David attributed his success against lions and bears not to his own skill or luck but to the hand of the Lord. He trusted that the Lord would also help him in the fight against Goliath.1 This trust was not primarily based on his experience but rather on the Lord’s promises (see Deuteronomy 20:1–4) and the fact that Goliath stood opposed to his and God's King (see Psalm 2:2).2 The Lord had identified himself with the people of Israel and so he was not indifferent to slurs on his reputation;3 he would act to help his servants and bring glory to his name.
36 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.”