorter way of deciding the Controversie about Sove∣raignty, saying, we face one another only with our Armies, but fight none, let the Do∣minion be determined by a Duel, wherein less Blood shall be shed, and the decision sooner done; if I Conquer my Antagonist, then the Dominion over you shall be ours, but if I be Conquered (on whom all my Nation leaneth, and layeth their whole weight) then are we content to become your Subjects, &c.

N. B. Note well. This Ʋncircumcised Philistine was the first Challenger to a Duel, we find upon Record: 'Tis a shame so many that profess Christianity, should dare to make him their Pattern for their desperate practice of Duelling, and meerly upon pretended points of Honour: The Holy Patriarchs are better Patterns, whose Footsteps we should follow, who through Faith and Patience do inherit the Promises, Hebr. 6.12.

This proud Challenger is described, First, By his Name, Countrey and Stature, v. 4. to be higher by a Yard and a Span, than any ordinary Man, a Mighty Monstrous Man, of the Race of the Rephaims, who were beaten out of Hebron by Joshua, Josh. 11.22. and now seated themselves about Gath of the Philistines. Grotius and the Vulgar Latin, reads the Hebr. [Habbenaim] a Bastard; Josephus thinks that the old Gyants were the Devil's Brats, begot by those Devils, call'd commonly Incubi ab Incumbendo, from their laying with Women in Gendring-work.

Secondly, By his Helmet, Coat of Maile, Target, and Leg-Harness, &c. v. 5, 6. All Accoutrements of War suitable to his most Bulky Body; the weight of his Coat is said to be one Hundred and Sixty pound weight and upward, beside all the weight of his other Arms, which yet he could well wield and make use of in fight; the very Head of his Spear weighed five and twenty pound, and the Spear it self like a Wea∣ver's Beam, v. 7. So that the weight of his whole Arms, Offensive and Defensive, must needs be prodigious, above two hundred weight, enough to load any ordinary Man: And being thus strongly and strangely fortified, [Cap-a-pee,] as we say, from Head to Foot, he might seem here to be no less than a walking Armory, and no wonder if the Army of Israel were frighted at the sight of such a Monster, v. 11.

He is described, Thirdly, By his State and Condition, a Man of no mean figure, not one of the common Soldiers, but one that had his Squire to go before him, v. 7. a Gentleman at the least, who kept his Servant to wait upon him. And,

Fourthly, By his Oration, wherein he most reproachfully railed (like another Rab∣shekah) against both the Israel of God, and the God of Israel, who, beside the Challenge to a Duel he made, as is before mentioned, he bid defiance both to Israel and their God, v. 8, 9, 10. Thus insulting over both, when he saw that none of them durst take his Challenge, wherein his Insolence and Self-Confidence do plainly prove his Heart to be nothing else but a proud piece of Flesh, his presumption was both a presage, and the pro∣curer of his own ruine: Magna repentò ruunt, summa cadunt subitò, God will cut out the Tongue that speaks proud things, Psal. 12.3, 4.

N. B. None of his prodigious Armour could prove Armour of proof against an Al∣mighty God; by whom, though he came into the Field like Thunder and Lightning, yet went he out like filthy Smoak, and a stinking Snuff, &c. And,

Fifthly, He is described by the reiteration of this his Insolent Challenge, crying, [Give me a Man, that we may fight together,] v. 10. Oh how oft, and how long he Re∣proached Israel with his Reviling and Opprobrious Oration! he provoked them with his proud Challenges no fewer than forty Days one after another every Day.

N. B. We may here stand and wonder in the first place, that not one in all the Ar∣my of Israel durst answer Goliah's Challenge, seeing they had such Glorious Promises, [That one of them should Chase a Thousand,] Deut. 32.30. and precious performances hereof in the late Victory obtained by Jonathan over the whole Philistines Army, in chap. 14. Yet now all Israel is so dismayed and greatly affrighted, v. 11. that the whole Army durst not encounter one single Goliah: So far was their Confidence in God and his Promises gone from them.

