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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
Two Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
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.
Saul said to David: "And may the Lord be with you." The people of the Jews finally agreed to the undertakings of the Lord in those who could come to faith, and having truly recognized his two natures in one person, they desired that, encountering the proud darts of the devil with the humility of man, with the assisting Divinity, he would obtain the palm of victory.
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Summary
In 1 Samuel 17:37, David stands before King Saul, articulating a profound faith rooted in God's proven faithfulness. He draws strength from past deliverances from the deadly grip of wild beasts to confidently anticipate divine victory over the Philistine giant, Goliath. This bold declaration, born of intimate personal experience with the Almighty, prompts Saul's reluctant but ultimately supportive blessing, setting the stage for one of the most iconic encounters in biblical history where a shepherd boy would confront the seemingly insurmountable champion of the Philistines.
Context
Literary Context
This pivotal verse serves as the climax of David's compelling argument to King Saul for permission to confront Goliath. The narrative of 1 Samuel 17 opens with the Philistine champion, Goliath, issuing a daily challenge to the armies of Israel, instilling paralyzing fear throughout Saul's camp and the entire nation, as described in 1 Samuel 17:1-11. Young David, having arrived to bring provisions to his brothers on the battlefield, is appalled by Goliath's blasphemous defiance of the living God and Israel's paralyzed inaction, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:26. When David volunteers to fight, King Saul is deeply skeptical, pointing to David's youth and inexperience as a warrior in 1 Samuel 17:33. Verse 37 is David's powerful and convincing response, a testament to his shepherd's life where he experienced God's direct intervention against predators. This declaration serves as the turning point that persuades Saul to allow the confrontation, immediately preceding Saul's attempt to equip David with his own armor and David's subsequent rejection of it, leading directly to the iconic battle scene in 1 Samuel 17:38-40.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting for this dramatic encounter is the Valley of Elah, a strategically important border region situated between the territories of Philistia and Israel. This geographical location underscores the critical nature of the conflict for national security and sovereignty. The Philistines were a formidable military power in the ancient Near East, often possessing superior iron weaponry compared to Israel's more rudimentary bronze and copper tools. The practice of single combat, or a champion's duel, was a recognized method in ancient warfare to decide the outcome of a battle without engaging entire armies, thereby minimizing casualties. This historical context amplifies the terror Goliath instilled in the Israelite army and highlights the extraordinary courage David displayed. David's background as a shepherd, while seemingly humble, would have prepared him for solitary encounters with dangerous wild predators, fostering a unique blend of self-reliance, courage, and a deep dependence on God in the face of overwhelming odds. His reference to the "paw of the lion" and "paw of the bear" would have resonated as credible, life-threatening experiences in that pastoral setting, demonstrating his practical experience in confronting mortal danger.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Deliverance, underscoring that God is the ultimate rescuer, not human strength or military might. David's confidence is rooted entirely in God's ability to save, declaring "The LORD... he will deliver me," echoing the foundational truth that salvation belongs to the Lord, as proclaimed in Psalm 3:8. Secondly, it exemplifies the principle that Past Victories Fuel Future Faith. David draws a direct parallel between God's rescue from the lion and bear and His anticipated deliverance from the Philistine, demonstrating how remembering God's faithfulness in previous trials builds courage and assurance for new, greater challenges, a truth echoed in Psalm 77:11-12. Thirdly, it showcases Courage Born of Conviction, where David's bravery isn't recklessness but a deep-seated conviction born of personal, intimate experience with God's power and presence. Finally, the verse underscores God's pattern of Equipping the Unlikely, as He chooses a young, unassuming shepherd boy over the seasoned, but fearful, king and his army, to accomplish His purposes through extraordinary means, further contextualized by David's anointing as future king in 1 Samuel 16:13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the primitive root H5337, this verb means "to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense." In this context, it conveys a powerful and decisive act of rescue, indicating God's active intervention to pull David out of imminent peril. David uses this term to emphasize that his survival from the lion and bear was not due to his own strength or skill, but to God's direct and forceful act of preservation.
From the primitive word H3027, this term literally means "hand" but is used with great latitude to signify power, dominion, or control. When applied to the lion and bear, it denotes their destructive grip or overwhelming force. The transition to "hand of this Philistine" maintains this sense of overwhelming power and control, highlighting David's recognition that Goliath represents a similar, albeit human, existential threat from which only divine intervention can deliver him. The term emphasizes the oppressive hold of the enemy.
This term (H6430) is a patrial from Pelesheth, referring to an inhabitant of that region. In this specific context, "this Philistine" unequivocally designates Goliath, the champion of the Philistine army. The use of the demonstrative "this" emphasizes the immediate, personal, and singular nature of the formidable threat David is confronting, distinguishing Goliath as the embodiment of the Philistine challenge to Israel and their God.
Verse Breakdown
"David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear"
This opening clause presents David's bold declaration, grounding his confidence not in his own abilities or military training, but in God's past, personal, and miraculous intervention. He recounts specific, life-threatening encounters where God's power was demonstrated, establishing a clear precedent for divine faithfulness. The repetition of "paw" emphasizes the direct, physical, and deadly danger from which God rescued him, highlighting the ferocity of the predators and the totality of God's saving act.
"he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."
This is a confident, prophetic declaration of future deliverance. David directly applies God's proven faithfulness in past, seemingly insurmountable dangers (wild beasts) to the present, even greater, human threat (Goliath). The shift from "paw" to "hand" maintains the imagery of a powerful, controlling grip, while specifically identifying the human enemy. This statement is not wishful thinking but a firm conviction based on God's unchanging character and His demonstrated power to rescue.
"And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee."
