1 Samuel 17:35

KJV

And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I went out {H3318} after {H310} him, and smote {H5221} him, and delivered {H5337} it out of his mouth {H6310}: and when he arose {H6965} against me, I caught {H2388} him by his beard {H2206}, and smote {H5221} him, and slew {H4191} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

I would go after it, hit it, and snatch the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned on me, I would catch it by the jaw, smack it and kill it.

Berean Standard Bible

I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it.

American Standard Version

I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:35 presents David's vivid, courageous testimony to King Saul, detailing his solitary battles against a lion and a bear to protect his flock. This pivotal verse not only showcases David's extraordinary physical prowess and unwavering commitment as a shepherd but also underscores his profound reliance on divine strength, serving as a crucial prelude to his legendary confrontation with Goliath. It reveals the character and faith of a young man uniquely prepared by God for a greater destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of David's persuasive argument to King Saul, as recorded in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). The Philistine giant Goliath has defied the armies of Israel for forty days, instilling fear and paralysis among Saul's soldiers. David, a young shepherd, arrives at the battlefield and is indignant at Goliath's blasphemy. When he volunteers to fight, Saul dismisses him as a mere youth. In response, David recounts his past experiences as a shepherd, specifically detailing in [1 Samuel 17:34](/1_samuel/17-34 "1 Samuel 17:34 - David's Shepherd Experience") how a lion and a bear attacked his flock. Verse 35 then provides the dramatic climax of these encounters, demonstrating David's proactive and victorious response, thereby establishing his credentials as a divinely empowered warrior capable of facing Goliath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shepherding in ancient Israel was a demanding and dangerous occupation, particularly in regions where wild animals like lions and bears were prevalent. Shepherds were responsible for the complete welfare of their flock, often risking their lives to protect individual sheep, which represented significant family wealth and sustenance. The "beard" of an animal (or a human) was a symbol of strength and dignity; grabbing it indicated an act of extreme control and dominance in a close-quarters struggle. David's actions reflect the fierce protective instinct expected of a good shepherd, a role that also carried significant spiritual symbolism in Israel, often associated with leadership and divine care, as seen in [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). His youth and lack of formal military training would have made his accounts even more astonishing to Saul and the Israelite army, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his feats.
* **Key Themes:** David's account in this verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Empowerment and Deliverance**, as David explicitly attributes his victories to the Lord's hand ([1 Samuel 17:37](/1_samuel/17-37 "1 Samuel 17:37 - David's Faith in God's Deliverance")). His ability to overcome formidable predators points to a strength beyond his natural capabilities, foreshadowing God's deliverance from Goliath. Secondly, it underscores **Courage and Faith**, demonstrating that David's bravery was not recklessness but a deep trust in God's protective power, enabling him to confront overwhelming odds. Thirdly, the narrative serves as a powerful example of **Preparation for Greater Tasks**, revealing how God uses seemingly ordinary or isolated experiences to train and equip individuals for monumental callings, molding David's character and confidence for his future role as king of Israel. Finally, it exemplifies **The Shepherd's Fierce Protection**, a theme that resonates deeply with the biblical metaphor of God as the ultimate Shepherd of His people, willing to lay down His life for His flock.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb, used twice in the verse, signifies a decisive, often violent, and frequently fatal strike. It implies more than just a defensive warding off; it denotes an active, aggressive engagement aimed at incapacitating or killing. In the context of David's battle with the lion and bear, _nakah_ emphasizes the totality of his victory and the lethal force he employed to protect his flock.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _natsal'_):** This word carries the meaning of rescuing, snatching away, or drawing out, often from danger or oppression. Here, it highlights David's success in retrieving the lamb from the predator's jaws, emphasizing his commitment not just to defeating the threat but to recovering what was lost. It speaks to a complete act of salvation for the lamb.
* **Caught him by his beard (Hebrew, _zaqan'_):** While "beard" literally refers to the facial hair, in the context of an animal, it likely refers to the jowls or mane area, a place that would allow a firm, controlling grip. This phrase vividly portrays David's daring, intimate, and physically demanding struggle. It suggests a close-quarters, wrestling match where David gained complete control over the powerful beast, demonstrating immense strength and fearlessness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth:"** This clause describes David's proactive and successful pursuit of the predator (first the lion, then the bear, as per [1 Samuel 17:34](/1_samuel/17-34 "1 Samuel 17:34 - David's Encounter with Predators")). Unlike a passive victim, David actively pursued the threat, engaged it, and successfully rescued the lamb from its jaws. The use of "smote him" indicates a decisive blow, demonstrating his physical capability and resolve.
* **"and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him."** This second part of the verse details the escalation and ultimate victory in the confrontation. After the initial attack and retrieval of the lamb, the predator (implied to be the bear, as the lion's fate is already described as being "smote" and "slew" in the previous verse's context, though David's account blends them) turned its aggression directly on David. David's response was not retreat but an audacious, direct engagement—grabbing the powerful beast by its most vulnerable, yet dangerous, part. This act of "catching him by his beard" signifies a bold, intimate grapple, showcasing David's incredible strength, courage, and determination to neutralize the threat entirely. The repetition of "smote him" and the final "slew him" confirm the decisive and fatal outcome of the struggle.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Samuel 17:35 employs several powerful literary devices. **Vivid Imagery** is paramount, painting a clear picture of David's daring confrontation with the wild beasts. Phrases like "caught him by his beard" evoke a visceral sense of the close-quarters, life-or-death struggle. The account functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing both Saul and the reader for David's later triumph over Goliath. The seemingly isolated incidents with the lion and bear are presented as divine training, building David's confidence and demonstrating God's protective hand, thus setting the stage for the greater challenge. Furthermore, the passage uses **Hyperbole** (or at least a heightened narrative) to emphasize the extraordinary nature of David's feats, making his victories over such formidable animals seem almost superhuman, thereby amplifying his faith and God's power working through him. This narrative also serves as a **Type** or **Antitype**, where David, the shepherd-deliverer, prefigures a greater deliverer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's recounting of his encounters with the lion and the bear is more than a display of physical prowess; it is a profound theological statement. He attributes his ability to overcome these formidable beasts not to his own strength alone, but to the Lord's deliverance. This conviction highlights the theme of divine empowerment, where God equips and enables His servants to accomplish tasks far beyond their natural abilities. David's courage is rooted in his faith, demonstrating that true bravery in the face of overwhelming odds stems from trust in a sovereign God who protects His own. This experience was God's training ground, preparing David for the monumental task of facing Goliath and, ultimately, for leading Israel as its king. It underscores the principle that faithfulness in "small" tasks prepares us for "greater" ones, and that God's protective hand is evident in every battle, big or small.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Psalm 91:13](/psalms/91-13 "Psalm 91:13 - Trample Lion and Serpent")
* [2 Timothy 4:17](/2_timothy/4-17 "2 Timothy 4:17 - The Lord Stood with Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's testimony in 1 Samuel 17:35 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life. His willingness to pursue and confront dangerous predators for the sake of a single lamb exemplifies a profound sense of responsibility and sacrificial love. This account encourages us to recognize that the "small" battles we face, where we depend on God's strength, are often divine preparations for larger, more daunting challenges ahead. Just as David's faithfulness as a shepherd prepared him to face Goliath, our daily acts of courage, integrity, and reliance on God in seemingly insignificant struggles build the character and faith necessary to confront the "giants" in our own lives—whether they be fear, adversity, spiritual attacks, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our protection and equipping, and that our past victories, empowered by Him, serve as powerful testimonies to His faithfulness, bolstering our confidence for future battles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lions and bears" (smaller, yet significant, challenges) has God helped you overcome in your past, and how might those experiences be preparing you for a "Goliath" in your future?**
* **How does David's proactive pursuit and intimate engagement with the predators challenge you to confront your own fears or responsibilities rather than avoiding them?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate David's fierce protective instinct for what God has entrusted to your care, whether it's your family, your calling, or your faith?**

