1 Samuel 17:34

David replied, "Your servant has been tending his father's sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock,

Study Bible

But David said to Saul
This phrase introduces David's response to King Saul, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in biblical history. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often conveys not just speaking but declaring or affirming with authority. David, though young, speaks with confidence and assurance, a testament to his faith and the divine calling on his life. This moment is significant as it marks the beginning of David's rise from shepherd to king, illustrating the biblical theme that God often chooses the unlikely to fulfill His purposes.

Your servant
David refers to himself as "your servant," demonstrating humility and respect towards Saul, the anointed king of Israel. The Hebrew word for "servant" is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which can mean servant, slave, or bondman. This term reflects David's acknowledgment of his position and his willingness to serve, a characteristic that defines his early life and leadership. It also foreshadows the servant leadership model that Jesus Christ would later exemplify.

has been tending his father’s sheep
David's role as a shepherd is central to his identity and preparation for future leadership. The Hebrew word for "tending" is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), meaning to pasture, tend, or shepherd. This role required vigilance, courage, and care, qualities that David would later apply as king. Shepherding is a recurring biblical metaphor for leadership, emphasizing guidance, protection, and provision, as seen in Psalm 23, where the Lord is depicted as the ultimate Shepherd.

When a lion or a bear came
The mention of a "lion" and a "bear" highlights the real and present dangers David faced while tending the sheep. These predators symbolize formidable challenges and adversaries. The Hebrew words "אַרְיֵה" (aryeh) for lion and "דֹּב" (dov) for bear emphasize the ferocity and strength of these animals. David's encounters with such threats illustrate his bravery and reliance on God's strength, prefiguring his confrontation with Goliath and the spiritual battles believers face.

and carried off a lamb from the flock
The phrase "carried off a lamb" underscores the vulnerability of the sheep and the responsibility of the shepherd. The Hebrew word for "carried off" is "נָשָׂא" (nasa), meaning to lift, carry, or take away. This action signifies the loss and danger that David had to confront. The "lamb" represents innocence and the need for protection, echoing the sacrificial imagery found throughout Scripture, ultimately pointing to Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. David's protective actions foreshadow the redemptive work of Christ, who rescues His flock from the clutches of sin and death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy who would later become the king of Israel. At this point in the account, David is demonstrating his courage and faithfulness in protecting his father's sheep.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is hesitant to allow David to face Goliath. Saul represents the established authority and the human perspective of fear and doubt.

3. Lion and Bear
These animals symbolize the real and present dangers that David faced while tending sheep. They represent challenges that require courage and reliance on God.

4. Father’s Sheep
The flock that David is responsible for, symbolizing his duty and faithfulness in small things, which prepares him for greater responsibilities.

5. The Event
David recounts his past experiences of protecting the sheep from predators, illustrating his bravery and trust in God’s deliverance.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Small Things
David’s commitment to protecting his father’s sheep demonstrates the importance of being faithful in small tasks. This faithfulness prepares us for greater responsibilities in God’s kingdom.

Courage in the Face of Danger
David’s willingness to confront lions and bears shows that true courage comes from trusting in God’s strength rather than our own.

Preparation for Greater Challenges
God often uses our current circumstances to prepare us for future challenges. David’s experiences as a shepherd equipped him to face Goliath.

Trust in God’s Deliverance
David’s confidence in God’s past deliverance from lions and bears strengthens his faith to face Goliath. Remembering God’s past faithfulness can bolster our trust in Him during present trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David’s experience as a shepherd prepare him for his encounter with Goliath, and what does this teach us about God’s preparation in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness in the "small things" in our lives, and how might this prepare us for greater responsibilities?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced a "lion" or "bear" in your life. How did God deliver you, and how can this experience strengthen your faith in current challenges?

4. How does the imagery of a shepherd caring for his sheep deepen our understanding of God’s role as our Shepherd, as seen in Psalm 23 and John 10?

5. What practical steps can we take to cultivate courage and trust in God when facing daunting challenges, drawing from David’s example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 23
David, as a shepherd, later writes this psalm, reflecting his understanding of God as the ultimate Shepherd who protects and provides for His people.

John 10:11-15
Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, drawing a parallel to David’s role as a shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.

Matthew 25:21
The parable of the talents emphasizes faithfulness in small responsibilities, which aligns with David’s faithfulness in tending his father’s sheep.