N. B. In the second place may it not seem strange that Saul himself did not accept the Challenge, seeing he likewise was a Tall Topping Man, one higher by the Head and Shoulders than the rest of the People, none like him among them, chap. 10.23, 24. and could he but have Conquer'd this Cursed Miscreant, this would have retrieved his Credit, which now began to be crack'd among his Subjects by Samuel's with-drawment from him; but alas, to say nothing of Saul's looking upon himself as a Dwarf, in comparison Page  267of this prodigious Lubberly Gyant, the Spirit of the Lord was gone from him, chap. 16.14. So he had lost his Fortitude which he formerly had, &c.

N. B. But in the third place, 'tis mostly to be wondered at, that brave Jonathan did not in forty Days time adventure to embrace the Challenge, who both knew the Promise [of one Chasing a Thousand,] and had so lately found the performance of it, that he, with his Armour-bearer only, had discomfited the whole Army of the Philistines, chap. 14. yer durst not now engage one single Combatant: The Reason is twofold.

The first is, Man's Courage doth so much depend upon God's Assistance, that Man can∣not be couragious at all times alike; when God withdraws, no Man can find either Heart or Hand.

The second Reason is, No other Man must accept of this Challenge; for 'twas a Work the Lord reserved for David to have the Glory of the Day.

The Third Remark is, David's Accepting the Challenge, and undertaking the Duel, unto which we have likewise an Antecedent Description of this Duelist. He is de∣scribed,

• 1. By his Name David, which signifies, one beloved of God, v. 12.
• 2. By his Parents the Son of Jesse, v. 12. descended from Ruth, as before.
• 3. By his Countrey, a Bethlehemite, v. 12. for he was a Type of Christ, and was Born a Babe of Bethlehem, where Christ also was Born.
• 4 By his Kindred, his Father had seven Sons beside himself, whereof three of them were employed in this present War, v. 13.
• 5. By his Age, he was the youngest of all the Eight, v. 14.
• 6. By his Employ, v. 15. He used to run of Errands, as Saul had sent him from the Court home to comfort his Old Father, when himself had been comforted with Da∣vid's Musick; so now his Father sends him from home to the Camp to visit his three Elder Brethren, and to bring them Victuals, &c. v. 17, 18, 20.
• 7. He is described by his Beauty, v. 42. Now come we from the Antecedents to the Concomitants, and to make Remarks upon them.

The First is, The occasion of David's undertaking this Duel: No sooner is David well got into the front of the Army to Salute his Brethren, &c. v. 20, 21, 22. but out comes Goliah, and belcheth out his old black Blasphemies in defiance of Israel and their God; all which David heard with utmost Indignation, v. 23. Nor was this all Da∣vid's trouble to hear Goliah Blaspheme Israel and their God, but he was troubled also to see the Israelites tremble at his Presence, and to shrink from him, v. 24. Hereupon he enquires, What Reward will the King give to the Conquerour of him? To whom it was answered, in several Companies where he made his Enquiry, [That the King would enrich him with great Riches, and give him his Daughter, and make his Fathers House free in Israel,] v. 25, 26, 27. These were great Rewards that Saul (in his forty Days Di∣stress) promiseth to Man, now when he had lost his trust in the Promises of God; yet David was not tickled at all with these great Promises of Saul; for as probably he did hardly credit them, so certainly he never claimed them; yet out of a fervent Zeal to God's Glory, his Fingers even itched to be taking off the Head of that Dead Dog that kept continually bawling at the Moon (God's Church) and daily Barking against the God of Israel: This stirr'd up David's Spirit to accept the Challenge offered, only his care in all Companies was, that his desire might come to the King's Ear▪

The Second Remark upon the Concomitants of this Conflict is, the Impediments to obstruct it; which are twofold:

The First is from Davids Brother Eliab, who rebuked him for his Pride and Rash∣ness, telling him, he was fitter to Attend Sheep than to Fight with this Philistine, v. 28• where the Eldest Brother basely belyeth his Younger Brother, as if he had left his Fathers Sheep without a Keeper in the Wilderness, (whereas that is expresly contra∣dicted, v. 20) and he judgeth of the naughtiness of David's Heart, most probably by his own, taking upon him that which belongeth to God alone, Namely, To know the Heart, Jer. 17.10.

