And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him.
We are now coming near this famous combat, and have in these verses the preparations and remonstrances made on both sides. I. The preparations made on both sides for the encounter. The Philistine was already fixed, as he had been daily for the last forty days. Well might he go with his armour, for he had sufficiently proved it.
Commenting on 1 Samuel 17:40-47
And the Philistine came on, and drew near unto David,.... By slow paces, because of the weight of his armour, and bulk of his body, yet with a haughty air, and a proud gait: and the man that bare the shield went before him; See Gill on Sa1 17:7.
The man that bare the shield - See on Sa1 17:7 (note).