Narrative Discontinuity in Davids Story: Why Did Saul Ask Whose Son Are You Boy? After David Killed Goliath

Bible Scholars and the Narrative Continuity of David and Saul

Introduction

The story of David and Saul in the Old Testament presents a significant narrative discontinuity that challenges the reader. In one chapter of 1 Samuel (16:22), David is brought to Saul’s court as a singer to soothe his troubled spirit. By chapter 17 (Goliath's challenge), David suddenly emerges as a skilled warrior who kills Goliath, the giant. This raises the question: why did King Saul ask 'Whose son are you boy' to David after he had already slain Goliath? This article aims to explore the reasons behind this narrative inconsistency and its implications.

The Context of David's Arrival at Saul's Court

David as a Singer

In 1 Samuel 16:22, King Saul is depicted as despondent over his increasingly severe mental torment. The text states, 'David played the harp, relieving the king’s evil spirit, who was troubled [by these ruminations]. Saul was continually made better by his hand.' Saul, recognizing David’s skills, welcomes him into his court, calling him 'a son of Jona’ (16:19). David quickly becomes close to the king and a favored attendant in the court (1 Samuel 17:26).

The Battle with Goliath and the Promise

David's Unveiling as a Warrior

While David's identity as a skilled musician is established early on, 1 Samuel 17 introduces him as a skilled warrior who confronts the Philistine giant Goliath. The narrative success of David against Goliath is a significant departure from his initial role as a singer. In 1 Samuel 17:25-27, King Saul made a public promise that the man who beats Goliath would marry his daughter Michal, and the man's father would be relieved of all debts in Israel.

Saul's Motivation

Why, then, does Saul ask 'Whose son are you boy' to David after he had already slain Goliath? The answer lies in Saul's context of the times. Saul is aware of his solemn public promise to the soldiers that the one who defeats Goliath would be rewarded with marriage to his daughter and have his father's debts forgiven (1 Samuel 17:25-27). Upon learning of David's victory over Goliath, Saul might have felt compelled to verify the identity of the son who had fulfilled the promise. This was not a simple personal curiosity but rather a matter of public legitimacy and fulfillment of a solemn commitment.

Historical and Cultural Context

Bibble as a Collection of Source Materials

The inconsistencies in the text can be attributed to the fact that the Bible, particularly the Books of Samuel, is not a single, coherent narrative but a collection of various source materials from different times and perspectives. The redactors of these texts did not strive to create a seamless, homogeneous narrative but rather compiled a diverse array of stories. This approach, known as the documentary hypothesis, suggests that different authors or traditions provided their accounts, each with its own perspective and emphasis.

Conclusion

The narrative discontinuity between 1 Samuel 16 and 17 is not a flaw but a reflection of the diverse sources that make up the biblical text. King Saul's query to David 'Whose son are you boy' is a logical and understandable response in the context of a public promise made to the nation. This scholarly analysis encourages readers to approach the Bible with a nuanced and appreciative attitude rather than seeking definitive answers.

Keywords: 1 Samuel, David and Saul, Biblical Inconsistencies, Goliath, Folk Tales