N. B. Whereas indeed it was Eliab's Envy at Davd's former favour and preferment at Court, when sent for by Saul to Harp away his Evil Spirit; and now he fears his further advancement above himself and his Brethren, should it happen that he should have the Victory over Goliah; and therefore he upbraids him, that he was come up out of Curiosity, only to behold the Battle. This foul Accusation of Eliab, David fairly answereth, v. 29. that he came not thither out of his own Curi∣osity, but his Father had sent him with supplies to himself, and to his two other Page  268Brothers; and tells him, he look'd upon himself as equally concerned with others in the Common Cause.

N. B. Thus he Answers his Envious Brother with Meeknnss of Wisdom, Jam. 3.13. and when he had said something in defence of his own Innocency, He giveth place to his Brothers Wrath▪ Rom. 12.19. And turns from him to another, v. 30 That he might not Answer Anger with Anger.

The Second Impediment was from David's King, as the First was from David's Brother; David's desire was, that Saul might receive intelligence of his Embracing the Chal∣lenge, and therefore did he so busie himself to be in several Companies, that so some or other might carry these tydings to the King, which was so grateful to all under so great a Consternation: And accordingly it came to pass, Saul sends for him; to whom David spake, [Let no Mans Heart fail because of him,] v. 31, 32. with so much Courage and Confidence, as if he had already set his Feet upon the Philistines Neck; all to comfort Distressed and Distrustful Saul, who from his Distrust in God,

First, Denies David's Ability to Encounter such an Antagonist, v. 33. telling him, he was no fit match for so great a Monster, being but a Novice both in Age and in Arms, speaking to David as the King of Troy said to young Troilus: Thou art Impar Congressus Achilli. Such a Raw and unexperienced Souldier cannot Cope with so great a Warriour.

Secondly, David Affirms his own Ability by his Affiance and Confidence in his God; and this he confirms by various Arguments, v. 34, 35, 36, 37. He Argueth,

First, From his own former Experiences concerning his Ability; God gave him to Conquer a Bear at one time, and a Lion at another time; saying, both which came to devour my Lambs, and caught each of them one in their Mouths: Upon which I arose up against the Lion without either Sword or Spear in my Hand (having no Weapon but my Sheep-hook by me,) I closed with him hand to hand, (as we say) took him by the Nether Jaw, forced him by plain strength to let go the Lamb out of his Mouth, and then slew him when I had delivered the prey. And it being easily understood and believed that he did the same to the Bear, therefore he looked upon it as needless to express the particulars thereof.

N. B. From whence Note these two things, the first is, That ever after Samuel had Anointed David, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, he was endued with extraordinary Might and Magnanimity: So much he had given him, as that he was able to break a Bow of steel (as he saith of himself) Psal. 18.34. and what could a Samson have done more, than what David did here in destroying a Lion that was Hungry and possessed of his Prey, though he had nothing but his hands to grapple with him? The second Note is, David in delivering his Lamb out of the Jaw of the Lion, was therein a Type of Christ, who Delivered his Darling (the Church, Psal. 74.19.) out the Mouth of that Lion of Hell, who is called the Dragon also, Rev. 20.2. and if the Devil be [Leo 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] a Roaring Lion, 1 Pet. 5.7. Christ the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Rev. 5.5. is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.] He that delivereth all his from the Wrath to come, 1 Thes. 1.10. A Salve fit for the Sore, &c.

The second Argument David urges to Saul (for procuring the King's Commission to fight this Duel) is drawn from the person of his Antagonist Goliah, as the first was drawn from himself, saying, [This Ʋncircumcised Philistine shall be no more in my hands, than was the Bear and the Lion, &c.] ver. 36. wherein he confirmeth his own Courage, and corroborateth Saul's trembling and fainting Hope with a Reason grounded upon clear Experience, which, as it giveth way to no Disputes, so it is exposed to no Denial: As if he had said, if I have through the Valour of my Mind, and Strength of my Body, (wherewith the Lord then endowed me) been made able to master the Bear and the Lion, why may I not master this Ʋncircumcised Dog? (as Goliah called himself, ver. 43.) who is an Alien to the Covenant of God, and therefore Death will sweep him away, and Hell will swallow him up, (as Lucifer, Isa. 14.9, 15, 23.) by the means of my hands who am circumcised, because he is out of the custody of God's Covenant.

