Why did Saul not recognize David after he defeated Goliath?
1 Samuel 16:19-23 When we read the above scripture we learn that Saul sent for David to serve him as a musician when he was afflicted by an evil spirit. Further, this passage states that Saul liked David very much. It sounds like Saul knew David quite well. However, later in 1 Samuel 17: 55, after David defeated Goliath, we see Saul asking Abner who David was. Why would Saul ask who David was if he must have known him well?
1 Samuel 16:19 - 23
NLT - 19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, the shepherd.” 20 Jesse responded by sending David to Saul, along with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a wineskin full of wine.
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Asked July 30 2019
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Mogobo Kgomo
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Evan DAILY
As I read the text Saul says, "Who's son is this young man?" not "Who is this young man?" I think its likely that he knew David, but perhaps not who his father was, or perhaps forgot who his father was. I'm sure Saul would not be the first guy who forgot information about a friend's family.