1 Samuel 17:36

KJV

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy servant {H5650} slew {H5221} both the lion {H738} and the bear {H1677}: and this uncircumcised {H6189} Philistine {H6430} shall be as one {H259} of them, seeing he hath defied {H2778} the armies {H4634} of the living {H2416} God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your servant has defeated both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised P'lishti will be like one of them, because he has challenged the armies of the living God."

Berean Standard Bible

Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”

American Standard Version

Thy servant smote both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 17:36, David, a young shepherd, boldly confronts King Saul, asserting his capability to defeat the Philistine giant Goliath. He substantiates his claim by recounting his past divine deliverances from a lion and a bear, framing Goliath as another beast destined for defeat. This declaration is rooted not in self-confidence but in profound faith that the same God who protected his flock will defend His honor against one who has 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 is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of David and Goliath, specifically David's impassioned plea to King Saul. The Israelite army, including Saul himself, has been paralyzed by fear for forty days, enduring the daily taunts and challenges of Goliath (compare [1 Samuel 17:10](/1_samuel/17-10 "1 Samuel 17:10 - Goliath's Daily Challenge")). 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](/1_samuel/17-26 "1 Samuel 17:26 - David's Indignation")). When Saul expresses doubt about David's ability due to his youth, David responds with this powerful testimony, drawing a direct parallel between his past encounters with predatory animals and the current threat posed by Goliath, thereby building a theological argument for divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable enemy of Israel, often possessing superior military technology, particularly iron weaponry, which gave them a significant advantage (see [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Monopoly on Iron")). 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. Goliath's challenge fits this historical context. David's use of "uncircumcised Philistine" carries profound cultural and religious weight. Circumcision was the sign of God's covenant with Israel ([Genesis 17:10-14](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), 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](/1_samuel/1 "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](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak")). 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 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord")" ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slew (Hebrew, _qāṭal'_):** This verb, meaning "to kill" or "to slay," is used here to describe David's decisive actions against the lion and the bear. It emphasizes the finality and effectiveness of his past encounters, establishing his credibility as a protector and warrior, albeit one empowered by God. The use of "slew" rather than merely "fought" or "injured" highlights the complete victory David achieved, setting a precedent for his expected victory over Goliath.
* **Uncircumcised (Hebrew, _‘ārēl'_):** This term is a potent theological and cultural descriptor. As discussed in the context, 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."
* **Living (Hebrew, _ḥay'_):** 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.

* [Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" are you currently facing that seem insurmountable in your own strength?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen your faith for current challenges?**
* **In what ways might your response to adversity reflect on the "living God" whom you serve?**
* **What specific steps can you take to prioritize God's honor in your current struggles, as David did?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for David to recount his past victories over the lion and the bear to Saul?**

Answer: 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](/1_samuel/17-33 "1 Samuel 17:33 - Saul's Doubt")). 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.

**What is the significance of David calling Goliath an "uncircumcised Philistine"?**

Answer: 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](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), 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.

### 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Christ's victory was not achieved through worldly might, 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the 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](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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

1 Samuel 17:10

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

Isaiah 37:22

This [is] the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

Isaiah 37:23

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy One of Israel.

Acts 12:22

And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the voice of a god, and not of a man.

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Ezekiel 32:27

And they shall not lie with the mighty [that are] fallen of the uncircumcised, which are gone down to hell with their weapons of war: and they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities shall be upon their bones, though [they were] the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.

Ezekiel 32:32

For I have caused my terror in the land of the living: and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that are] slain with the sword, [even] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.