Saul, the King of Israel had a war on his hands. They were going up against the Philistine’s giant, Goliath. He breathed fear into the minds of every soldier in Israel’s army. He taunted and terrified them as he asked for a man to fight him on the condition if he wins Israel would become their slave and vice versa.
David walked into this milieu when he was asked by his father to take food to his three older brothers who were in the army. Upon his arrival, David left his carriage in the hands of the valet and hurried towards the army where he greeted his brothers. He was in the midst of a conversation with them about the war when Goliath showed up and cursed them. The men of Israel became afraid and fled. They looked defeated and spoke about being defeated. However, in the midst of the despair, someone mentioned that whoever defeated the giant would receive; wealth, royal marriage, and freedom in their father’s house. David showed interest in this and asked for more clarification. He referred to Goliath as an uncircumcised philistine who was defying the army of the living God.
His oldest brother became angry and questioned his motive for coming and insinuated that he left their father’s sheep without help. He accused him of being prideful and naughty. Sounds like jealousy, right? In his defense, David asked if he had wronged him and if there wasn’t a cause for him to be there. He turned away from his brother to another person and he continued to voice his concerns. When family members, friends, coworkers, and enemies try to stop us from fulfilling our divine calling we must step away from them and seek answers elsewhere.
Finally, Saul heard about David and sent for him. David encouraged Saul by advising him that he was willing to go to the battlefront to fight for Israel. Saul initially discouraged him by reminding him that he was just a boy and that Goliath was experienced as a man of war. This did not deter David. Instead, he proceeded to recite his track record: Killed a bear and recovered lamb and killed a lion and recovered lamb. He went against the toughest opponent and won. He added that Goliath would be next. Most importantly he told the king that it was God who gave him the victory over these powerful beasts.
Saul was convinced by the bravado of this young boy and agreed to place him in the war. He armed him with his armor, brass helmet, and coat of mail and David girded his sword. David hesitated because something didn’t feel right. He believed in the power of God to deliver with a minimal approach and he took off his protection and handed them back to Saul stating he could not use them. he took what was familiar; his staff, and five smooth stones which he placed in his shepherd’s bag. He kept his sling in his hand while he advanced toward his enemy. Goliath drew near as well with his shield-bearer in front. Although it appeared like David was alone; he had the heavenly army with him.
Goliath disdained David. He felt insulted that they sent a boy to fight him. He hurled abuse at him and his God while threatening to kill him and let the birds and beasts have a meal of him. Finally, David spoke these profound words, “you come to me with sword, spear, and shield, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom thou defies”. He was sure that God would deliver him and told Goliath in no uncertain terms that you’re a dead man and that his God would be glorified that day. He finished his testimony by declaring that the battle was God’s and that he had the victory!
As he stood up to his giant he came near to David. David ran towards him and took out his stone slung it and Goliath fell down. Now their champion was dead and they were running from Israel who chased them and wounded them and took their possessions. Why was David sure he would defeat Goliath? He knew God through a solid relationship with Him and had proved Him many times. How wonderful it would be if when we face trials we glorified God and declare victory without seeing the outcome. David was willing to die for his fellowmen that day and God assured him victory. He wants to fight for you today. Just remember the battle is the Lords!
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