And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!”
Comment: Sizing up David’s physical stature, and possibly remembering him as but a young musician, Saul initially doubts David’s suitability and ability to face Goliath. Thus David is forced to give his curriculum vitae to justify his preparedness to face this huge giant. He talks about bears and lions and his experience of winning against them, which, quite frankly is pretty impressive. Then he sees Goliath as no more than an uncircumcised enemy of God. The God whom he knows he can trust! Saul is convinced and sends David out, with the blessings of God showered on his head and shoulders. You can’t help wondering if Saul approves of him because he has no alternative!
Prayer: When I dream I fancy myself with the faith of David or Daniel or some of the other Bible heroes. Please help me to be faithful in what and where You call me to live for You.
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your comments on this passage. It is obvious that young David is very, very strong, to have killed lions and bears. I think of athletic men today, who go to the gym to get fit, and build up their muscles. I wonder how they would cope if a lion or a bear attacked them? David also trust in the Lord God, which is an added bonus for with God all things are possible. The little word “paw” of the lion, and “paw” of the bear, and then the “hand” of this uncircumcised Philistine, is interesting to me. David uses the image of the lion’s paw, and the bear’s paw, and then the “hand” of Goliath. These are the “weapons” which each one uses. But David’s weapon is mightier than these because he has the “Hand of God” with him. God bless you.
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