1 Samuel 17:40 - Meaning and Application

We are now drawing near to this famous battle, and these verses show the preparations and warnings on both sides.

I. The preparations on both sides for the fight. The Philistine was already in place, as he had been every day for the past forty days. It was fitting that he came with his armor, since he had already tested it enough. We are also told (1 Samuel 17:41) that he came forward and drew near. This was likely the signal that his challenge had been accepted. As if he still did not fully trust his helmet and coat of mail, a man went ahead of him carrying his shield, because his own hands were busy with his sword and spear (1 Samuel 17:45). But what weapons did David have? Truly none except what he brought as a shepherd. He had no breastplate or armor, only his plain shepherd’s coat. He had no spear, only his staff. He had no sword or bow, only his sling. He had no quiver, only his bag. And instead of arrows, he had five smooth stones from the brook (1 Samuel 17:40). This showed that his confidence rested only in God’s power, not in any strength of his own. At last, the one who put it into his heart to fight the Philistine also showed him what weapons to use.

II. The conversation before the battle gives us more to notice.

1. Goliath was very proud. He showed his scorn for his opponent (1 Samuel 17:42). He looked around, expecting some tall, strong man, but when he saw the lowly figure he was facing, he despised him. He thought it was beneath him to fight such a boy, because the weakness of the champion would make his own victory seem less glorious. He noticed David’s age, that he was only a youth and not yet fully grown, with a healthy red face and fair features. To Goliath, David looked more fit to join the maidens of Israel in their dances, if such dancing was then practiced, than to lead Israel’s men in battle. He also looked at David’s clothing with great anger (1 Samuel 17:43): “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” In effect, he asked whether David thought he could beat him as easily as he could drive off a shepherd’s dog.

Goliath also showed how sure he was that he would win. He cursed David by his gods, calling on his lifeless idols to bring harm to him. He thought these empty threats would secure his victory. So he kept making fierce faces and threats, as if words alone could kill (1 Samuel 17:44): “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds and wild animals.” He spoke as though David’s body would be a fine feast for them. This is how the self-confidence and foolish pride of the wicked bring about their downfall.

2. David was very godly. His words show no boastfulness at all, only a heart full of God (1 Samuel 17:45-47). He begins by saying that his authority comes from God: “I come against you in the name of the Lord.” In other words, he came by heaven’s command and with God’s backing. The Lord had called him and anointed him for this task, and by his rule over all things he is the Lord of hosts, the Lord of all armies. So he has power to do whatever he wills. By his special covenant love, he is also the God of Israel’s armies, and therefore he has bound himself to protect them and to oppose the one who has insulted them.

David relied on God’s name, just as Goliath relied on his sword and spear. See (Psalm 20:7; Psalm 118:10-11). He also depended on God for the victory (1 Samuel 17:46). David spoke with the same confidence Goliath had shown, but his confidence rested on a better foundation. It was faith that said, “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand,” and not only Goliath, but also the bodies of the Philistine army, would be given to the birds and beasts of prey.

David gave all the praise and honor to God. He did not seek his own fame, as Goliath did, but God’s glory. He was sure that this victory would make the whole world know that there is a God, and that the God of Israel is the one true, living God. All other claimed gods are nothing but lies and emptiness. He also knew that all Israel, whom he calls not this army, but this assembly, or church, would learn that the Lord does not save by sword and spear (1 Samuel 17:47). When he chooses, he can save without either, and even against both (Psalm 46:9). David went into this battle more like a priest offering a sacrifice to God’s justice than like a soldier simply fighting an enemy of his country.