David’s first question in this verse seems strange, since the Israelite soldiers had just described what would be done for the person who could kill Goliath. This section of 1 Samuel contains considerable repetition in the dialogue, and such repetition is simply part of the writer’s style. Here David’s questions underline the fact that Goliath is an uncircumcised Philistine who is defying the living God of Israel, and that David is truly a pious man. David’s questions do not mean that he is asking for more specific information about the riches promised. Nor do they suggest that he is asking why a reward should be given at all to an Israelite who does his duty by killing this enemy, or that David did not hear what is recorded in the previous verse. The theological and literary aspect of the text is missed here by New Living Translation, which begins this verse with the words “David talked to some others standing there to verify the report.” A literal translation of this verse is acceptable, but translators should probably not add “to verify the report” as New Living Translation does.
Takes away the reproach from Israel: these words are in apposition to the words kills this Philistine. That is, taking away the reproach from Israel will be done by killing Goliath. Compare Revised English Bible, “… who kills this Philistine and wipes out this disgrace?” See also Bible en français courant, “… who will kill this Philistine and who will thereby avenge the insult inflicted on Israel?”
Uncircumcised Philistine: see the comment on this expression in 14.6.
The living God: here and in verse 36 God is called a living God in contrast to the idols of other nations, which were considered lifeless, and who were even described in their own Canaanite myths as gods who would die.
The second question asked by David is not for the purpose of learning the name of the Philistine enemy. It is more like the question “Who does he think he is?” (Compare New Century Version, “Goliath is a Philistine. He is not circumcised. Why does he think he can speak against the armies of the living God?”) In some languages it may be better translated as a statement rather than as a question: “This pagan Philistine is nothing before God. He has no right to make fun of the army of the Living God.” A possible model retaining the question format is provided by Contemporary English Version, “Who does that worthless Philistine think he is? He’s making fun of the army of the living God!”
Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .