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Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 verses 31–39
David is at length presented to Saul for his champion (Sa1 17:31) and he bravely undertakes to fight the Philistine (Sa1 17:32): Let no man's heart fail because of him. It would have reflected too much upon the valour of his prince if he had said, Let not thy heart fail; therefore he speaks generally: Let no man's heart fail. A little shepherd, come but this morning from keeping sheep, has more courage than all the mighty men of Israel, and encourages them. Thus does God often send good words to his Israel, and do great things for them, by the weak and foolish things of the world. David only desires a commission from Saul to go and fight with the Philistine, but says nothing to him of the reward he had proposed, because that was not the thing he was ambitious of, but only the honour of serving God and his country: nor would he seem to question Saul's generosity. Two things David had to do with Saul: -
I. To get clear of the objection Saul made against his undertaking. "Alas!" says Saul, "thou hast a good heart to it, but art by no means an equal match for this Philistine. To engage with him is to throw away a life which may better be reserved for more agreeable services. Thou art but a youth, rash and inconsiderate, weak and unversed in arms: he is a man that has the head and hands of a man, a man of war, trained up and inured to it from his youth (Sa1 17:33), and how canst thou expect but that he will be too hard for thee?" David, as he had answered his brother's passion with meekness, so he answered Saul's fear with faith, and gives a reason of the hope which was in him that he should conquer the Philistine, to the satisfaction of Saul. We have reason to fear that Saul had no great acquaintance with nor regard to the word of God, and therefore David, in reasoning with him, fetched not his arguments and encouragements thence, how much soever he had an eye to it in his own mind. But he argues from experience; though he was but a youth, and never in the wars, yet perhaps he had done as much as the killing of Goliath came to, for he had had, by divine assistance, spirit enough to encounter and strength enough to subdue a lion once and another time a bear that robbed him of his lambs, Sa1 17:34-36. To these he compares this uncircumcised Philistine, looks upon him to be as much a ravenous beast as either of them, and therefore doubts not but to deal as easily with him; and hereby he gives Saul to understand that he was not so inexperienced in hazardous combats as he took him to be.
1.He tells his story like a man of spirit. He is not ashamed to own that he kept his father's sheep, which his brother had just now upbraided him with. So far is he from concealing it that from his employment as a shepherd he fetches the experience that now animated him. But he lets those about him know that he was no ordinary shepherd. Whatever our profession or calling is, be it ever so mean, we should labour to excel in it, and do the business of it in the best manner. When David kept sheep, (1.) He approved himself very careful and tender of his flock, though it was not his own, but his father's. He could not see a lamb in distress but he would venture his life to rescue it. This temper made him fit to be a king, to whom the lives of subjects should be dear and their blood precious (Psa 72:14), and fit to be a type of Christ, the good Shepherd, who gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in his bosom (Isa 40:11), and who not only ventured, but laid down his life for his sheep. Thus too was David fit to be an example to ministers with the utmost care and diligence to watch for souls, that they be not a prey to the roaring lion. (2.) He approved himself very bold and brave in the defence of his flock. This was that which he was now concerned to give proof of, and better evidence could not be demanded than this: "Thy servant not only rescued the lambs, but, to revenge the injury, slew both the lion and the bear."
2.He applies his story like a man of faith. He owns (Sa1 17:37) it was the Lord that delivered him from the lion and the bear; to him he gives the praise of that great achievement, and thence he infers, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. "The lion and the bear were enemies only to me and my sheep, and it was in defence of my own interest that I attacked them; but this Philistine is an enemy to God and Israel, defies the armies of the living God, and it is for their honour that I attack him." Note, (1.) Our experiences ought to be improved by us as our encouragements to trust in God and venture in the way of duty. He that has delivered does and will. (2.) By the care which common Providence takes of the inferior creatures, and the protection they are under, we may be encouraged to depend upon that special Providence which surrounds the Israel of God. He that sets bounds to the waves of the sea and the rage of wild beasts can and will restrain the wrath of wicked men. Paul seems to allude to this of David (Ti2 4:17, Ti2 4:18), I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, and therefore, I trust, the Lord shall deliver me. And perhaps David here thought of the story of Samson, and encouraged himself with it; for his slaying a lion was a happy presage of his many illustrious victories over the Philistines in single combat. Thus David took off Saul's objection against his undertaking, and gained a commission to fight the Philistine, with which Saul gave him a hearty good wish; since he would not venture himself, he prayed for him that would: Go, and the Lord be with thee, a good word, if it was not spoken customarily, and in a formal manner, as too often it is. But David has somewhat to do likewise,
II. To get clear of the armour wherewith Saul would, by all means, have him dressed up when he went upon this great action (Sa1 17:38): He armed David with his armour, not that which he wore himself, the disproportion of his stature would not admit that, but some that he kept in his armoury, little thinking that he on whom he now put his helmet and coat of mail must shortly inherit his crown and robe. David, being not yet resolved which way to attack his enemy, girded on his sword, not knowing, as yet, but he should have occasion to make use of it; but he found the armour would but encumber him, and would be rather his burden than his defence, and therefore he desires leave of Saul to put them off again: I cannot go with these, for I have not proved them, that is, "I have never been accustomed to such accoutrements as these." We may suppose Saul's armour was both very fine and very firm, but what good would it do David if it were not fit, or if he knew not how to manage himself in it? Those that aim at things above their education and usage, and covet the attire and armour of princes, forget that that is the best for us which we are fit for and accustomed to; if we had our desire, we should wish to be in our own coat again, and should say, "We cannot go with these;" we had therefore better go without them.
