David and Goliath
This story started when David saw Goliath challenging the armies of Israel. David said, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26). David could not bear the thought that the heathen giant had put King Saul and his men in continual terror. He was not in the least impressed by Goliath’s stature. He was jealous for the good name of Israel and Israel’s God. The helplessness of God’s people in a time of shame and crisis was more than he could bear.
So, David was brought before King Saul, who feared to face the giant. Had Saul been obedient to God the victory might well have been his own. But pride and self-glory had filled his heart, and he was unable to fight.
David’s previous life as a shepherded and his daily connection with God have prepared him well for the battle with the Philistine who was blaspheming God. While taking care of his father’s sheep, whenever he faced a lion or a bear, he killed them. Danger had developed in him a courage, and the faithfulness in little things had prepared him for greater tasks. He had proved to be a trustworthy shepherd over his father’s sheep; and now he was called to lead in the cause of his heavenly Father’s flock (Matthew 9:36; 25:33; John 10:12, 13).
King Saul agreed to send the young lad to fight the giant. When the lad went into the battle field, He “said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45).
The giant represented the physical security of personal power and the pride of self-exalting. On the other hand, the young Jewish lad manifested a quiet faith in divine power and the determination to glorify God. Hi’s motive was not to have his own way, nor to become important in the eyes of his fellow men, but “that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17: 46).
A small stone plus a young man’s skill and his trust in the eternal God gave the Israelites the victory over their enemies. By his courage and faith, God’s servant defeated Goliath the giant. The Philistine army fled in terror and the victory was won that day.
Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