The third Argument David draws from the Dignity of those People whom this bawling Dog had defied [He hath defied the Armies of the Living God] Ver. 36. where∣in he argueth, this Railing Beast hath not only reproached the Israel of God, ver. 10. but also through their sides even the God of Israel himself; so bring he in

His fourth Argument, from the God of Israel, v. 37. I know He will not suffer him∣self to be thus reproached by such a barking Beast, who is far more injurious to God's Honour, than was either the Bear or the Lion, which I slew. The Lord is sensible of Page  273the woundings of himself in the sides of his Servants, whom he hath promised pro∣tection unto; saying to them, [Your Cause shall be my Cause] I will concern my Almigh∣ty Power for you.

N. B. Thus our Lord said to another Saul of this Kings name, [Saul, Saul, why perse∣cutes thou me?] Namely, in my Members, Acts 9.4. This Blasph•mer thinks God is not able to defend Israel.

The third Remark upon the Concomitants is, David's Auxiliaries applied, when his Impediments were removed: The first wat Saul's Consent and Commission for the Com∣bate, ver. 37. David had so convinced the King with his strenuous Arguments, seeing his Courage and Confidence was so well grounded upon his former Experience, not doubting but the same God who by his gracious Assistance had delivered him from the Bear and Lion, would deliver him from Goliah, (as 2 Cor. 1.10.) and deliver him up in∣to David's hands; he could no longer deny his Royal Assent.

N. B. Some indeed do say, that Saul did not believe what David had said of him∣self touching his Conquests over the Bear and Lion, but look'd upon these Stories as the vain glorious Vaunts of Young Men, who commonly make proud Proclamations of their own Heroick Exploints; seeing he had heard no Testimony from others about the truth of them, therefore reckoned he them as no better than bare Romances of a Rodomantado Yonkster. However, such were the sad circumstances of Saul and his Army at this juncture, that as he had not time now to send a Messenger to Bethlehem, for enquiring the truth of these things, which the Enemy pressed so hard upon him; so he saw that his whole Army had made an absolute Refusal of Accepting the Cham∣pion's Challenge, save only this young David, who was no Member thereof, yet proffer'd his Service upon a pious Profession of his Trust in God (grounded upon sensible expe∣rience) he dismisseth him to the Duel, and together with his Dismission, gave him not only his Commission, but also his Supplication, saying, [Go, and the Lord be with thee.]

N. B. Which was the best Prayer that an Hypocrite could make, and such as might be cordial so far as it concerned the weal of his own Crown and Kingdom: Saul might heartily pray for David's prosperous Enterprize, that the Lord (in whom he so much professed to place his Confidence) might go along with him to assist him in the Conquest of so cursed a Caitiff.

The second Auxiliary, Saul furnishes David with, was not only his Prayers, but his Arms and Armour also; [Saul Armed David with his Armour] Ver. 38. which David put on for Saul's pleasure, but put off again for his own pleasure, v. 39. saying, I cannot go with these, for I have not proved them] and therefore was he soon weary of them; for for tho' Saul had made him his Armour-bearer, chap. 16.21. yet this was but for a short season; and he had only the bare Title of that Office and Honour: For we never read that David was clad in Armour at that time, or was in any Battel with Saul at any other time; hereupon he saith here [I have not been accustomed to there] having so much led a Rureal and a Pastoral Life: and well might David say, [I cannot go with these] if it were Saul's own Armour which he used to wear in War; for there could be no pro∣portion betwixt that which was fitted for Saul's bulky Body (who overtop'd all the People, chap. 10.23.) and that which must fit David's Body of a smaller size and sta∣ture, &c.

The third Auxiliary, in the failure of the second, was, David takes to the Duel his own Shepherd's▪ Staff, his Sling, and his five smooth Stones in his Scrip, ver. 40. from whence we draw these Notes.

N. B. 1. The First is, The wonderful Providence of God, that Saul's Armour should not sit Davids Body, but were more like to hinder him, than to help him in the Duel; therefore must all those Martial Accoutrements be laid wholly aside, and those con∣temptible Tools only made use of, that God alone might have the whole glory of this Victory, wherein David was to be a Type of Christ, who subdued his Enemies, not by Carnal, but by Spiritual Weapons, Zech. 4.6. 2 Cor. 10.4.

