1 Samuel 17:46

KJV

This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

This day {H3117} will the LORD {H3068} deliver {H5462} thee into mine hand {H3027}; and I will smite {H5221} thee, and take {H5493} thine head {H7218} from thee; and I will give {H5414} the carcases {H6297} of the host {H4264} of the Philistines {H6430} this day {H3117} unto the fowls {H5775} of the air {H8064}, and to the wild beasts {H2416} of the earth {H776}; that all the earth {H776} may know {H3045} that there is {H3426} a God {H430} in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Today ADONAI will hand you over to me. I will attack you, lop your head off, and give the carcasses of the army of the P'lishtim to the birds in the air and the animals in the land. Then all the land will know that there is a God in Isra'el,

Berean Standard Bible

This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.

American Standard Version

This day will Jehovah deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from off thee; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day unto the birds of the heavens, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 17:46, David, facing the Philistine giant Goliath, boldly declares his unwavering confidence that the LORD will deliver Goliath into his hand. He prophesies Goliath's defeat and the subsequent destruction of the Philistine army, all with the explicit purpose that the entire world might recognize the unique and living reality of the God of Israel. This declaration encapsulates David's profound faith, his zeal for God's honor, and the theological core of the narrative: that true power and victory belong to the Sovereign God, not to human might or impressive stature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of David's defiant verbal exchange with Goliath, immediately following David's powerful declaration in [1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Declaration of Faith") that he comes against the giant "in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel." The narrative has meticulously built up the tension, introducing Goliath's intimidating challenge for forty days, the paralyzing fear of King Saul and the Israelite army, and David's unexpected arrival and righteous indignation. David's words in verse 46 are not mere bravado but a prophetic utterance rooted in his prior experiences of divine deliverance while protecting his flock ([1 Samuel 17:34-37](/1_samuel/17-34 "1 Samuel 17:34-37 - David's Past Victories")). This declaration sets the stage for the swift and decisive victory that follows, demonstrating the immediate fulfillment of David's faith-filled words.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The encounter between David and Goliath reflects the practice of "champion warfare" common in the ancient Near East, where two armies would send out their strongest warriors to fight, with the outcome determining the victor of the larger conflict, thus minimizing casualties. The Philistines, a formidable Sea People who had settled along the coast, were a constant military threat to Israel, possessing superior iron weaponry and military organization. Goliath, described as over nine feet tall and heavily armored, was a terrifying embodiment of this threat. David's challenge, therefore, was not just a personal duel but a proxy battle for the very existence and honor of Israel and its God. The Philistines worshipped gods like Dagon, while Israel worshipped Yahweh, the covenant God. The outcome would be seen as a divine judgment, revealing which deity was truly supreme, a concept central to ancient worldviews.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes converging in this verse are **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, highlighting that God is the true actor in history, intervening powerfully on behalf of His people. David's complete reliance on the LORD underscores the theme of **Faith Over Sight**, where a young, unarmed shepherd confronts a seasoned warrior, not by his own strength but by an unwavering trust in God's power ([Hebrews 11:32-34](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32-34 - Faith of the Prophets and Heroes")). Furthermore, the explicit declaration "that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel" emphasizes the theme of **God's Glory and Testimony**. This victory was not merely for Israel's national security but to reveal Yahweh's unique identity and power to the surrounding nations, demonstrating His supremacy over all other gods and His active presence among His chosen people, a motif seen throughout the Old Testament, from the plagues in Egypt to the exodus account in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Name Proclaimed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational, and self-existent nature. David's use of "the LORD" (KJV) signifies that he is not appealing to a generic deity but to the specific, living God who has a covenant relationship with Israel, the God who has historically intervened on behalf of His people. It underscores God's faithfulness to His promises and His active presence in the affairs of His people.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** This verb means "to give, place, set, allow, appoint, commit." In this context, it signifies God's active handing over of Goliath into David's power. It's not a passive allowance but an intentional, sovereign act of divine transfer. David asserts that the victory is not his own doing but a direct act of God's will and power, demonstrating God's complete control over the outcome of the battle.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yāda'_):** This word implies more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes an experiential, relational, and often revelatory knowledge. When David declares "that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel," he means that through this miraculous victory, the nations will come to experientially acknowledge the unique reality, power, and supremacy of Yahweh, the God who actively dwells among and fights for His people, in stark contrast to the impotent idols of the Philistines.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand;":** David begins with an immediate and absolute declaration of divine intervention. The phrase "this day" emphasizes the certainty and imminence of God's action. David's confidence is not in his own strength or skill but entirely in the sovereign power of the LORD, who will actively "deliver" Goliath, placing him under David's authority and control. This statement immediately shifts the focus from a human contest to a divine one.
* **"and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee;":** Following the divine act of deliverance, David outlines the physical consequences for Goliath. "Smite thee" indicates a decisive blow, and "take thine head from thee" explicitly predicts beheading, a graphic but common practice in ancient warfare to confirm victory and humiliate the enemy. This shows David's full commitment to executing God's will and his understanding of the complete nature of the victory God will grant.
* **"and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth;":** David extends his prophecy beyond Goliath to the entire Philistine army. He predicts their utter defeat and the gruesome fate of their unburied corpses, left as carrion. This was a severe dishonor in ancient cultures, signifying a complete and humiliating rout. The phrase "this day" again underscores the immediate and total nature of the impending judgment upon the Philistines.
* **"that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and theological significance of the battle. David's primary motivation is not personal glory or even merely national victory, but the universal recognition of Yahweh's supremacy. The victory over Goliath and the Philistines is intended to be a global testimony, demonstrating to all nations that the God of Israel is the one true, living, and powerful God, actively present and sovereign in the world, unlike the false gods worshipped by other peoples.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 17:46 is rich with literary devices that amplify its power and meaning. **Prophetic Declaration** is central, as David speaks with the authority of a divine messenger, foretelling the precise outcome of the battle. His words are not merely boastful but are framed as a divinely inspired pronouncement. **Hyperbole**, while perhaps not strictly present in the outcome, is certainly used in the prediction of the Philistine army's carcasses being given to "all the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth," emphasizing the totality of their defeat. **Contrast** is a pervasive theme throughout the chapter and culminates here: the contrast between Goliath's physical might and David's spiritual power, between human fear and divine courage, and between the impotence of pagan gods and the living reality of the God of Israel. The verse also employs **Repetition** of "this day," reinforcing the immediacy and certainty of the prophesied events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's declaration in 1 Samuel 17:46 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that true victory and deliverance come from God alone, not from human strength or military might. It underscores God's active involvement in human history, His commitment to His covenant people, and His ultimate desire for His glory to be known throughout the earth. This event serves as a powerful testament to the fact that God often chooses the weak and unlikely to accomplish His purposes, thereby ensuring that the glory redounds to Him alone. It is a foundational narrative for understanding divine sovereignty and the call to audacious faith in the face of overwhelming odds.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the LORD")
* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The LORD Fights for You")
* [Isaiah 45:5-6](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5-6 - God is One, There is No Other")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's bold declaration in 1 Samuel 17:46 offers a timeless blueprint for confronting the "Goliaths" in our own lives—whether they are overwhelming challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or spiritual adversaries. It calls us to shift our gaze from the magnitude of the problem to the omnipotence of our God. Like David, our confidence should not be rooted in our own abilities, resources, or past successes, but solely in the LORD's power to deliver. This verse challenges us to live lives that are not just privately faithful but publicly demonstrative of God's reality. Our responses to life's trials, our unwavering trust in God's promises, and our willingness to step out in faith can serve as a powerful testimony to a watching world, "that all the earth may know that there is a God." It encourages us to speak with prophetic certainty, believing that God will fulfill His word and use our obedience to reveal His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Goliath" are you facing today, and where is your confidence primarily placed?**
* **How does your response to challenges demonstrate to others "that there is a God in Israel" (or that God is real and active in your life)?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to make a bold, faith-filled declaration, trusting God for the outcome?**

