שמואל א, פרק י״ז, פסוק ל״ה

To prove his readiness for battle, David shares his unique combat experience, showing that true capability does not always come from a conventional military background [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. His struggles against wild predators to protect his flock unfolded in two distinct stages. First, David would chase down the beast, strike it, and rescue the helpless lamb directly from its jaws.

However, the danger rarely ended with the rescue. The predator did not always flee; often, the enraged animal would turn around, rise up, and launch a direct attack against him [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Forced into close combat, David fought the beast face-to-face. He would physically seize the attacking animal [מצודת ציון], grabbing it by its face or thick fur [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Rather than merely holding onto the hair under its chin, he took a firm, overpowering grip on its entire lower jaw [רד״ק]. Holding the creature securely, David delivered a final, fatal blow. He killed the predator entirely with his bare hands, relying on his powerful grip rather than a sword or any conventional weapon [מלבי״ם].