Translations
Modern
…but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem.
Traditional
But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Beth–lehem.
Literal
And David went and returned from Saul to feed the flock of his father in Bethlehem.
Latin
…abiit David, et reversus est a Saul ut pasceret gregem patris sui in Bethlehem.
Original
Hebrew
English
…but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem.
Notes
went back and forth: He worked as a musician and armor bearer for Saul (see 1 Samuel 16:19–23) while also managing his responsibilities at home. This irregular service might explain why Saul did not recognize David during the encounter with Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17:55–58).
Theme notes and profiles
Events
People
David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel
Places
Bethlehem: City of David's birth and Jesus' birth
Glossary
Achish David Elah, Valley of Eliab Giants Goliath Helmet Psalm 151 Samuel, Books of First and Second Warfare
Topics
Armies: March in Ranks: Champions Fight Instead of Championship: Goliath and David Children: Male: Usefully Employed Jesse: Sons in Saul's Army Shepherds: Members of the Family Both Male and Female Acted As