What does 1 Samuel 17:21 Mean?

Context Summary

At this juncture David arrived in the camp, sent by Jesse to inquire after the welfare of his three elder sons, who had followed Saul to the war. He also brought them provisions, and a present for the captain of their troop. On arriving at the trenches, he found the army in battle-array but not daring to advance. When the whole story was detailed to the young shepherd, he looked at the incident and challenge from the spiritual side. This event, therefore, marked a turning-point not only in his own history, but in that of his people. One, at least, was found in their ranks who looked at things from God's standpoint, counted on the God of the ancient Covenant, and was prepared to venture all on faith, 1 Samuel 17:26; 1 Samuel 17:36-37.

His brother imputed to him a restless ambition, an unworthy curiosity. Much in the same way the kinsfolk of our Savior misunderstood His motives and sought to interrupt His work. But David was undaunted and, answering his brother kindly and gently, he pressed on with his inquiries and protests, until the tidings of the young champion reached the king. The victory over himself when Eliab reproached him was part of his preparation for the coming conflict. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Samuel 17

¹  The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle
⁴  Goliath challenges a combat
¹²  David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge
²⁸  Eliab chides him
³⁰  He is brought to Saul
³²  shows the reason of his confidence
³⁸  and slays the giant
⁵⁵  Saul takes notice of David