1Sa 17:43 | TNotes | STEP | 17:43 a dog: A metaphor for a compliant, bowing servant (cp. 2 Sam 9:8 ). • a stick: David had concealed his sling, and Goliath could see only his staff. • by the names of his gods: Since Goliath appealed to his gods, David’s victory over Goliath would also symbolize God’s victory over Dagon, the chief god of the Philistines (1 Sam 5:2 , 5 ).

b2 Sam 9:8►

c1 Sam 5:2►

‏ 1 Samuel 17:43

17:43 ^a a dog: A metaphor for a compliant, bowing servant (cp. 2 Sam 9:8 ^b).

• a stick: David had concealed his sling, and Goliath could see only his staff.

• by the names of his gods: Since Goliath appealed to his gods, David’s victory over Goliath would also symbolize God’s victory over Dagon, the chief god of the Philistines (1 Sam 5:2 ^c, 5 ^d).