1 Samuel 17:43
1 Samuel 17:43 in Multiple Translations
“Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you come out to me with sticks? And the Philistine put curses on David by all his gods.
“Do you think I'm a dog, coming to fight me with a stick?” the Philistine asked David, and he cursed David by his gods.
And the Philistim sayde vnto Dauid, Am I a dog, that thou commest to me with staues? And the Philistim cursed Dauid by his gods.
And the Philistine saith unto David, 'Am I a dog that thou art coming unto me with staves?' and the Philistine revileth David by his gods,
The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” The Philistine cursed David by his gods.
And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staffs? and the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
And the Philistine said to David: Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with a staff? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
He said to David, “Are you coming to me with a stick because you think that I am a dog?” Then he called out to his gods to harm David.
Why are you coming at me with a stick? Do you think I’m a dog? All right, come. I will kill you dead, so the birds and the wild animals can eat your body. I will kill you dead properly.” And he called out to his gods and told them to curse David.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:43
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 17:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּי֙
אֶל
דָּוִ֔ד
הֲ/כֶ֣לֶב
אָנֹ֔כִי
כִּֽי
אַתָּ֥ה
בָֽא
אֵלַ֖/י
בַּ/מַּקְל֑וֹת
וַ/יְקַלֵּ֧ל
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י
אֶת
דָּוִ֖ד
בֵּ/אלֹהָֽי/ו
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּי֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Art | Ngmsa
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
הֲ/כֶ֣לֶב
keleb
H3611
dog
Part | N-ms
אָנֹ֔כִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בַּ/מַּקְל֑וֹת
maqqêl
H4731
rod
Prep | N-mp
וַ/יְקַלֵּ֧ל
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Art | Ngmsa
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בֵּ/אלֹהָֽי/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:43
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּי֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Art | Ngmsa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
הֲ/כֶ֣לֶב
keleb
H3611
"dog"
Part | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
אָנֹ֔כִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בַּ/מַּקְל֑וֹת
maqqêl
H4731
"rod"
Prep | N-mp
A rod or staff, like a walking stick, is used for support or guidance in the Bible, as seen in Exodus with Moses' staff. It can also be a symbol of authority. The word appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) rod, staff 1a) rod, stick 1b) staff (in travel) 1c) wand (of diviner)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: rod, (hand-)staff. See also: Genesis 30:37; 1 Samuel 17:43; Jeremiah 1:11.
וַ/יְקַלֵּ֧ל
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
הַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛י
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Art | Ngmsa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בֵּ/אלֹהָֽי/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:43
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 17:43 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:43
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:43
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:43
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:43
Context — David Slays Goliath
41Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him.
42When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome.
43“Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44“Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” 45But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 9:8 | Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 3:8 | Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 24:14 | Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 16:9 | Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” |
| 5 | Genesis 27:29 | May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 26:2 | Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 8:13 | “But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.” |
| 8 | Numbers 22:6 | So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.” |
| 9 | Judges 9:27 | And after they had gone out into the fields, gathered grapes from their vineyards, and trodden them, they held a festival and went into the house of their god; and as they ate and drank, they cursed Abimelech. |
| 10 | Numbers 22:11–12 | ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’” But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” |
1 Samuel 17:43 Summary
In 1 Samuel 17:43, the Philistine is angry and insulted that David is coming at him with just a stick, and he curses David using the names of his false gods. This shows how proud and arrogant the Philistine is, and how he underestimates David because of his youth and appearance. But as we see in the rest of the story, God is with David and gives him the victory, just like He promises to be with us when we trust in Him, as in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5. This verse reminds us that God can use anyone, no matter how weak or unlikely they may seem, to accomplish great things, as in 1 Corinthians 1:27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistine compare himself to a dog in 1 Samuel 17:43?
The Philistine compared himself to a dog because he felt that David was treating him as if he were a lowly, contemptible creature by coming at him with sticks, rather than with the respect and weaponry worthy of a warrior, as seen in his boastful words in 1 Samuel 17:44.
What does it mean for the Philistine to curse David by his gods in 1 Samuel 17:43?
When the Philistine cursed David by his gods, he was invoking the names of his pagan deities to bring harm or misfortune upon David, which is similar to the way Balak tried to curse the Israelites in Numbers 22-24, but ultimately, the power of the one true God prevailed as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
How does the Philistine's reaction to David reflect his character in 1 Samuel 17:43?