N. B. 2. The Second Note is, David disdained not to wage War against such a Walking Armory, and so Armed an Antagonist as Goliah was, with such worthless Weapons as these, being assured by Gods Spirit, that he should win the Victory with them; well-kowin• he went furnished with the Whole Armour of God, Eph. •.14. to 19. He had a Good Cause, a Good Call, and a Good Conscience; this was Armour of Proof to David for a Good Courage also.

N. B. 3. The Third Note is, No doubt but David was an Artist in improving his Sling; for the Philistines having forbid the Israelites the use of any Iron-Weapons during Page  274their Dominion over them, Chap. 13.19, 20. So that they were forced in fights to use Slings, wherein some of them arrived to great Dexterity, even with their Left Hands, Judg. 20.16. And it need not be questioned but David under the Teachings of Gods Spirit (which rested upon him, ever after he was Anointed,) must needs make him the more dexterous in slinging stones: Insomuch that he gives God the Glory of teaching His Hands to War and his Fingers to Fight, Psal. 18.34. and 144.1.

N. B. 4. The Fouth Note is, David chuses Five Stones that were smooth for his Sling, that they might slip the better out of his Sling by their smoothness; and so many as five, that if the first failed of its effect, he might use another. All those five he put into his Shepherds-purse or Bagge; having his Shepherds-crook in one Hand and his Sling in the other, and so he draws night to the Champion of the Philistines; not like a Souldier, but like a Shepherd, v. 40. That the Glory of the Victory might not be ascribed to any Humane Valour, but altogether unto Divine Vertue: And a Conquest over such an Accomplished Warriour by such contemptible means, as it would be most honourable to Israels God, so it must be most disgraceful and discouraging to the Philistines.

The Fourth Remark upon the Concomitants of this Conflict is, The Contest it self in the manner of its management on both sides: which is Twofold.

First, There is their Contest in a Conference, which was a Logomachia, or a War with Words, not Swords. No sooner did those two Duelists draw nigh within the seeing and hearing each of other at some due distance, but presently the proud Philistine dis∣dains the very sight of so mean a Man as David, v. 41, 42. When Goliah saw that his own Terrible and Disdainful Frowns did not firghten David to flee from him, then begins he to Bawle at him, saying, [Am I a Dog, that thou comest to me with a Staff?] meaning his Shepherds Staff, (which he walked towards him with in his Hand) was good for nothing but for driving Dogs out of Doors.

N. B. If Josephus may be believed, David told him most stoutly and sternly that he was not so good as a Dog: However, he could not look upon him as any better than a Beast: And indeed he gave himself a right Name, for he was no other than a Dog for Impudence, Uncleanness and Infidelity. Whether David call'd him a Barking Dog for Defying the Armies of the Living God, we find it not recorded; however something might probably be said by David in answer to his Question, [Am I a Dog?] which made Goliah so mad, that he most bitterly cursed David; saying [Dagon Destroy thee,] v. 43. which is Tantamount in Profane Dis∣course, [The Devil take thee:] Such was his Dogger Discourse.

N. B. And had David deemed him better than a Dog, he had never come forth to him with a Staff and a Stone. Nor was David discouraged at his execrable Oaths, but took Goliah's Curse as a pledge for his own Victory: For Gods Promise to Abra∣ham was [I will Bless those that Bless thee, and I will Curse those that Curse thee, Gen. 12.3.] he knew that Causeless Curses would never come, Prov. 26.2. and that his God would destroy Dagon and all the Idols of the Infidels, and not suffer Dagon to Destroy him. David can be content to Let him Curse, so God will but Bless. Nor could this Cursed Caitiff content himself with Cursing David by Dagon, Baalim and Ashta∣roth; even by all His Gods, v. 43. but he goes on like a proud Thraso to threaten him, that he will make both Hawks-meat and Hounds-meat of his Flesh; for Hungry Hawks and Hungry Hounds to devour, v. 44. when he Saw him but a Youth, and Ruddy, and of a Fair Complexion, v. 42. Where the three Causes of Goliah's Contempt of David are expressed. As,

N. B. First, His Youth, which argued his weakness, unable to grapple with a Grown up Gyant, and his want of Experience in Martial Affairs:

N. B. The Second is, His Ruddy Colour, shewed his Rashness and Cholerick In∣discretion in undertaking to Combat with such an Overtopping and Over-matching Champion, clad in Armour Cap-a-pee, whom himself Addressed as a naked Stripling.

