Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 17 - Verse 56

When King Saul saw David volunteering to fight Goliath, he was so impressed by David's courage and determination that he wanted to know more about him. By asking about David's lineage, King Saul hoped to gain insight into David's background and understand what kind of person he was. This question demonstrates King Saul's curiosity and desire to understand the young man who was about to face the giant Philistine warrior. In ancient times, a person's lineage and family background were believed to have a significant impact on their character and abilities. Therefore, King Saul's inquiry into David's family background was a way of trying to determine if David was truly worthy of the challenge he was about to undertake. This verse highlights the importance of knowing one's roots and the significance of a person's family background in shaping their destiny.

In this verse, King Saul asks about the identity of the young man who is willing to face Goliath in battle. The word "stripling" refers to a young and inexperienced person, which highlights the bravery and audacity of David, who volunteers to fight the powerful giant. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen in the contrast between David's humble beginnings as a shepherd boy and his eventual rise to become a renowned king. This passage illustrates the theme of unexpected heroes and the idea that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to accomplish great things. The word "son" in this context may also symbolize the idea of lineage and ancestry, foreshadowing David's royal lineage and his future role as the ancestor of Jesus Christ. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder that God's plans often involve using ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary outcomes.