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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 17:31–39. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
When David had been anointed by blessed Samuel before he came here, he had killed a lion and a bear without any weapons, as he himself told King Saul. Both the lion and the bear typified the devil, for they had been strangled by the strength of David for having dared to attack some of his sheep. All that we read prefigured in David at that time, dearly beloved, we know was accomplished in our Lord Jesus Christ; for he strangled the lion and the bear when he descended into hell to free all the saints from their jaws. Moreover, listen to the prophet entreating the person of our Lord: “Rescue my soul from the sword, my loneliness from the grip of the dog. Save me from the lion’s mouth.” Since a bear possesses his strength in his paw and a lion has his in his mouth, the same devil is prefigured in those two beasts. Thus, this was said concerning the person of Christ, in order that his sole church might be removed from the hand, that is, the power or mouth of the devil.
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Summary
In 1 Samuel 17:36, David, a young shepherd, boldly confronts King Saul, asserting his divine empowerment to defeat the Philistine giant Goliath. He substantiates his audacious claim by recounting his past deliverances from a lion and a bear, framing Goliath as another formidable, yet ultimately conquerable, foe. This declaration is rooted not in youthful bravado or self-confidence, but in a profound faith that the same God who protected his flock will defend His honor against one who has blasphemously defied the armies of the living God, thereby revealing David's unwavering conviction and the spiritual nature of the impending conflict.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the climax of David's argument to King Saul, a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of David and Goliath. Prior to this, the Israelite army, including Saul himself, has been paralyzed by fear for forty days, enduring the daily taunts and challenges of Goliath, who openly defies the "armies of Israel" (compare 1 Samuel 17:10). David, having arrived at the battlefront to bring provisions to his brothers, is deeply offended by Goliath's blasphemous defiance, not merely of Israel, but of the "armies of the living God" (1 Samuel 17:26). When Saul expresses doubt about David's ability due to his youth and inexperience (1 Samuel 17:33), David responds with this powerful testimony. He draws a direct parallel between his past encounters with predatory animals and the current threat posed by Goliath, building a theological argument for divine intervention and demonstrating his unwavering faith in God's protective power.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Philistines were a formidable and persistent enemy of Israel, often possessing superior military technology, particularly iron weaponry, which gave them a significant advantage over the Israelites (see 1 Samuel 13:19-22). The practice of champion warfare, where two armies would select a single warrior to fight, was a known, albeit less common, method to resolve conflicts and minimize casualties, which Goliath's challenge fits. David's use of "uncircumcised Philistine" carries profound cultural and religious weight. Circumcision was the sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:10-14), distinguishing them as God's chosen people. To call someone "uncircumcised" was a derogatory term, emphasizing their paganism, their status as outsiders to God's covenant, and their impurity in the eyes of the Israelites, thus highlighting the spiritual chasm between the two nations and their deities.
Key Themes
David's declaration in this verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Deliverance and Faith. David's confidence is not in his own strength or skill, but in the proven faithfulness and power of God, who had previously delivered him from the lion and the bear. This past deliverance serves as a guarantee for future victory, illustrating that God equips and empowers those He chooses, regardless of their apparent weakness (compare 1 Corinthians 1:27). Secondly, it highlights Courage Born of Conviction. Unlike the fearful Israelite army, David possesses an unwavering courage rooted in his personal relationship with God and his understanding of God's active presence. This courage is not recklessness but a deep-seated conviction that God will uphold His honor. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes Zeal for God's Honor. David's primary motivation is not personal glory or even Israel's safety, but the profound offense Goliath's defiance poses to the "armies of the living God." For David, this is a spiritual battle where God's reputation is at stake, a theme powerfully reinforced in his later declaration that "the battle is the LORD's" (1 Samuel 17:47).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb means "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound." In this context, it describes David's decisive actions against the lion and the bear, emphasizing the finality and effectiveness of his past encounters. The use of "slew" highlights the complete victory David achieved, establishing his credibility as a protector and warrior, albeit one empowered by God, and setting a precedent for his expected victory over Goliath.
This term means "properly, exposed, i.e. projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically,; uncircumcised (i.e. still having the prepuce uncurtailed); uncircumcised (person)." This is a potent theological and cultural descriptor. It signifies Goliath's status as an outsider to the covenant people of Israel and, by extension, to the God of Israel. It marks him as pagan, unclean, and fundamentally opposed to the divine order. David uses this term not just as an insult, but to underscore the spiritual nature of the conflict: it is not merely Israel against Philistia, but the "living God" against the gods of the "uncircumcised."
This word means "alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively." When applied to God ("the living God"), this adjective is a profound theological statement. It stands in stark contrast to the lifeless, impotent idols worshipped by the Philistines and other pagan nations. It emphasizes God's active presence, His dynamic power, His ability to intervene in human affairs, and His distinction from dead deities. David's use of "living God" highlights his understanding that the God of Israel is not merely a concept but an active, powerful, and personal deity who will defend His own.
Verse Breakdown
"Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear:"
David begins by humbly referring to himself as "thy servant" to King Saul, yet immediately follows with a bold recounting of his past extraordinary feats. This clause establishes David's credentials as a protector and a warrior, demonstrating his courage and skill in facing deadly threats. Crucially, it sets the stage for the argument that his past victories, empowered by God, provide a precedent for his ability to overcome Goliath.