N. B. The Third Cause of his Contempt was▪ His Fair Countenance and Beauty made him seem in his Eyes some Effeminate piece, fitter for the Sports of Venus, than for the Exploits of Mars, that a Canopy would become him better than a Camp, or feats of Chivalry, saying to him, [Militia est operis altera digna tui,] thou art more apt to Woe a Woman, than to War with a Man of War, such an one as I am. All these things flushed up this proud Champion to make such a Vain-glorious Triumph before the Victory, v. 44. that he might strike a Terror into David's Spirit, and Page  275cause him to flee before the Fight; he would sell the Hide (as we say) before he had taken the Beast; thus the Goliah of Rome doth at this Day, &c.

N. B. Now come we to David's Answer in this Dialogue betwixt the two Duelists, v. 45, 46, 47. wherein we may Observe,

First, David declareth to Goliah, saying, [Thou trustest in thy own strength, in thy own Armour, in an Arm of Flesh, which will not only deceive thee, but also bring God's Curse upon thee,] Jer. 17.5, 6. but as for me, I shall be blest of God, because I put my trust in him, v. 7. of Jer. 17. I place my Confidence in him, I receive my Commission from him, who hath given me assurance of his assistance in the Vindication of his Glorious Name, which thou hast so prophanely Blasphemed, v. 45. where David telleth him twice, from whom he expected the Victory, both from the Lord of Hosts, which holds forth Omnipotency, and the God of Israel, which sheweth the Benevolency and good Will of God▪ as well as his Power, to protect David himself and all his People from him who had de∣fied both.

Secondly, David proceeds with his particular Faith, for obtaining the Victory in God's Strength, and not in his own, saying, [This Day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand, &c.] v. 46. grounding his Faith upon these solid Foundations. (1.) On the goodness of his Cause, and the badness of Goliah's, &c. (2.) On Goliah's Reproaching of God himself, which, he verily believed, the Lord would revenge. (3.) On Goliah's Pride and presumption, which he knew that God abhorred, and would severely punish it. (4.) On Goliah's Confidence in Dagon, whom he desired to destroy David, v. 43. therefore he tells him, [Both thou and all the Earth shall know, that there is a God in Israel,] v. 46. a God indeed, able to help his Servants, and not like thy Impotent Idols, thy Dunghil Deities, Dagon, &c. whom you serve, yet cannot save, &c.

Thirdly, David still goeth on in Preaching the Power and Providence of God to this Uncircumcised Miscreant, v. 47. which proved a Funeral Sermon both to him and to his People, saying, [The Battle is the Lords,] who is not tyed to Tools, but will give Victory by my weak Weapons which thou scornest: We fight for God, and you against God, therefore his Honour is concerned to give us the Victory: Here Jo∣sephus brings in David crying up [Jehovah, the Conquerour, is my Armour, &c.] All which he spake with confidence, Psal. 27.3. because he was assured by a special Revelation from God.

Having dispatch'd the Logomachia, or Word-War betwixt these two Duelists, now comes the Sword-War, (2.) which is related, v. 48, 49, 50, 51. wherein observe,

N. B. First, As to the general, though it be call'd a Sword-War, yet find we but one Sword used in this Duel; to wit, that of Goliah's, which David made use of to cut off his Antagonist's Head, when foiled.

Secondly, As to Particulars, the two Combatants, after their Word-War was done, drew near each other, but David hasted to sling at Goliah, before he came too nigh him with his Spear and Sword, for a due distance was necessary in slinging of a Stone, to cause the cast of it far more forcible, which David could not have done, had he de∣layed till they had come close together; here both David's Courage and Prudence ap∣peared to give the first Blow, fighting Eminùs at distance, not Comminùs, Hand to Hand, before he came within the reach of Goliah's Sword or Spear.

Thirdly, Observe the Providence of God, that this proud Gyant had lift up that part of his Helmet, which should have covered his Forehead, out of a contempt of David, whom he saw come against him unarmed, so that he scorn'd to pull down the Beaver of his Helmet to cover his Face and Forehead, that David might the better di∣scern his foul frightful Frowns in their Discourse together.

