April 18th | 1 Samuel 17
David & Goliath
The story of David and Goliath is one of the most famous in Scripture and in our culture today. Even those unfamiliar with the Bible are likely to know the story of David and Goliath. However, oftentimes we equate this story of the little guy beating the big guy. The underdog beating the champion. Yet, the story of David and Goliath is more about one man seeking God’s honor and trusting God to do what He has always done, namely, saving His people from their enemies.
Goliath is an imposing figure, to say the least. He is a giant by any standard of measurement, and his challenge to fight Israel’s champion struck fear into the heart of Saul and all of Israel. 1 Samuel 17 says,
“10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”
Did you catch the words
“I defy” from Goliath? He was not just challenging Israel in war, but he was challenging God’s character and existence! What a shame that for forty days (1 Sam 17:16) Israel allowed him to come out and defy, defame, and demean the name of our great God! Yet, often, our fear of man and what others might think of us leads us to allow people to defy the name of God. We will watch shows that defame our God, we will entertain friends who curse the Lord’s name, and we will attend events that are likely an abomination to our great God. How are we any different from the Israelites cowering in fear for over a month?
David comes to the battle. He is the youngest of his brothers and appears to be suited only for tending sheep. He is told of the riches Saul will provide if someone would kill Goliath, but he is more concerned with the honor of God. 1 Samuel 17:26,
“26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
We shouldn’t let people or our culture defy our great God. But how can David beat Goliath? How can you stand up to the world, friends, and family who repeatedly defy our God? We cannot stand or fight, and neither could David. But God could fight through him! Goliath is amused that such a young and insignificant person would come to fight him. But David knows that the Lord doesn’t look at outward appearances. 1 Samuel 17:45-47 says,
“45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and 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. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”
The Lord fought for David. The Lord defeated Goliath, and the Lord can fight for you. Whatever struggle, difficulty, or trial you are facing, the Lord fights with you. Be like David and fight not with swords or spears, but fight in the name of the Lord of hosts. Fight in the strength of Christ, who has fought and won the ultimate battle for you on the cross.
