- Torah and Jewish Thought
- General Questions
Question
David appears to be introduced to Saul twice. First in 1 Samuel 16 as a lyre player to sooth Sauls distress when the evil spirit came upon him. And "Saul loved him (David) greatly, and he became his armour bearer."
The second introduction occurs when David sallied forth against Goliath. Saul asked Abner his commander, "Whose son is the lad, Abner? And Abner said, "By your life king, I do not know." 1 Saul 17.
Answer
Thank you for your question. There are quite a few answers to this question. Saul obviously met David earlier (as mentioned in Chapter 17:21). So why did Saul ask Avner at a later time (17:55): "Who is this lad?", referring to David.
I'll mention a few answers:
1. Rashi: Saul knew who David was but asked what his "yichus", or pedigree, was. He wanted to know if he was descended from Peretz, the son of Yehuda. If so, he definitely would be king.
2. Metzudat Dovid: Saul forgot who David was because of the bad spirit that came upon him.
3. Malbim: a G-dly spirit came upon David and Saul couldn't recognize him anymore.
For further explanations see Radak, Mahari k'ra and the Malbim's second explanation.
All the best

Source for Story
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 24, 5782

Which halachic authority to follow
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Kislev 5, 5769

Making a Sium at Yartzeit Seudah at this disastrous time
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tishrei 30, 5784

Mixed Programs
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 18 Tammuz 5767

Do non-Jews or non-Noahides go to heaven?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 7, 5779

Lottery on Shabbat
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 10 Shevat 5766

Customs for a Baal Teshuva to Follow
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 28 Av 5764