This concluding clause marks Saul's acquiescence. His initial skepticism and fear give way to a reluctant, yet significant, blessing. It signifies a moment of surrender to David's divinely-inspired conviction, acknowledging the presence and power of the Lord that David so boldly proclaimed. It is a king's blessing, granting permission and invoking divine favor, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation that would define David's early public life.
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message and underscore David's profound faith. Anaphora is evident in the repetition of the phrase "The LORD that delivered me... he will deliver me," which powerfully underscores David's unwavering conviction and the consistent, unchanging nature of God's saving power. This repetition creates a rhythmic emphasis on divine deliverance and establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between God's past actions and His anticipated future intervention. Juxtaposition is skillfully used to highlight the stark contrast between David's past encounters with natural predators (the lion and bear) and his present confrontation with a human champion (the Philistine). This technique not only elevates the stakes of the current challenge but also demonstrates the continuity of God's protective hand across different types of threats. Furthermore, the narrative employs Foreshadowing, as David's past victories over the beasts serve as a direct premonition and divine guarantee of his impending triumph over Goliath. The lion and bear also function as potent Symbolism, representing overwhelming, deadly threats from which only supernatural intervention could save David, thereby setting the stage for Goliath to symbolize an even greater, seemingly insurmountable challenge that only God's power can overcome.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Samuel 17:37 is a profound theological statement on the nature of faith and divine sovereignty. It teaches that true courage is not the absence of fear, but a deep-seated conviction in God's power and faithfulness, rooted in personal experience. David's declaration is a testament to the principle that remembering God's past mercies and deliverances serves as a powerful anchor for faith in present and future trials, no matter how daunting. It underscores that God is not merely a distant deity but an active, personal Deliverer who intervenes on behalf of His people, often using the most unlikely instruments to display His glory and accomplish His purposes. This verse emphasizes that our confidence should never be in our own strength or resources, but solely in the proven power and unchanging character of God, who is faithful to His promises.
Reflection and Application
1 Samuel 17:37 offers profound encouragement and a practical blueprint for believers today. When we face our own "giants"—whether they are overwhelming personal struggles, professional challenges, spiritual battles, or societal pressures—we are invited to draw strength from God's past faithfulness. Just as David recalled God's deliverance from the lion and the bear, we are encouraged to reflect on times when God has "delivered" us from difficult situations, provided for us in times of lack, or guided us through uncertainty. These memories are not mere nostalgia; they are powerful anchors for our faith, serving as tangible evidence of God's enduring presence and power. Our confidence, like David's, should not be in our own abilities, experience, or resources, but in the proven, unchanging power and faithfulness of God, who is able to deliver us from any "paw" or "hand" that opposes us. This verse reminds us that true courage is not recklessness, but a deep trust that the same God who helped us before will do so again, empowering us to step forward in faith even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Saul finally agree to let David fight Goliath?
Saul's agreement was likely a complex combination of desperation, David's unwavering and divinely-inspired conviction, and perhaps a glimmer of hope born from David's compelling testimony. For forty days, Goliath had defied Israel, and no one, including Saul himself, dared to face him. The entire army was paralyzed by fear, as described in 1 Samuel 17:11. David's unique faith, grounded in personal experience with God's deliverance from the lion and the bear, presented the only viable option in a seemingly hopeless situation. Saul's words, "Go, and the LORD be with thee," reflect a reluctant but necessary acknowledgment of the divine element David brought to the seemingly impossible task, recognizing that human strength alone had failed.
Was David being arrogant or presumptuous in his declaration?
No, David's confidence was not rooted in his own strength, skill, or arrogance, but entirely in the power and faithfulness of God. His statement, "The LORD that delivered me... he will deliver me," attributes all past and future victory to God. This is a declaration of humble faith, not self-aggrandizement. True biblical faith often appears audacious or presumptuous to those who rely solely on human strength and conventional wisdom, but it is profoundly humble in its complete dependence on God. David's humility is further evidenced by his later refusal to wear Saul's armor, choosing instead the simple tools of his shepherd's trade, relying on God's anointing rather than conventional military might, as detailed in 1 Samuel 17:38-40.
What is the significance of David's past encounters with the lion and the bear?
These encounters are profoundly significant because they were real, deadly threats that David faced alone, as a shepherd protecting his flock. In those moments, he experienced God's direct and miraculous intervention, saving him from certain death. These were not mere anecdotes; they were formative spiritual lessons that validated God's protective power and faithfulness in David's life. By recounting them to Saul, David provided concrete evidence of God's active presence with him, demonstrating that the same God who delivered him from the "paw" of a wild beast could certainly deliver him from the "hand" of a human giant, no matter how formidable. These experiences built David's faith and prepared him for the greater challenge, showing that God equips those He calls through practical, often dangerous, experiences.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Samuel 17:37 stands as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over the forces of darkness and death. David, the shepherd-king, risking his life for his sheep and his people, serves as a type of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for His flock, as declared in John 10:11. Just as David faced a seemingly insurmountable foe in Goliath, who symbolized the enemies of God's people, so too did Christ confront the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Christ's confidence in His Father's power, much like David's, was absolute. His past "deliverance" from the grave through the resurrection is the ultimate guarantee that He "will deliver" all who trust in Him from the power of sin and death, triumphing over all spiritual principalities and powers, as affirmed in Colossians 2:15 and Hebrews 2:14-15. Through Christ, believers are more than conquerors over all the "giants" of this world, because the One who has overcome the world lives in them, as promised in Romans 8:37 and John 16:33. David's confident declaration finds its supreme fulfillment in the finished work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection, which secured eternal deliverance for all who believe, forever silencing the taunts of the enemy and ensuring ultimate, cosmic victory.