1 Samuel 17:31When the words were heard which David spoke, they rehearsed them before Saul; and he sent for him.
The setting
Israelite military camp, Valley of Elah, Israel, ~1025 BC. David's bold questions about fighting Goliath reach King Saul's ears through the chain of command...
The emotion here: recording the precise moment destiny accelerated
The original word
shama (שָׁמַע) — to hear with understanding and intention to act
Why it matters
Ancient armies had efficient communication networks — news traveled fast in small camps
Read with care
What most readers miss in 1 Samuel 17:31
This wasn't chance — someone deliberately carried David's words to Saul because they were remarkable
Common misconceptionPeople think this was coincidence. Actually, it shows how God orchestrates circumstances — someone was impressed enough by David's words to report them upward.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 1 Samuel 17:31
Bible Genome reading
1 Samuel 17:31 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
1 Samuel 17:31 comes from the book of 1 Samuel, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is starting, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is conversational. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include opportunity, advancement. Notable phrases: rehearsed them before Saul; sent for him.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same starting
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
— Genesis 1:1
“God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.”
— Genesis 1:3
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and t…”
— Acts 1:8
“Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receiv…”
— Acts 2:38
Your reflection
What does 1 Samuel 17:31 mean to you, today?
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