Topical Bible: Lion: Killed by David

◄ Lion: Killed by David ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of David killing a lion is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the young shepherd's courage, faith, and divine protection. This episode is primarily recounted in the context of David's preparation to face Goliath, the Philistine giant, as recorded in the First Book of Samuel.

Biblical Account:

The account is found in 1 Samuel 17, where David, the youngest son of Jesse, is sent to the battlefield to deliver provisions to his brothers. Upon hearing the taunts of Goliath, David volunteers to fight the giant. When King Saul expresses doubt about David's ability to confront such a formidable opponent, David recounts his past experiences as a shepherd, defending his flock from predators. He states:

"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, I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it." (1 Samuel 17:34-35)

David's testimony of killing both a lion and a bear serves as evidence of his bravery and skill, but more importantly, it underscores his reliance on God's deliverance. He attributes his success to the Lord, saying:

"The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:37)

Theological Significance:

David's encounter with the lion is emblematic of God's providential care and empowerment of those He chooses for His purposes. This event foreshadows David's future role as the king of Israel, a leader who would rely on God's strength to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

From a theological perspective, David's victory over the lion is often seen as a testament to the power of faith and divine intervention. It highlights the biblical theme that God equips and protects those who trust in Him, regardless of their apparent weaknesses or the magnitude of their adversaries.

Symbolism and Typology:

In biblical symbolism, the lion often represents strength, power, and danger. David's triumph over the lion can be viewed as a typological precursor to his victory over Goliath, and ultimately, to the greater victories achieved through faith in God. This narrative also prefigures the messianic role of Jesus Christ, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5), who conquers sin and death.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, lions were considered formidable predators, and encounters with them were not uncommon for shepherds. The ability to kill a lion would have been seen as a remarkable feat, demonstrating not only physical prowess but also divine favor. David's recounting of this event to Saul would have served to bolster his credibility and assert his readiness to face Goliath.

David's victory over the lion is a powerful narrative that continues to inspire believers, reminding them of the importance of faith, courage, and reliance on God's strength in the face of life's challenges.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 17:34,36
And David said to Saul, Your servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

David the Shepherd Youth.
... Then David told Saul how he had killed with his own hands a fierce lion,
and a bear which had stolen a lamb from the flock. "The ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

David's victory Over the Giant
... against this Philistine, for you are only a youth and he has been a warrior from
his youth." But David said to ... Your servant has killed both lion and bear. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

The Power of a Pebble.
... Then David told the king how he had killed both a lion and a bear that had come
down upon his father's flocks, and that he could also conquer the Philistine. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx the power of.htm

At the Birth of the Son, There was a Great Shouting in Bethlehem
... David Thy father for a lamb's sake slaughtered a lion. Thou, O Son of David, hast
killed the unseen wolf that murdered Adam, the simple lamb who fed and ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn v at the birth.htm

The Story of David
... But David answered eagerly. He ... beasts. Once he had fought with a lion and
a bear single-handed and had killed them both. [Illustration ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

David and Nathan
... ants will pick a carcase clean sooner than a lion. ... and from that Absalom's death,
which nearly killed his poor ... Joab was the torment of David's later days, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and nathan.htm

The Angels of the Advent.
... jackets, with a fire of brushwood to keep the beasts away, perhaps they thought
of young David, who once kept his sheep there, and killed a lion and a bear to ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter i the angels of.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... is a lion, and he is neither Samson, nor David, nor Daniel ... this sluggard said that
there was a lion without, and ... a novel thing for people to be killed by lions ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Playing on the Harp Before Saul.
... a mark, and was so brave that when a lion and a ... of his flock he went after them and
killed them both ... some very precious oil upon the head of David, anointed him ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/playing on the harp before.htm

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... as it turned out, they were neither killed nor otherwise ... in the whole regiment; they
could call David "Master " and ... Lord " as truly as the most lion-like man ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm