Read 1 Samuel 17:1-28
Highlights:
Both Samuel and David, as youths, fulfill God's will; David and Goliath (1 Sam. 17:26,34-37,47); David gains the heart of all (18:16); Saul's jealousy of David (18:9-11).
And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine (1 Sam. 17:32).
Israel was at war with the Philistines. Goliath had come out as the champion of the Philistines. All of the soldiers of Israel including Saul were afraid of this mighty warrior (17:11). Not one of Israel's men would dare go out to challenge Goliath even though he ridiculed both, them and God.
David was sent by his father Jesse to take food to his brothers, who were among Israel's army. David was the youngest and was not in the army. He had the responsibility of tending to his families' flock of sheep.
David heard Goliath mocking God and Israel. David knew this should not be happening. He said he would champion God and His people if no one else would. He had an anger against the actions of Goliath and the Philistines, but it was holy in nature. Many say a Christian should not be angry. However, we can be angry against sin and the devil for what they do to the lives of individuals and the kingdom of God. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Eph. 4:26).
Saul and the rest of the men there had little faith that this young man, David, could stand up to Goliath let alone defeat the Philistine. They had no idea of the blessings of God that were on the life of David. David had been anointed and would be used greatly by the Lord in the future. God's chosen would not be stopped regardless of the size of the giants he had to battle. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:37).
David was offered the armor of Saul, but it was not right for him. He chose to go without any help from man. His faith was placed in God who had strengthened him to defeat the lion and bear that attacked his families' sheep. The words of David to Goliath reflected where his trust was placed. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands (17:47).
David defeated Goliath by slinging one stone. God directed its path and it struck Goliath. David conquered this giant with the help and guidance of the Lord. His trust was placed correctly and it paid off. This great victory made the unknown shepherd boy respected and loved by all of Israel. This began a journey that eventually led David to become king of all Israel.
With God as our help, there is nothing in life that we can't overcome. It is true in today's society that most of us will never stand in a battle like this one. However, whether our giants are physical or spiritual, it is all the same. Let us not place our trust in man, but we should trust in our Lord to deliver us out of every situation. David is our example. God is our leader and deliverer.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1 Pet. 5:10).
Thought for Today:
When you face giants of opposition, do you give way to fear or do you overcome them by faith?
Christ Portrayed:
By Jonathan, who stripped himself of his royal robes and made a covenant, promising all that he had to David (1 Sam. 18:3-4). Knowing the will of God, Jesus cast off His heavenly robes and took upon Him the form of a servant . . . and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil. 2:5-8).
Word Studies:
17:6 greaves, leg armor; 17:18 take their pledge pledge, bring back news of how they are doing; 17:20 trench, camp; 17:22 carriage, baggage, supplies; 17:31 rehearsed, reported; 17:39 assayed, tried, attempted; proved, tested, tried; 17:40 a scrip, his small pouch; 17:43 staves, sticks; 17:53 spoiled, looted; 17:56 stripling, youth; 18:9 eyed, kept his eye upon David with suspicion, envy, and jealousy; 18:11 avoided, escaped; 18:27 tale, number.
Prayer Suggestion: Diligently seek the Lord in prayer and He will bless your efforts (Heb. 11:6).
Optional Reading: Acts 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 15:3