Topical Bible: The Bear: Miraculously Killed by David

◄ The Bear: Miraculously Killed by David ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of David's encounter with a bear is a testament to his courage and faith in God's deliverance. This event is briefly mentioned in the context of David's preparation to face Goliath, the Philistine giant, as recorded in the First Book of Samuel.

Biblical Context

The account is found in 1 Samuel 17, where David, a young shepherd, is sent by his father Jesse to deliver provisions to his brothers who are part of King Saul's army. Upon arrival, David hears Goliath's challenge and expresses his willingness to fight the giant. When questioned by Saul about his ability to face such a formidable opponent, David recounts his past experiences as a shepherd defending his flock.

Scriptural Reference

David explains to Saul, "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). This passage highlights David's bravery and his reliance on God's strength to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Theological Significance

David's victory over the bear is often interpreted as a demonstration of divine intervention and protection. It serves as a precursor to his later triumph over Goliath, illustrating that God equips those He calls with the necessary courage and ability to fulfill His purposes. David's faith in God's deliverance is evident in his declaration to Saul: "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).

Symbolism and Lessons

The bear, a symbol of strength and ferocity, represents the formidable challenges believers may face in their spiritual journey. David's encounter teaches that with faith and reliance on God, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. It underscores the importance of trusting in God's power rather than one's own strength.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, shepherds were responsible for the safety of their flocks, often facing predators such as lions and bears. David's role as a shepherd required vigilance and courage, qualities that prepared him for his future leadership as king of Israel. The presence of bears in the region during biblical times is supported by historical accounts and archaeological evidence, indicating that such encounters were not uncommon.

Application for Believers

David's experience with the bear encourages believers to trust in God's provision and protection in their own lives. It serves as a reminder that God is faithful to deliver His people from danger and to equip them for the tasks He sets before them. By recalling past victories and God's faithfulness, believers can face present and future challenges with confidence and courage.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 17:36,37
Your servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Temple Cleansed Again
... He had healed the sick, miraculously fed thousands of people ... against Him; but they
had still more to bear. ... his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

The Life of Captain John Paton.
... for fellowship and godly conversation, they were miraculously anticipated or ... made
a major; and some accounts bear, that the ... the hills, and not be killed in the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of captain john.htm

At the Temple Gate
... pleadings at last induced some friends to bear him to ... disciples to tell them that
they had killed the Prince ... stood the man who had been so miraculously healed. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ...
... succumbed to the Romans and was killed, the Synagogue ... the mountains, while the wind
would miraculously convert the ... were to break forth, and to bear fruit every ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the evening of.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... Yet they could not bear to look upon the glory ... it being added that the rebound killed
the would ... all the attendants of the king were miraculously rendered either ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... keeps the purse and will give us enough to bear our charges ... How miraculously did
God preserve Israel his firstborn! ... it is so tempered that it is killed, so sin ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... very curiously applied, it being suggested that, when the Messiah, the Son of David,
saw that the Messiah, the Son of Joseph, [6430] would be killed, He said ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of ... Jesus was born in Bethlehem,
the city where David dwelt ... out to kill him, and for his sake killed all the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

part i
... and darkened heart can fail in the truth, for it cannot always bear the strength
of ... the sign of the Cross and the name of Christ act miraculously by themselves ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm