John Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:34

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

And David said unto Saul, etc.] In answer to his objection of inability to encounter with one so superior to him; and this answer is founded on experience and facts, and shows that he was not so weak and inexpert as Saul took him to be: thy servant kept his father’s sheep; which he was not ashamed to own, and especially as it furnished him with an stance of his courage, bravery, and success, and which would be convincing to Saul: and there came a lion and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock; not that they came together; though Kimchi so interprets it, “a lion with a bear”; but these are creatures that do not use to go together; and besides, both could not be said with propriety to take one and the same lamb out of the flock: to which may be added, that David in (<091735>1 Samuel 17:35) speaks only of one, out of whose mouth he took the lamb; wherefore the words may be rendered, “a lion or a bear” f373; and if the copulative “and” is retained, the meaning can only be, that at different times they would come and take a lamb, a lion at one time, and a bear at another.

Read 1 Samuel 17:34 →Read the full chapter →Jamieson, Fausset & Brown →Barnes' Notes →Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge →

How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.