When the words were heard which David spoke, they rehearsed them before Saul; and he sent for him.
David responded that if that was the criterion Saul wanted to use, he had already defeated two formidable beasts (1 Samuel 17:34). However, David’s real confidence lay in the fact that Goliath had set himself against the living God (1 Samuel 17:36). David viewed Goliath as just another predator that was threatening the safety of God’s flock, Israel, and the reputation of Israel’s God. [Note: See T. A. Boogaart, "History and Drama in the Story of David and Goliath," Reformed Review 38 (1985):209.] He gave credit to God for allowing him to kill the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:37). The same faith in Yahweh had inspired Jonathan’s deed of valor (1 Samuel 14:6). Saul again showed that he trusted in material things for success by arming David as he did (1 Samuel 17:38). Gordon wrote that Saul tried to turn David into an armadillo. [Note: Gordon, p. 157.] David preferred the simple weapon that he could handle best (1 Samuel 17:40).