1 Samuel 17:37

KJV

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

David {H1732} said {H559} moreover, The LORD {H3068} that delivered {H5337} me out of the paw {H3027} of the lion {H738}, and out of the paw {H3027} of the bear {H1677}, he will deliver {H5337} me out of the hand {H3027} of this Philistine {H6430}. And Saul {H7586} said {H559} unto David {H1732}, Go {H3212}, and the LORD {H3068} be with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David said, "ADONAI, who rescued me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will rescue me from the paw of this P'lishti!" Sha'ul said to David, "Go; may ADONAI be with you."

Berean Standard Bible

David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.”

American Standard Version

And David said, Jehovah that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and Jehovah shall be with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 17:37, David stands before King Saul, articulating a profound faith rooted in God's proven faithfulness, drawing strength from past deliverances from wild beasts to confidently anticipate divine victory over the Philistine giant. This bold declaration, born of 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is the climax of David's argument to King Saul for permission to fight Goliath. The narrative begins with the Philistine champion, Goliath, defying the armies of Israel for forty days, instilling paralyzing fear throughout Saul's camp and the entire nation [1 Samuel 17:1-11](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1-11 - Goliath's Challenge"). Young David, having arrived to bring provisions to his brothers, is appalled by Goliath's blasphemy and Israel's paralysis [1 Samuel 17:26](/1_samuel/17-26 "1 Samuel 17:26 - David's Indignation"). When David volunteers to fight, King Saul is deeply skeptical, pointing to David's youth and inexperience as a warrior [1 Samuel 17:33](/1_samuel/17-33 "1 Samuel 17:33 - Saul's Objection"). Verse 37 is David's compelling response, a testament to his shepherd's life where he experienced God's direct intervention, serving as the turning point that convinces Saul to allow the confrontation. It immediately precedes Saul’s attempt to equip David with his own armor and David’s subsequent rejection of it, leading directly to the iconic battle scene [1 Samuel 17:38-40](/1_samuel/17-38 "1 Samuel 17:38-40 - David Prepares for Battle").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Valley of Elah, a strategic border region between Philistine and Israelite territories, making the conflict a critical one for national security. The Philistines were a formidable military power, often possessing superior iron weaponry compared to Israel's bronze and copper. 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 context amplifies the terror Goliath instilled and the extraordinary courage David displayed. David's background as a shepherd, while seemingly humble, would have prepared him for solitary encounters with 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.
* **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 [Psalm 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Psalm 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord"). 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 [Psalm 77:11-12](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11-12 - Remembering God's Deeds"). 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 [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Hebrew, _נָצַל_, _natsal'_):** This verb means "to snatch away, rescue, pull out of danger, deliver." It conveys a sense of urgent, powerful, and decisive divine intervention, often implying a narrow escape from imminent peril. David uses it to describe God's active and personal involvement in his past struggles, emphasizing that his survival was not due to his own strength but to God's direct and forceful rescue.
* **paw (Hebrew, _יָד_, _yad_):** While literally meaning "hand," this term is broadly used in Hebrew 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.
* **Philistine (Hebrew, _פְּלִשְׁתִּי_, _Pelishti_):** This refers to the people group, but in this context, it specifically designates Goliath, the champion. The use of "this Philistine" emphasizes the immediate and personal nature of the 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 danger from which God rescued him.
* **"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 Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.":** This concluding clause marks Saul's acquiescence. His initial skepticism gives 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.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Anaphora** is evident in the repetition of the phrase "The LORD that delivered me... he will deliver me," which underscores David's unwavering conviction and the consistent nature of God's saving power. This repetition creates a rhythmic emphasis on divine deliverance. **Juxtaposition** is used to highlight the contrast between David's past encounters with natural predators (lion and bear) and his present confrontation with a human champion (the Philistine). This technique elevates the stakes while simultaneously demonstrating the continuity of God's protective hand. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, as David's past victories over the beasts serve as a direct premonition and guarantee of his impending triumph over Goliath. The lion and bear also function as **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 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.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord My Rock and Deliverer")
* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Delivers")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential")

### 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
* **What "giants" are you currently facing in your life that seem insurmountable, causing fear or paralysis?**
* **How has God "delivered" you from difficult situations or provided for you in unexpected ways in the past? How can remembering these experiences strengthen your faith for present challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength, wisdom, or resources rather than placing your full trust in God's proven power and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul finally agree to let David fight Goliath?**

Answer: Saul's agreement was likely a 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. David's unique faith, grounded in personal experience with God's deliverance, presented the only viable option in a 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.

**Was David being arrogant or presumptuous in his declaration?**

Answer: 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 faith, not self-aggrandizement. True biblical faith often appears audacious to those who rely on human strength, but it is 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.

**What is the significance of David's past encounters with the lion and the bear?**

Answer: 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.

### 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 [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). Just as David faced a seemingly insurmountable foe, Goliath, who symbolized the enemies of God's people, so too did Christ confront the ultimate enemy: 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 [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroyed the Devil"). 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 [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors") and [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World"). David's confident declaration finds its supreme fulfillment in the finished work of Christ, who secured eternal deliverance for all who believe, forever silencing the taunts of the enemy and ensuring ultimate victory.

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.

Psalms 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Psalms 138:8

The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

2 Corinthians 1:9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

2 Corinthians 1:10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

Psalms 18:16

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.