David Fights Goliath
In my earlier blog posts this year: We have followed David from his time as a shepherd on the quiet hillside coming into a deep personal relationship with Father God, to his being anointed as the next King of Israel by the profit Samuel, which led to a time of preparation and learning obedience. Then the day came when a simple act of obedience put him at the battlefront between the Army of Israel and the Philistines. Everything in his life had prepared him for what was to come next, David was about to take on the giant Goliath.
In 1 Samuel 17:28, we read of an exchange between David and his brother, Eliab. David is asking the men what is going on before rushing ahead. Eliab overhears the conversation and berates him and questions his motives. David simply turns away and continues to ask questions. David is showing wisdom by gathering the facts and not allowing his brother to distract him.
David then goes before King Saul: “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (verse 32). The King questions David’s ability to fight Goliath. He makes the case that David is a young man, and Goliath is a fierce warrior. David knows he has been preparing for this battle all his life. “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.” (verse 36).
David chooses five smooth stones from the stream and places them in his shepherd’s bag. With his sling in hand, he’s ready to face Goliath!
Goliath sizes David up and decides this is no match at all. After a series of taunts and insults, David has a thing or two to say to Goliath. Verses 45-46: David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.” And that’s just what he did!
Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. – 1 Samuel 17:49-50
Takeaways from the Battle of David and Goliath
Sometimes our biggest naysayers are those who are closest to us and who should be the ones encouraging us. A sad truth, but we must stay focused on the plan God has for us.
Even when people doubt our ability to do what God has called us to do, we must remind ourselves that we can do whatever we need to because God is with us and has prepared us to do His will.
The enemy will taunt and berate you when you step out to serve God, do it anyway.
Speaking the Word of God out loud is one of the best ways to remind ourselves of the promises of God and to remind the enemy that he is a defeated foe.
The story of David and Goliath is a wonderful story to share with our children/grandchildren. There are many children’s books available based on the story of David and Goliath. My book, Hey Warrior Kids! Grab Your Slingshot! is one example. In this fun teaching their Slingshot is the Word of the God – the Bible, and their Smooth Stones are Scriptures they can shoot at the Giant of Fear!
Until next time, God bless you!
Virginia Finnie
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Virginia Finnie is the author of Hey Warrior Kids! Grab Your Slingshot!, Hey Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor!, and It’s a Super-Bad Terrible Day!. Follow Children’s Books by Virginia Finnie for daily inspirational posts. https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensBooksbyVirginiaFinnie
Great post!
Thanks, Janice!
Nice work, kids need God and the power He gives each of us.
Thank you, Teresa!