1 Samuel 17:25
And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.
1 Samuel 17:25
This verse records the reward language tied to defeating Goliath. The soldiers’ conversation reveals that victory would bring immense personal gain: riches, a daughter’s marriage, and exemption for one’s family from taxes or burdens. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice where military victory translated into social and economic elevation. This incentive demonstrates the soldiers’ hopes and the warped priorities that often accompany war. The mention of “great riches” and political alliances through marriage reveals how a victory could transform a family’s status. It also highlights the pervasive lure of material reward that accompanies risk, and how such motives can both drive action and betray true allegiance to God.
Beneath the surface, the passage contrasts the world’s reward system with the covenantal reward God promises to His people. The soldiers’ focus on riches and status stands in tension with God’s call to trust in Him. The longer arc points toward the future—the Messiah and the Kingdom—where true reward is found in fellowship with God, not in material gain. The verse raises questions about motive: Are we serving God for reward or out of love for Him? It foreshadows the testing of motives that will appear throughout David’s life.
We face similar temptations: quick rewards for visible heroism, fame, or financial gain. The lesson is not that rewards are inherently wrong, but that our ultimate reward should be God’s approval and His kingdom values. Before taking action, pause to examine motives: am I pursuing God’s glory or personal gain? In practical terms, choose integrity and faithfulness over shortcuts to success. When tempted by external incentives, anchor your decisions in prayer and biblical priorities, remembering the bigger story of God’s redeeming work through humble means.
Cross-References: Matthew 6:19-21; James 4:3; Philippians 3:7-9; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Timothy 6:6-12