1 Samuel 17:20-40: The Giant Slayer
The Battle Rages On
In 1 Samuel 17:20-40, we find ourselves in the midst of an epic battle between the armies of Israel and the Philistines. The Philistines, led by the giant Goliath, have been taunting and terrorizing the Israelites for 40 days, and it seems that no one is brave enough to stand up to the giant.
Enter David
That is, until David, the young shepherd boy, arrives on the scene. David, who has been out tending his father's sheep, is sent by his father to deliver some food to his brothers who are fighting in the war. As he arrives, he hears Goliath's taunts and is enraged by the Philistine's blasphemy against God.
A Giant of a Problem
Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior, stands over 9 feet tall and is covered in armor from head to toe. He issues a challenge to the Israelites, saying "Choose a man and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us" (1 Samuel 17:8-9).
Faith in the Face of Fear
David, however, is not intimidated by Goliath's size or threats. He remembers the times when God had delivered him from the jaws of lions and bears while he was tending his sheep, and he trusts that God will do the same now. David declares, "The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37).
The Unlikely Hero
Despite the doubts and criticism of others, David is convinced that God will give him the victory. He refuses the king's armor and sword, choosing instead to face Goliath with his trusty sling and five smooth stones from the brook. As Goliath approaches, David runs toward him, shouting, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a shield, 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 17:45-47).
The Giant Falls
With one swift motion, David slings a stone at Goliath, striking him squarely on the forehead. The giant falls to the ground, and the Philistines flee in terror. The Israelites, emboldened by David's faith and bravery, pursue the Philistines and claim a great victory.
Lessons from the Battlefield
The story of David and Goliath reminds us that God is always bigger than our giants. Whatever challenges we face, we can trust that God will deliver us if we put our faith in Him. May we, like David, stand strong in the face of fear and doubt, and may we always remember that our God is the one who gives us the victory.