The Philistine's reaction to David, including his contempt and cursing, reveals his pride, arrogance, and lack of fear for the God of Israel, which is a stark contrast to David's humility and trust in the Lord as expressed in 1 Samuel 17:45.
What can we learn from the Philistine's underestimation of David in 1 Samuel 17:43?
The Philistine's underestimation of David serves as a reminder that God often uses the unlikely and the weak to accomplish great things, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27, and that we should not judge others based on outward appearances, but rather look to the power and wisdom of God at work in them.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when others underestimate or belittle me, and what can I learn from David's example in this situation?
- In what ways do I trust in my own strength and abilities, rather than relying on the power of God, and how can I shift my focus to Him?
- What are some areas in my life where I am facing 'giants' or seemingly insurmountable challenges, and how can I apply the principles of 1 Samuel 17:43-47 to trust in God's power and provision?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and power in my life, so that I can face challenges with confidence and faith, like David did in 1 Samuel 17:45?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:43
And the Philistine said unto David, [am] I a dog?.... Truly David did not think him much better, because of his impudence, impurity, and barking blasphemy against God, and the armies of Israel; the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:43
And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
With staves, i.e. with a staff; the plural number for the singular; as 46:7. The Philistine cursed David; he prayed that his god Dagon, and Ashtaroth, &c., would destroy him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
1 Samuel 17:43 And the Philistine said unto David, [Am] I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.Ver. 43. Am I a dog?] No, not so good as a dog, said David, very stoutly and sternly, if Josephus may be believed; and this so maddened the Philistine, that he cursed him, saying, Dagon destroy thee, or, The devil take thee: but David knew that cursing men are cursed men. He remembered likely the promise made to Abraham, "I will bless them that bless thee, and I will curse him that curseth thee." Basil of Selencia bringeth in David hereupon, saying, Maledicam inimici linguam victoriae pignus teneo, I take Goliath’ s curse for a pledge of victory. "Let him curse, Lord, but do thou bless," &c. Had David taken him for any better, he would never have come out with a staff and a stone. Orat. 15.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
(43) Am I a dog?—The Philistine warrior—as the shepherd boy, all unarmed, drew near—rose apparently, for he was seated, as was often the custom with these heavily-clad warriors of antiquity when not actually engaged in combat, and coming towards David, taunted him and his cause with the most contemptuous expressions. “Am I a dog,” he asked—and dogs are animals held in many parts of the East in great contempt—“that you come against me with sticks and staves?” The LXX. missed the force of this plural “of contempt,” and altering the text, translates “with staff and with stones.” By his gods.—This should be rendered by his God. No doubt the idolator here made use of the sacred Name, so dear to every believing Israelite, thus defying the Eternal of Hosts.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
Verse 43. Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?] It is very likely that Goliath did not perceive the sling, which David might have kept coiled up within his hand. Cursed David by his gods.] Prayed his gods to curse him. This long parley between David and Goliath is quite in the style of those times. A Hindoo sometimes in a fit of anger says to his enemy, The goddess Kalee shall devour thee! May Doorga destroy thee! Homer's heroes have generally an altercation before they engage; and sometimes enter into geographical and genealogical discussions, and vaunt and scold most contemptibly.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:43
43. Am I a dog] The Sept. (B) reads: “Am I a dog that thou comest to me with a staff and stones? And David said, Nay but worse than a dog.”
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:43
43-47. Such parleying and threats as these verses record were common in ancient times between contending heroes. Numerous examples may be found in Homer.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:43
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Studies in Jonah 01 a Worshipping Prophet by James R. Cochrane | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and highlights the concept of being alive yet spiritually dead. He explains that the Hebrews used the words "life" and "d |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 121 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to extraordinary messages from God. He uses the example of David going through a valley of humiliation and choos |
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(Genesis) Genesis 27:18-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible. He emphasizes that God had already blessed Jacob, but Jacob still sought his father's blessing. J |
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(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations |
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Jude: Last Days - Balaam 2 by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the love of Christ to be present in the world. He believes that until people have Christ's love in their hearts towards one ano |
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What the Spirit Says: Smyrna & Pergamum - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Balak and Balaam from the book of Numbers. Balak, the king of Moab, wanted to curse God's people but was unable to do so because |
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Kingdom in Crisis - Part 2 by Dean Taylor | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the discussions that have taken place and emphasizes the importance of applying the teachings to everyday life. The s |