### FAQ
**Was David being arrogant or boastful in his declaration?**

Answer: No, David's declaration was not born of arrogance or personal boastfulness, but of profound faith and zeal for God's honor. His words were a prophetic utterance, confidently proclaiming what God would do through him. Throughout the narrative, David consistently deflects glory from himself, attributing all power and victory to the LORD. His statement in [1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Preceding Declaration") explicitly states he comes "in the name of the LORD of hosts." The ultimate purpose of his actions, as stated in verse 46, was "that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel," not that David was a great warrior. This distinguishes his confidence from human pride, rooting it firmly in divine power and purpose.

**Why did David mention giving the Philistine carcasses to the birds and beasts?**

Answer: David's mention of the Philistine carcasses being left for scavengers was a common and deeply humiliating consequence of defeat in ancient warfare. To be left unburied was a grave dishonor, denying the fallen warrior a proper burial and the dignity associated with it. This prophecy served multiple purposes: it underscored the totality and certainty of the Philistines' defeat, it was a direct insult and challenge to Goliath and his army, and it demonstrated David's understanding that God's judgment would be complete, leaving no doubt about the outcome of the battle and the supremacy of Israel's God. It was a stark visual prophecy of utter destruction and humiliation for the enemies of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's victory over Goliath, powerfully declared in 1 Samuel 17:46, serves as a profound Old Testament type of Christ's ultimate triumph over the forces of evil. Just as David, an unlikely and humble shepherd, confronted the seemingly invincible giant to deliver Israel, so too did Jesus, the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), confront the ultimate "Goliath" of sin, death, and the devil. David declared, "This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand," foreshadowing Christ's own confident declaration of victory over the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He defeated the one who holds the power of death, the devil, setting free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). The ultimate purpose of David's victory was "that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel"; similarly, Christ's victory on the cross and resurrection ensures that God's glory and His unique identity as the Savior of the world are proclaimed to "every nation, tribe, people and language" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude Before the Throne")), demonstrating that indeed, there is a God, and His name is Jesus Christ, the victorious Son of David.

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

Isaiah 52:10

The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Joshua 4:24

That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it [is] mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.

2 Kings 19:19

Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD God, [even] thou only.

1 Kings 8:43

Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

Deuteronomy 28:26

And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray [them] away.

Daniel 6:26

I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he [is] the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion [shall be even] unto the end.

Daniel 6:27

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.