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SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 17:32, David, a young shepherd, boldly declares his intent to confront the Philistine giant, Goliath, to King Saul. This pivotal statement encapsulates David's profound faith in God's power to deliver His people, directly challenging the pervasive fear that had paralyzed the entire Israelite army and their king for weeks. It marks David's emergence as a divinely appointed champion, ready to defend God's honor against an overwhelming foe, demonstrating that true courage stems from trust in the Almighty rather than human strength.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most striking is Contrast, specifically between David's unwavering faith and the pervasive fear of King Saul and the entire Israelite army. David, a young, unassuming shepherd, stands in stark opposition to the physically imposing but spiritually timid king and his cowering soldiers. This contrast powerfully highlights the source of true strength: not physical might, but divine empowerment and absolute trust in God. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Foreshadowing, hinting at David's future role as Israel's deliverer and king. His bold initiative and confidence in God's power here preview the qualities that will define his reign and establish him as a type of the ultimate deliverer, the Messiah. The dismissive tone towards "this Philistine" also serves as a form of Understatement, downplaying the apparent threat to emphasize God's superiority over any earthly foe and to underscore David's profound faith.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 17:32 is a profound theological statement on the nature of faith and divine sovereignty. It illustrates that God's power is not limited by human weakness or overwhelming odds, and that true courage is born from a deep-seated trust in Him rather than self-reliance. David's willingness to step forward when all others hesitated underscores the biblical principle that God often uses the humble and the unlikely to accomplish His greatest works, demonstrating His glory through their weakness. This moment also serves as a powerful reminder that the battles God's people face are ultimately spiritual, requiring a response rooted in faith and a zeal for God's honor, rather than mere human strategy or strength. It teaches that fear is a spiritual enemy that paralyzes, while faith in God empowers for victory.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's courageous declaration in 1 Samuel 17:32 resonates deeply with believers facing their own "giants" today. Whether these are overwhelming personal challenges, societal injustices, spiritual battles, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, David's example calls us to confront them not with fear, but with a faith rooted in God's omnipotence and faithfulness. His confidence stemmed from a personal history of God's deliverance and a profound understanding that the battle belonged to the Lord. We are reminded that our strength is found not in our own abilities or resources, but in our reliance on the living God, who is greater than any foe. This verse challenges us to ask ourselves if our hearts are failing in the face of adversity, or if we are willing to step out in faith, trusting that God can use even our perceived weaknesses to display His mighty power and bring about His purposes. It invites us to cultivate a courage born of conviction in God's character, rather than confidence in our own capabilities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was David, a young shepherd, the only one willing to fight Goliath?
Answer: David was uniquely willing to fight Goliath not primarily because of his physical prowess or military training, but because of his profound faith in the living God and his unwavering zeal for God's honor. While King Saul and the Israelite army were paralyzed by fear, seeing Goliath as an insurmountable physical threat, David saw him as a blasphemer defying the armies of the living God. David's confidence was rooted in his past experiences of God's deliverance (as he later explains in 1 Samuel 17:34-37), where God had enabled him to overcome lions and bears. He was convinced that the battle belonged to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47) and that God's power was not limited by human strength or weakness, but was manifested through those who trusted Him completely.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's bold declaration and subsequent victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:32-51 serve as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate champion and deliverer. Just as David, an unlikely shepherd, stepped forward when Israel's king and army cowered in fear, so too did Jesus, the humble Lamb of God, confront the ultimate enemy of humanity—sin and death—when all humanity was helpless and enslaved. David's victory brought temporary salvation and deliverance to Israel, but Christ's decisive victory on the cross secured eternal salvation for all who believe, triumphing over the spiritual "giant" that held humanity captive (Colossians 2:15). David fought in the name of the Lord of Hosts (1 Samuel 17:45), and Jesus, the Son of God, perfectly fulfilled God's will, demonstrating divine power through apparent weakness and sacrificial love. Like David, who was rejected by his brothers and underestimated by Saul before his anointing as king, Jesus was "despised and rejected by mankind" (Isaiah 53:3), yet He is the true King who conquers all enemies, making a public spectacle of them. David's act of faith inspires courage, but Christ's finished work provides the ultimate victory and the power for believers to overcome any challenge through Him (Philippians 4:13).