1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
Chapter 17
Saul told David: “You cannot fight with this Philistine, for you are still young, whereas this man has been a warrior from his youth.”
David continued: “The Lord, who delivered me from the paws of lions and bears, will deliver me from the hands of the Philistine. ”Saul told David: “Go, and may the Lord be with you!”
took his staff, picked up five smooth stones from the brook, and dropped them inside his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he drew near to the Philistine.
The Philistine moved forward, closing in on David, his shield-bearer in front of him.
When he saw that David was only a lad (of fresh complexion and handsome), he despised him
and said: “Am I a dog that you should approach me with a stick?”Cursing David by his gods,
continued: “Come, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field!”
David answered the Philistine: “You have come against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you with the Lord, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
The Lord will deliver you this day into my hands, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. I will give the corpses of the Philistine army today to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, and all the earth shall know that there is a God of Israel.
All the people gathered here shall know that the Lord saves not by sword or spear; the battle belongs to the Lord, and he will deliver you into our hands.”
No sooner had the Philistine moved to attack him than David rushed to the battleground.
Putting his hand into his bag, he took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on the forehead; it penetrated his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.
David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, felling him without using a sword.
He rushed forward, stood over him, took the Philistine’s sword, and slew him by cutting off his head. When the Philistines saw their champion dead, they scattered in all directions.
Commentaries
David and Goliath.
The story of David and Goliath presents some challenges. First, the account overlooks everything that came before; Saul is not yet acquainted with David. Second, according to 2 Samuel 21:19, it is Elhanan of Bethlehem, one of David’s warriors, who kills the Philistine Goliath of Gath. Some might see this as a victory for David over a Philistine soldier whom tradition has confused with someone else.
The victory over Goliath is referenced in 19:5; 21:10; 22:10.13. Despite the difficulties, the author of the book was right to keep this chapter: it is a classic story where the contrast between the warrior and the shepherd is prominent. The pastoral image of David serves as the central theme of the episode. The shepherd motif has two parts: on one side, the focus on his small stature and youth (14:28; 33:43.55.56); on the other, divine support. Additionally, this motif carries deep symbolic meaning. The shepherd cares for his sheep and protects them from wild animals; similarly, the king should care for his people and defend them from enemies—king/shepherd, people/flock, enemy/wild animals. Saul fails to do his duty, but David succeeds, showing his ability to lead. The shepherd looks after the people and defends them from their enemies.