"and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them,"
This is the core of David's audacious comparison. He equates the formidable giant Goliath, who has terrified an entire army, to the wild beasts he has already conquered. The use of "uncircumcised Philistine" is a deliberate theological and cultural insult, stripping Goliath of his perceived power and associating him with the wild, untamed, and unholy forces that David, by God's help, has already subdued. It demonstrates David's spiritual perspective on the enemy.
"seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God."
This final clause provides the ultimate justification and motivation for David's confidence. Goliath's taunts are not merely directed at Israelite soldiers, but at the "armies of the living God." David understands that this is an affront to God Himself, a direct challenge to His honor and sovereignty. This theological conviction fuels David's courage, transforming a seemingly impossible military challenge into a spiritual imperative, where God's reputation is on the line, guaranteeing His intervention.
Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey David's conviction and the spiritual depth of the conflict. Analogy or Comparison is central, as David directly equates the fearsome Goliath with the lion and the bear he has already slain. This serves to diminish Goliath's perceived invincibility and elevate David's past divine empowerments. Contrast is also prominent, particularly in the phrase "uncircumcised Philistine" set against "the armies of the living God." This highlights the stark theological divide between paganism and the covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing that the battle is fundamentally spiritual. The statement itself carries an element of Hyperbole from a purely human perspective, as a young shepherd claiming to defeat a seasoned giant is an extraordinary assertion, yet it is presented as a confident truth, underscoring David's divine assurance. Furthermore, the narrative functions as Foreshadowing, where David's past deliverances serve as a divine pattern, predicting God's future intervention on his behalf against Goliath.
Theological and Thematic Connections
David's declaration in 1 Samuel 17:36 resonates deeply with core biblical truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It powerfully illustrates the principle that God often chooses the weak and the unlikely to accomplish His purposes, thereby ensuring that the glory redounds to Him alone. David's faith is not a blind optimism but a conviction rooted in God's demonstrated faithfulness in his personal history. This verse teaches that when God's honor is at stake, He will act decisively to defend His name and His people. It transforms a military confrontation into a spiritual battle, reminding us that true victory comes not from human might or strategy, but from divine intervention in response to unwavering faith. This perspective is crucial for understanding the nature of spiritual warfare, where the enemy's defiance is ultimately against God Himself, and He is perfectly capable of delivering His people.
Reflection and Application
David's audacious claim in 1 Samuel 17:36 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers navigating the "giants" of their own lives. Just as David faced a seemingly insurmountable foe, we too encounter challenges—whether they be spiritual attacks, overwhelming circumstances, personal fears, or societal pressures—that can paralyze us with fear. David's response teaches us to anchor our confidence not in our own meager abilities or resources, but in the proven faithfulness and omnipotence of the "living God." We are called to recall and recount God's past deliverances in our lives, allowing those testimonies to build our faith for present and future battles. Furthermore, David's zeal for God's honor reminds us that our struggles are often not just personal, but have implications for God's reputation in a watching world. When we face opposition, our primary concern should be to uphold the name of the Lord, trusting that He will fight for His own glory. This perspective transforms our challenges into opportunities for God to display His power and faithfulness through us, demonstrating His active presence and sovereignty in every circumstance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was it important for David to recount his past victories over the lion and the bear to Saul?
David recounted his past victories primarily to establish his credibility and to convince King Saul that he was capable of facing Goliath. Saul initially dismissed David due to his youth and lack of military experience (1 Samuel 17:33). By detailing how God had delivered him from the lion and the bear, David demonstrated not only his personal courage and skill but, more importantly, the consistent pattern of divine intervention in his life. This testimony served as a theological argument: if God had empowered him to overcome these formidable natural predators, He would surely enable him to defeat the "uncircumcised Philistine" who dared to defy the "armies of the living God." It shifted the focus from David's human inadequacy to God's proven power working through him, providing a divine precedent for the seemingly impossible task ahead.
What is the significance of David calling Goliath an "uncircumcised Philistine"?
David's use of "uncircumcised Philistine" is highly significant, carrying profound theological, cultural, and derogatory weight. Circumcision was the physical sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:10-14), marking Israel as God's chosen people. By calling Goliath "uncircumcised," David emphasized his status as an outsider to this covenant, a pagan, and therefore, spiritually unclean and without a relationship with the true God. It was a term of contempt that stripped Goliath of his perceived might and highlighted the spiritual chasm between the Philistines, who served pagan deities, and Israel, who served the "living God." It reframed the conflict not just as a military one, but as a spiritual battle between the forces of God and the forces of idolatry, underscoring that Goliath's defiance was ultimately against the Lord Himself.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
David's audacious faith and ultimate victory over Goliath, powerfully articulated in 1 Samuel 17:36, profoundly foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, the unlikely shepherd-king, stands as a type of Christ, the greater David, who comes as a humble servant yet possesses divine power to confront the ultimate enemy. Just as David faced a seemingly invincible foe who defied God's people, so too did Christ confront the spiritual "giant" of sin, death, and the devil, who had held humanity captive and openly defied the living God. David's confidence, rooted in God's past deliverance and zeal for God's honor, mirrors Christ's perfect obedience and unwavering commitment to His Father's will, even unto death on the cross. The "uncircumcised Philistine" represents the cosmic enemy, the powers of darkness, whom Christ, through His own "slaying" on the cross, utterly defeated, disarming them and triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). Christ's victory was not achieved through worldly might or conventional weaponry, but through divine power and self-sacrifice, echoing David's reliance on God rather than armor or sword. Ultimately, the battle that belonged to the Lord in David's day finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Lord Jesus, who, as the true Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world and ensures that all who are "in Christ" share in His decisive victory over every spiritual foe (Romans 8:37).