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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 17:40–47. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We are now coming near this famous combat, and have in these verses the preparations and remonstrances made on both sides.
I.The preparations made on both sides for the encounter.
The Philistine was already fixed, as he had been daily for the last forty days. Well might he go with his armour, for he had sufficiently proved it. Only we are told (Sa1 17:41) that he came on and drew near, a signal, it is likely, being given that his challenge was accepted, and, as if he distrusted his helmet and coat of mail, a man went before him, carrying his shield, for his own hands were full with his sword and spear, Sa1 17:45. But what arms and ammunition is David furnished with? Truly none but what he brought with him as a shepherd; no breastplate, nor corselet, but his plain shepherd's coat; no spear, but his staff; no sword nor bow, but his sling; no quiver, but his scrip; nor any arrows, but, instead of them, five smooth stones picked up out of the brook, Sa1 17:40. By this it appeared that his confidence was purely in the power of God, and not in any sufficiency of his own, and that now at length he who put it into his heart to fight the Philistine put it into his head with what weapons to do it.
II.The conference which precedes the encounter, in which observe,
1.How very proud Goliath was, (1.) With what scorn he looked upon his adversary, Sa1 17:42. He looked about, expecting to meet some tall strong man, but, when he saw what a mean figure he made with whom he was to engage, he disdained him, thought it below him to enter the lists with him, fearing that the contemptibleness of the champion he contended with would lessen the glory of his victory. He took notice of his person, that he was but a youth, not come to his strength, ruddy and of a fair countenance, fitter to accompany the virgins of Israel in their dances (if mixed dancing was then in use) than to lead on the men of Israel in their battles. He took notice of his array with great indignation (Sa1 17:43): "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? Dost thou think to beat me as easily as thou dost thy shepherd's dog?" (2.) With what confidence he presumed upon his success. He cursed David by his gods, imprecating the impotent vengeance of his idols against him, thinking these fire-balls thrown about him would secure his success: and therefore, in confidence of that, he darts his grimaces, as if threatening words would kill (Sa1 17:44): "Come to me, and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of the air, it will be a tender and delicate feast for them." Thus the security and presumption of fools destroy them.
2.How very pious David was. His speech savours nothing of ostentation, but God is all in all in it, Sa1 17:45-47.
(1.)He derives his authority from God: "I come to thee by warrant and commission from heaven, in the name of the Lord, who has called me to and anointed me for this undertaking, who, by his universal providence, is the Lord of hosts, of all hosts, and therefore has power to do what he pleases, and, by the special grace of his covenant, is the God of the armies of Israel, and therefore has engaged and will employ his power for their protection, and against thee who hast impiously defied them." The name of God David relied on, as Goliath did on his sword and spear. See Psa 20:7; Psa 118:10, Psa 118:11.
(2.)He depends for success upon God, Sa1 17:46. David speaks with as much assurance as Goliath had done, but upon better ground; it is his faith that says, "This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand, and not only thy carcase, but the carcases of the host of the Philistines, shall be given to the birds and beasts of prey." (3.) He devotes the praise and glory of all to God. He did not, like Goliath, seek his own honour, but the honour of God, not doubting but by the success of this action,
[1.]All the world should be made to know that there is a God, and that the God of Israel is the one only living and true God, and all other pretended deities are vanity and a lie.
[2.]All Israel (whom he calls not this army, but this assembly, or church, because they were now religiously attending the goings of their God and King, as they used to do in the sanctuary) shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear (Sa1 17:47), but can, when he pleases, save without either and against both, Psa 46:9. David addresses himself to this combat rather as a priest that was going to offer a sacrifice to the justice of God than as a soldier that was going to engage an enemy of his country.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
And the Philistine said to David: Am I a dog? etc. Whether you understand the power of the Savior or the wood of the cross, it refers to the same meaning. For the most arrogant enemy denies that he is like a dog, that is, despicable in work and weakness. Moreover, he denies that the patience of the Savior and the power to overcome him would be comparable to all those who pass through the life of this world, pursuing with dire, insane, furious, and barking, and tearing with bites. Let us see what he thinks about the adversary that has come forth. For he says to the Father: Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog (Psalm 22). But elsewhere he has also marked the members of the same adversary to be compared to dogs, when he says: It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs (Matthew 15). However, by ministering the children's bread to them, he converted many of the most shameless or rabid dogs into the most chaste and meek sheep.
