Now. Ch. 1Sa_17:1 reads on chronologically from 1Sa_16:13 (see note on 1Sa_16:14). An author's right is claimed for placing the later episode here (1Sa_16:14, 1Sa_16:23), in order to connect and contrast the two spirits with Saul and David. The canonical order alternates David's call and Saul's. See notes on 1Sa_16:14; 1Sa_18:12.