1 Samuel 17:36

36 I have killed lions and bears, and I will do the same to this heathen Philistine, who has defied the army of the living God.

1 Samuel 17:36 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 17:36

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear
At different times, and several of them at one time or another; whenever any of them came into the flock, he used to lay hold on them and kill them, with all the ease imaginable. The Jews suppose this phrase denotes many of them ^F8.

And this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them;
as he was like them in nature, savage, cruel and unclean, so he would be in his end, killed as they; of this David was fully persuaded and assured in mind having an impulse from the Spirit of God, by which he was certified of it:

seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God;
so that as he justly deserved to die, he made no doubt of it it would be his case.

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FOOTNOTES:

F8 See Halicot Olam, p. 177.

1 Samuel 17:36 In-Context

34 "Your Majesty," David said, "I take care of my father's sheep. Any time a lion or a bear carries off a lamb,

35 I go after it, attack it, and rescue the lamb. And if the lion or bear turns on me, I grab it by the throat and beat it to death.

36 I have killed lions and bears, and I will do the same to this heathen Philistine, who has defied the army of the living God.

37 The Lord has saved me from lions and bears; he will save me from this Philistine." "All right," Saul answered. "Go, and the Lord be with you."

38 He gave his own armor to David for him to wear: a bronze helmet, which he put on David's head, and a coat of armor.