And the Philistine cursed David by his gods, etc. The devil curses the living and true God when he does not fear to present as gods to mortals the spirits deceived by him and for this reason damned and to be damned to eternal fire. Furthermore, arguing against the spiritual men of the Church as if they belong to a carnal life, he boasts that they can be subdued by his own teachers, who are partly heavenly beings of angelic nature and partly mortals of earthly flesh, claiming that the members should be transferred. He also curses the body of the true David through heretics by his gods, teaching to prefer fabricated thoughts from his heart and forged in the worst fire over evangelical truth, which, teaching carnally, presume that they can overcome the statements or actions of the spiritual ones. Such things more fit the proud philosophers of the gentiles or certain barbarians (for to these, birds of the sky and beasts of the earth can be very fittingly compared) than the education and humility of the Church.
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Summary
1 Samuel 17:43 vividly portrays the Philistine giant Goliath's seething contempt and furious reaction to David's seemingly inadequate challenge. Goliath's rhetorical question, "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?" conveys profound disdain, equating David with an impure and worthless animal, utterly beneath a warrior's notice. His subsequent act of cursing David by his pagan gods underscores the deep spiritual dimension of the impending conflict, framing it not merely as a physical duel but as a cosmic clash between their respective deities and worldviews, setting the stage for God's dramatic demonstration of power.
Context
Literary Context
This pivotal verse is situated at the dramatic climax of the confrontation between David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. For forty days, Goliath had taunted the Israelite army, issuing a challenge for single combat that none dared to accept, as detailed in 1 Samuel 17:10. It is into this atmosphere of fear and paralysis that David, a young shepherd boy, steps forward. Having humbly refused King Saul's heavy armor, David approaches the battlefield armed only with his shepherd's staff, a sling, and five smooth stones. Goliath, anticipating a heavily armed champion, is utterly affronted by David's humble appearance and simple equipment, perceiving it as a grave insult to his formidable stature and warrior status. This perceived indignity provokes the enraged and contemptuous response recorded in 1 Samuel 17:43, intensifying the narrative tension by starkly contrasting Goliath's physical might and arrogance with David's apparent weakness and unwavering faith, thereby preparing the reader for God's miraculous intervention.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, the act of calling someone a "dog" was one of the most profound and dehumanizing insults imaginable. Dogs were generally viewed as scavengers, unclean animals, and pests, associated with impurity, aggression, and a complete lack of honor or dignity, unlike the revered status they might hold in other cultures or later periods. Goliath's question, therefore, was far from a casual remark; it was a deliberate and severe expression of his utter contempt for David, implying that David was less than human, certainly not a worthy opponent for a champion warrior. The mention of "staves" (though David likely had one staff, the plural emphasizes the perceived inadequacy) further highlights Goliath's disdain for David's seemingly un-military weaponry. Additionally, the practice of "cursing by his gods" was a common and significant ritual in ancient warfare. Battles were frequently perceived as contests between the gods of opposing nations, and invoking one's deities was believed to secure divine favor and power for one's side while bringing destruction upon the enemy. Goliath's gods likely included Dagon, Baal, or other prominent Philistine deities, and his curse was a direct challenge to the supremacy of the God of Israel.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly highlights the contrast between human pride and divine power. Goliath's colossal arrogance and his reliance on his formidable physical strength, weaponry, and pagan deities are set against David's humble appearance and his profound, unwavering faith in the living God. Goliath's insult, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:43, reveals his overconfidence and his inability to perceive divine strength beyond worldly might. Conversely, David's calm and faith-filled response, articulated in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, demonstrates his absolute trust in God alone. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of spiritual warfare. Goliath's act of cursing David by his gods elevates the conflict beyond a mere physical duel, portraying it as a cosmic clash between pagan idolatry and the one true God. The outcome of the battle would not only determine the fate of Israel and the Philistines but would also serve as a definitive demonstration of whose God was supreme, a theme central to the narrative of God's covenant people and His sovereign intervention.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
In ancient Israelite and Near Eastern culture, the term "dog" was overwhelmingly pejorative, used to denote impurity, worthlessness, and a complete lack of dignity or honor. Unlike some modern contexts where dogs are cherished companions, in the biblical world, they were often scavengers or wild animals, associated with uncleanness and aggression. Goliath's use of this term is not merely a casual insult but a profound expression of contempt, reducing David to the status of an animal, unworthy of a warrior's respect or a proper duel. It signifies Goliath's utter disdain and his belief that David is beneath his notice.
