1 Samuel 17:45, 46
The story of David and Goliath is one of the most famous of all time, all literature included. It appeals to the underdog in all of us; how an undersized boy could face off with an oversized warrior and defeat him using a tiny rock and sling-shot. It gives us the feeling that anything is possible and that the odds are never too long. This story is great for motivational purposes, but it is even better when you know what really happened, and why it happened.
Goliath was the champion of the Philistines and he stood just over 9 feet tall. He had probably never lost even a skirmish much less an actual battle, and he had come to the valley everyday to challenge the Israelites. If he lost the battle, the Philistines agreed to serve Israel, but if he could defeat Israel’s champion, then Israel would belong to the Philistines. Every day he shouted the same threats, and every day Israel cowered in fear.
Along comes young David, a 17 year old boy who tends his father’s sheep every day. He is a soft-hearted kid who has never killed a man in his life and who spends his free time writing beautiful songs. When he arrives at camp to bring his brothers some food from home, he is struck by the lack of fight within Israel. He sees this giant mocking God everyday while no one stands to defend the Lord. David has seen it, and he has had enough!
He goes before Goliath with only a sling and a five stones, while Goliath comes with so much armor that he has another man carry most of it out to the battlefield. Goliath mocks David from the start, cursing him by the name of his gods. David calls Goliath an “uncircumcised Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:36), invoking the truth that Goliath has no covenant, while the circumcised Israelites are living under the covenant of God’s protection. Notice that David points out Goliath’s lack of divine protection which is key in understanding why David took this fight in the first place.
“I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts…” (1 Samuel 17:45). The text spells out LORD with all caps because that is the translators’ way of showing us which Hebrew name for God that David used. By saying LORD, he is using “Yahweh” or “Jehovah”, both meaning, “Covenant God”. David is not out to defeat Goliath with strength but with Covenant. God had agreed to honor those that honored Him, and David is taking Him up on it.
When you face off with the Goliaths of this world, don’t face them using your own goodness or morality. Face these giants with knowledge of what Christ has done for you. He has defeated all enemies and placed them under His feet. Know that He loves you and that you are His righteousness. Satan is powerless against the child of God that knows who they are in Christ. In truth, any member of Israel’s army could have had this victory if they had appealed to the same Covenant that young David did. This is why David was a man after God’s heart.
You have opportunity to trust the New Covenant which Jesus cut with His Father, or to trust your own works. Goliath is too big; I suggest you stick with Jesus.
The story of David and Goliath is one of the most famous of all time, all literature included. It appeals to the underdog in all of us; how an undersized boy could face off with an oversized warrior and defeat him using a tiny rock and sling-shot. It gives us the feeling that anything is possible and that the odds are never too long. This story is great for motivational purposes, but it is even better when you know what really happened, and why it happened.
Goliath was the champion of the Philistines and he stood just over 9 feet tall. He had probably never lost even a skirmish much less an actual battle, and he had come to the valley everyday to challenge the Israelites. If he lost the battle, the Philistines agreed to serve Israel, but if he could defeat Israel’s champion, then Israel would belong to the Philistines. Every day he shouted the same threats, and every day Israel cowered in fear.
Along comes young David, a 17 year old boy who tends his father’s sheep every day. He is a soft-hearted kid who has never killed a man in his life and who spends his free time writing beautiful songs. When he arrives at camp to bring his brothers some food from home, he is struck by the lack of fight within Israel. He sees this giant mocking God everyday while no one stands to defend the Lord. David has seen it, and he has had enough!
He goes before Goliath with only a sling and a five stones, while Goliath comes with so much armor that he has another man carry most of it out to the battlefield. Goliath mocks David from the start, cursing him by the name of his gods. David calls Goliath an “uncircumcised Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:36), invoking the truth that Goliath has no covenant, while the circumcised Israelites are living under the covenant of God’s protection. Notice that David points out Goliath’s lack of divine protection which is key in understanding why David took this fight in the first place.
“I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts…” (1 Samuel 17:45). The text spells out LORD with all caps because that is the translators’ way of showing us which Hebrew name for God that David used. By saying LORD, he is using “Yahweh” or “Jehovah”, both meaning, “Covenant God”. David is not out to defeat Goliath with strength but with Covenant. God had agreed to honor those that honored Him, and David is taking Him up on it.
When you face off with the Goliaths of this world, don’t face them using your own goodness or morality. Face these giants with knowledge of what Christ has done for you. He has defeated all enemies and placed them under His feet. Know that He loves you and that you are His righteousness. Satan is powerless against the child of God that knows who they are in Christ. In truth, any member of Israel’s army could have had this victory if they had appealed to the same Covenant that young David did. This is why David was a man after God’s heart.
You have opportunity to trust the New Covenant which Jesus cut with His Father, or to trust your own works. Goliath is too big; I suggest you stick with Jesus.
