Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 17:43. It’s a really dramatic and powerful part of the story about David facing Goliath. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Philistine is mocking David. “And the Philistine said unto David…” – Imagine a Philistine person, who was known for being tough and competitive, is speaking to David directly. “[Am] I a dog…” - This is key! The Philistine is saying, “You’re a dog! You’re coming to me with staves!” They’re implying that David is weak and vulnerable. They're using a harsh, insulting comparison. “And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.” - This is where it gets really intense. The Philistine is cursing (meaning they are wishing evil upon) David’s gods! They’re saying that because of this insult, they believe David's gods are no longer powerful or relevant to them. Basically, the Philistine is humiliating and belittling David. It shows how much they wanted to defeat him, and they were using a cruel and aggressive way to do it. The context is important: This verse happens before David’s battle with Goliath. It sets up the situation – Goliath is a huge, powerful giant, and David is facing him alone. This moment shows the Philistine's arrogance and desire for victory. Why is this significant? It shows David’s incredible courage and faith. He doesn’t back down, even when facing overwhelming odds. It also highlights the importance of God's protection and power, as David relies on Him to defeat the enemy. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in a broader context (like the story of the battle)?