Fourthly, Observe what difficulty David had to hit his bare Forehead with the Sling-stone: For though David, and many other Israelites, had most excellent skill in the Art of Slinging Stones, and coming within an Hairs-breadth of hitting a fixed Mark, that moved not out of its place, as appeareth, Judg. 20.16. Yet seeing the Forehead of this Philistine was in a continual motion, and the more moved, because David had moved his Mind, and put him into a pelting chase (as we say) with his warm words to him, insomuch that he hasted in great heat to have David's Heart out of his Body, &c. v. 44. All this would make it hard to hit.

Fifthly, Observe, notwithstanding all this difficulty, yet David by a special directi∣on, and singular guidance of Divine Providence, hit this moving Mark even at the first Hurl.

Page  276 N. B. No doubt but God directed this Stone, as he did that Stone which slew Abi∣melech, Judg. 9▪ 53. and the Arrow that slew Ahab, 1 Kings 22.34. Things casual and contingent with Man become necessary an unavoidable by God▪ whose over ruling Providence ordereth all chances, Deut. 19 5. Exod. 21.13. 1 Som. 19.10, &c.

Sixthly, Observe this Wonderful Wor•• that this Stone should hit the Killing place of the Forehead so exactly, the seat of his Pride and Impudence, when no other part of Goliah was capable of danger, he being wholly Immured from Top to Toe, as it were, in a Wall of Brass, that the Stone did sink into his Forehead, v. 49.

N. B. As a stone doth naturally and speedily fink into the soft Water, so it sank into his hard Skull, and through that into his Brain also: But suppose he had his Hel∣met pull'd down over his Forehead and Face (as some say he had) this renders the Wonder more Wonderful, that a Sling stone should pierce through his Helmet of Brass, which was harder than his Skull; surely David by the Spiritual force of his most Heroick Faith, makes this Stone fly at the Face of his Adversary, and he seemed no otherwise, than to have wrapped up in his Sling, not a Stone only, but (with Reve∣rence be it spoken) even the Blessed God himself, he hurl'd the Almighty Power of his God, at the Head of Goliah, and this b••ke through all.

Seventhly, No sooner had this Stone pierced through the Pia Mater, which com∣passeth the Brain like a Swathing Cloth, which Solomon calls, The Golden Bowl, Eccles. 12.6. if that be broken, the Wound is Mortal, and Goliah with this Wound was de∣prived of all sense and motion, so that he fell flat with his Face on the ground; and there lay the Greatness of Great Goliah.

N. B. No doubt but he caus'd an Earthquake by his great fall, considering both the Bulk of his Body, and Weight of his Armour.

Eighthly, Observe how David prevailed over the Philistine with a Sling and a Stone, v. 50. which were unlikely means to prostrate so Bulky a Body, in so strong a Garri∣son, as it was wrap'd up in such strong Armour: All this did David by the help of his God, and by the force of his Faith, Hebr. 11.32. So Shamgar had obtained a great Vi∣ctory over those Philistines with an improbable Weapon, namely, an Oxes-Goad; and Samson the like with a like contemptible Instrument; to wit, the Jaw-bone of an Ass: 'Tis no matter what the Tool be, if God take it in his Hand. God oft useth such con∣temptible means the more to manifest his own Power and Glory, 2 Cor. 12 9.

Ninthly, Observe how Goliah's Head was cut off with his own Sword, v. 51. So soon as David saw Goliah lay sprawling upon the ground (saith Josephus) then David ran, and drew out the Gyants Sword out of its Sheath, which Goliah had not as yet drawn out, designing first to begin the Fight with his Spear, and not to use his Sword till he came to a closer Combat, but David's Sling-stone had prevented that, and now David doth draw it for him, to cut off his own Head with his own Sword.

N. B. This argues that David was a strong Man, (if he were a little Man, as most imagine) otherwise he had not been able to have wielded a Giant's Sword, as he did here for cutting off the Giant's Head; and we read, he was able to wear it after, Chap. 21.9.

N. B. Thus Goliah [Propriis pennis configitur,] as Julian the Apostate said, when the Christians consuted his Heathens by their own Arts and Authors; alluding to that Adage, [A Fowl may be shot with an Arrow that is Feather'd out of its own Wing.] So Goliah was first stunn'd with the stone out of David's Sling, is now Beheaded with his own Sword, which he had designed for the Death of David, and for the Destruction of God's People. Thus Haman was Hang'd upon his own Gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. See Psal. 9.16. They are Snared in their own Snares.

