(42) And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. (43) And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. (44) And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. (45) Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. (46) This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. (47) And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.
The address of the Philistine to David, and David's answer to the Philistine, previous to the battle, is exactly suited to their different characters. How confident are all carnal men, like this Philistine. And what a contemptuous view do they take of the Lord's people. On the other hand, how humble and unassuming is the language of grace, like that of David. Here is not a word of himself, or of his own merit, or strength, or might, for the war. It is the Lord's cause in which I am engaged, saith the gracious soul, and the Lord shall have all the glory. Reader! do not overlook this, as among the sweetest improvements of the history. And recollect, that even our dear Redeemer did not make application of his victories to himself, but to his Father. Therefore (saith Jesus) doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life that I might take it again., No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down if myself: I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10:17-18.