1 Samuel 17:26
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
When David asked his question, Israel's army was afraid and ashamed, with no champion stepping forward to answer the Philistine challenge. He understood the challenge as bringing reproach on Israel and defying the living God, whose armies Israel's forces were, and not as a merely personal insult. In calling Goliath uncircumcised, he identified him as outside God's covenant, a heathen without standing and therefore without right to challenge God's people. His question expressed zeal and indignation to defend the honor of God and the honor and reputation of His people, with confidence that such defiance should not stand.
Israel's fear grew from transgression that had weakened trust in God, and God chose to deliver through David rather than through Saul. David trusted in God and defeated the giant in God's name, a victory that later caused the people of Gath to recognize him. His response models meeting opposition with humility and trust in God rather than provoking dispute and relying on prepared arguments. The reproach from which David sought to free Israel illustrates the shame brought on God's people when their conduct gives opponents of truth reason to accuse them, warning believers to speak carefully before unbelievers.