While the KJV uses the plural "staves," the Hebrew word often refers to a single shepherd's staff in this context. Regardless, Goliath's emphasis on the "staff" (or "sticks") highlights his scorn for David's apparent lack of proper military equipment. A staff was a tool for a shepherd, not a weapon for a soldier facing a heavily armored giant. Goliath expected a sword, spear, and shield, and David's simple staff was an affront to the established rules of combat and Goliath's own warrior status, further fueling his rage and contempt.
This verb signifies to be light, literally or figuratively, leading to meanings like to make contemptible or to curse. In this context, it means Goliath formally invoked the power of his deities (likely Dagon, Baal, or other Philistine gods) against David. This was a common practice in ancient warfare, where battles were often seen as contests between the gods of opposing nations. Goliath's curse was an attempt to bring divine judgment and destruction upon David, believing his gods would empower him and ensure David's defeat. It elevates the physical confrontation to a spiritual battlefield, indicating a clash of divine powers.
Verse Breakdown
"And the Philistine said unto David, [Am] I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?"
This clause reveals Goliath's initial reaction of utter shock, disbelief, and profound contempt. The rhetorical question is loaded with scorn, implying that David's approach with a mere staff is an insult to Goliath's immense stature, military prowess, and reputation. By equating himself with a "dog," Goliath emphasizes the perceived indignity and unworthiness of David as an opponent, suggesting that David is not even fit to be killed by a true warrior's weapon, but rather deserves the fate of a stray animal. It highlights Goliath's inflated sense of self-importance and his underestimation of David.
"And the Philistine cursed David by his gods."
This second clause escalates the confrontation from a physical and personal insult to a spiritual and cosmic challenge. Goliath is not merely expressing anger; he is invoking the power of his pagan deities to bring about David's destruction. This act signifies that Goliath views the battle as a contest between his gods and David's God, the Lord of Israel. It sets the stage for David's powerful counter-declaration in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, where he explicitly states his reliance on the name of the Lord of hosts, thereby framing the ensuing battle as a definitive demonstration of the supremacy of the one true God over all false deities.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question, "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?", which Goliath uses not to solicit an answer, but to express his outrage and contempt in the strongest possible terms, highlighting his perceived humiliation. This question functions as a powerful Insult/Invective, designed to dehumanize David and diminish him in the eyes of both armies, asserting Goliath's superior status and David's perceived worthlessness. There is also significant Dramatic Irony at play; Goliath's perception of David as weak and unworthy is precisely what allows David, empowered by God, to achieve a seemingly impossible victory. Goliath's profound underestimation of David, rooted in his overwhelming pride, directly leads to his catastrophic downfall. Furthermore, Goliath's curse by his gods serves as a form of Foreshadowing, indicating that the battle will be more than a physical contest; it will be a spiritual showdown between the Philistine pantheon and the God of Israel, whose power will be definitively demonstrated through David's unexpected triumph.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Goliath's outburst in 1 Samuel 17:43 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human pride and the sovereignty of God. Goliath, relying entirely on his physical might, formidable armor, and the supposed power of his gods, embodies the epitome of human arrogance that dares to challenge divine authority. His contempt for David, rooted in David's humble appearance and seemingly inadequate weaponry, mirrors humanity's pervasive tendency to dismiss God's chosen instruments because they do not conform to worldly expectations of power, prestige, or strength. This verse masterfully sets up the ultimate demonstration that "the battle is the Lord's" 1 Samuel 17:47, and that God delights in using the weak, foolish, and despised things of the world to shame the strong and wise 1 Corinthians 1:27-29. The spiritual dimension of Goliath's curse highlights that true power resides not in pagan deities or human might, but solely in the living God who alone delivers and brings salvation.
Reflection and Application
Goliath's contemptuous question and his subsequent curse resonate deeply with the challenges and criticisms believers frequently encounter in their lives. We often face "giants" in various forms—overwhelming obstacles, dismissive voices, or seemingly insurmountable problems that belittle our efforts, mock our faith, or question our worth. This verse serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that our intrinsic worth and our true strength are never determined by human perception, worldly standards, or the scorn of our adversaries. Like David, we may be underestimated, ridiculed, or dismissed when we choose to step out in faith, relying not on our own limited abilities but on God's limitless power and sovereign might. Goliath's overwhelming pride and self-reliance ultimately led to his spectacular downfall, while David's profound humility and unwavering trust in the Lord led to an astonishing victory. This narrative challenges us to critically examine where we place our trust: is it in our own resources, our perceived strengths, or in the boundless, unfailing power of God? It also calls us to recognize the pervasive spiritual dimension of many of our struggles, understanding that some battles are fought not merely against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, requiring divine intervention and a steadfast reliance on the Lord of hosts.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was calling someone a "dog" such a severe insult in ancient Israelite culture?
In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, dogs were generally viewed with disdain. They were often wild, scavenging animals associated with impurity, aggression, and a lack of dignity. Unlike their domesticated roles in some modern societies, they were not typically cherished companions but rather pests or symbols of the lowest social strata. To call someone a "dog" was to equate them with the most despised and unclean creatures, stripping them of their human dignity and honor. It implied they were worthless, contemptible, and fit only for a shameful death. Goliath's insult was designed to utterly dehumanize David and convey his profound disdain, suggesting David was not even worthy of a warrior's blade but rather the fate of a stray animal.
What was the significance of Goliath cursing David by his gods?
In the ancient Near East, battles were often perceived as contests not just between armies, but between the gods of those nations. When Goliath cursed David by his gods (likely prominent Philistine deities like Dagon or Baal), he was invoking their power and authority to bring destruction upon David. This was a common practice, believed to secure divine favor for one's own side and ensure the enemy's defeat. Goliath's curse elevated the physical duel into a spiritual confrontation, making it clear that the ensuing battle would be a test of whose God was supreme. This act directly set the stage for David's powerful counter-declaration in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, where he explicitly proclaimed that he came in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, turning the battle into a definitive demonstration of the one true God's sovereignty over all false deities.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Goliath's contemptuous curse against David by his pagan gods finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reversal in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as David, an unassuming shepherd boy, was despised and ridiculed by the mighty Goliath, so too was Jesus, the humble Lamb of God, "despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" Isaiah 53:3. The world, with its systems of power, pride, and human wisdom, saw no beauty, might, or kingly stature in Him, much like Goliath saw only a "dog" in David. Yet, it was precisely through this seemingly weak, cursed, and crucified figure that God achieved His greatest and most decisive victory. On the cross, Christ willingly became a "curse for us" Galatians 3:13, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and the righteous condemnation of God—a far greater curse than any Goliath could ever invoke. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus triumphed definitively over all the "principalities and powers" Colossians 2:15, disarming and making a public spectacle of the spiritual forces that had held humanity captive under sin and death. He defeated the ultimate "giant"—sin, death, and Satan—not with human weapons, worldly might, or outward display of power, but through humble obedience, self-sacrificial love, and divine power, demonstrating that the battle truly belongs to the Lord and that His victory is secured through apparent weakness. Just as David's unexpected victory brought salvation and deliverance to Israel, Christ's victory on the cross brings eternal salvation and liberation to all who believe, profoundly fulfilling the promise that God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the strong 1 Corinthians 1:27.