What does 1 Samuel 17:46 mean?
David has approached the Philistine champion, Goliath, to accept the challenge to a representative hand-to-hand combat on behalf of their nations (1 Samuel 17:1–10, 32, 40). Goliath is insulted and unimpressed by the youth in shepherd gear (1 Samuel 17:40–42). He has cursed David and declared that he will leave the young man's corpse to rot on the field of battle (1 Samuel 17:43–44). Now David continues his own confident response.David acknowledges the Philistine's impressive weaponry. But he declares it to be no match for the Lord, in whose name David fights (1 Samuel 17:45). The Philistine has defied the armies of the living God. David is not bragging about his own strength or skill but expressing confidence in his God. By the Lord's power, David knows that he will win this fight. He is assured that he will win and decapitate the giant. By the Lord's power, David knows it is not his body that will be consumed by birds and beasts, but the bodies of the Philistines.
David gives two reasons as to why the Lord will do this (1 Samuel 17:47). The first is that the entire world will know that Israel's God is the One True God, and not just another powerless false idol. The power of Israel's God will be made famous when a youth without armor or sword kills the mighty and unbeatable champion of the Philistines.
David's words hold true even to this day. Even among those who know the least about the Bible, the story of David and Goliath is told from one generation to another. Though often mis-applied, the expression "David and Goliath" is frequently mentioned when discussing imbalanced contests.