### FAQ
**Was David's act of catching the lion/bear by its beard a common or advisable tactic?**

Answer: From a modern perspective, directly engaging a large predator by its "beard" or jowls seems incredibly reckless and dangerous. However, David's account highlights not a common tactic, but an extraordinary act of courage and strength, empowered by divine assistance. In ancient times, shepherds were often armed with staffs and slings, but a close-quarters grapple like this would indicate extreme desperation or supernatural enablement. It was likely not a "common" tactic but a testament to David's unique resolve and God's protective hand, emphasizing the miraculous nature of his deliverance, as he himself states in [1 Samuel 17:37](/1_samuel/17-37 "1 Samuel 17:37 - God's Deliverance from Lion and Bear").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's fierce protection of his flock, culminating in his willingness to risk his life against a lion and a bear, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Good Shepherd. Just as David "delivered [it] out of his mouth" and "slew him" to save a single lamb, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), laid down His life to deliver His flock from the jaws of sin and death. David's courageous confrontation with the beasts prefigures Christ's decisive victory over the "roaring lion," Satan ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Roaring Lion")), and the power of the grave. The shepherd's willingness to sacrifice for his sheep finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ, who declared, "[I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")." David's reliance on God's empowerment to overcome natural threats points to Christ's divine authority and power to conquer spiritual enemies, securing eternal deliverance for all who are His.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

2 Timothy 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Amos 3:12

Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus [in] a couch.

Judges 14:5

Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.

Judges 14:6

And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and [he had] nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.

Psalms 91:13

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Daniel 6:22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.