Tenthly, Observe how David's fighting and prevailing against Goliah, was a singular Type of Christ; who fighting against Satan, Sin, the World and Death, doth Vanquish them with their own Weapons.

N. B. For [By his Death he destroyed him that had the power of Death, to wit, the Devil,] Heb. 2.14 He swallowed up Death in Victory, Hosea 13.14. and took away Sin, Isa. 25.18. which is the sting of Death, and the strength of Sin, which is the Law, 1 Cor. 15.54, 55. He hath Cancell'd this Handwriting of the Law, and Nail'd it to his Cross, Col. 2.14, 15. and finally, he hath broke open the Prison of the Grave▪ and so hath set all his Elect at Li∣berty, as a Learned Annotator here saith: No doubt but the Israelites run as fast to In∣sult over Goliah when now Dead, as they had sled from him, for fear of him before while he was alive, v. 11.24. Christ hath kill'd Death for us, &c. so we ought not to fear Death, Mors Mortis Morti Mortem quoque Morte dedisset.

Page  277 N. B. See more of this Monomachy in the Third Volume upon that Duel fought betwixt Christ and the Devil, Matth. 4. where our Saviour throws three smooth stones, the three Scriptum est's at Satan, wherewith he broke the Serpent's Head, the Type and Antitype agrees, &c.

Now the third part of this Chapter is the Consequents of all. Remarks hereupon are,

First, No sooner did that vast Host of the Philistines behold their Champion, their Idol (in whom alone they put all their Confidence) fall down Dead, and Beheaded by Da∣vid, but they all fled out of the Field, v. 51. yielding the Victory to Israel, partly as the Condition of the Covenant at the undertaking of this Duelling Combat did oblige them, v. 8, 9. and partly, yea more especially because the Lord struck them with a Panick Terrour, otherwise the loss of one Man could never have so daunted such a Pro∣digious Army as they were, &c.

The Second Remark is, The Army of Israel pursues, and makes a dreadful Slaugh∣ter (of Thirty Thousand Men, saith Josephus) even to the Gates of Gath and Ekron, v. 52. and then return'd to take the Plunder of their Camps, v. 53. This Pursuit was prudently manag'd by Saul, who suffer'd not his Soldiers to Plunder, till the Victory was compleated.

The Third Remark is, David's Triumph, v. 54. David brought Goliah's Head to Je∣rusalem, and set it up upon some Pinacle, as a Trophy of his Victory, and to terrifie the Jebusites that still held the strong hold of Sion, 2 Sam. 5.7. though the City had been won before by the Tribe of Judah and Benjamin, Judg. 1.21. and 19.10. [and put his Armour in his Tent,] either that Tent he had at his Father's House, or that Taberna∣cle he erected afterwards.

N. B. Then David penn'd the Ninth Psalm, the Title being Muthlaben, the Death of the Champion, &c. and some say the Hundred and forty fourth Psalm also, for the Chaldee reads, v. 10. From the Sword of Goliah.

The Fourth Remark is, David's Honours from Saul, v. 55. to the end, which are re∣lated in the two first Verses of the Eighteenth Chapter upon these last Verses here.

N. B. A Doubt is moved, How Saul could be ignorant who David was, when he lived at the Court, Chap. 16.21.

Answer 1. David was not constantly at Court, till after this Conquest, chap. 18.2. but only was sent for by times when Saul had his Fits, which came not again all that time the Philistines threatned Israel.

2. Kings take not much notice of Inferiour Servants.

3. Especially King Saul, whose Brain had been distemper'd with his Fits.

4. Much Alteration a little time makes in a growing Youth, as David was.

5. Especially having laid aside his Courtiers Habit, and now coming as a Shepherd.

6. Abner might not know him, because he convers'd more in the Camp (as General) than in the Court, &c.

N. B. Dr. Lightfoot affirmeth that neither Saul nor Abner were ignorant who David was, because he went but from Harping to Saul, when Saul went to this War, v. 15. and Saul's Question to Abner, was not so much [Filius cujus, as Filius qualis viri,] not of his Person, but of his Parentage, as wondering what kind of Man Jesse was, that had such Brave Sons in his Army, &c.