1 Samuel 17 [vs. 26; 28; 33; 38-39];

1 Samuel 16:7

The Bible has many, many beautiful stories that I could expound on, but the one that sticks out to me the most is David and Goliath. It is a story that most are familiar with. It is one of the stories that is very popular among younger children. If you ever hear one of them talk about it, the story will never be without the slingshot the and big giant. That is a huge part of what happened, but the importance of the story is so much more.

To understand the significance of this story, we have to understand who David was as a person. David was the son of Jesse and he was the youngest of eight siblings. The Bible didn’t go into detail of his age, but it did hint to his youth in chapter 17, verse 33. Furthermore, 1 Samuel 16:7 states “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” This scripture lets me know that he wasn’t the tallest. For someone to keep sheep, I can imagine that he felt “different” because he wasn’t off to war like some of his brothers. These characteristics alone is what made David the right choice for what obstacle lay ahead.

As the story goes, David was sent to check on his brothers while they were preparing for battle. His father had sent some food to take to his brothers and to see how they were faring. To them, he was being a nuisance, but it seems David was more curious than anything. His brothers didn’t want him there. They even state in Chapter 17, verse 28 “And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.”

This is where the story takes on a much deeper meaning. David states in Chp 17, verse 26 “And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” A sheep boy had the confidence and boldness to recognize that this giant couldn’t stand any longer. It wasn’t his brothers or the other soldiers of Israel, but David. It’s sad to say, but Israel knew better. They knew just who God was, but it took God to use a ruddy youth to fight and beat Goliath.

As you read on in the story, David tells Saul he will fight. He gladly tells of how God delivered him before from the hands of a lion and a bear, and if he has delivered him before he can do it again! I am sure there were reservations when Saul heard of David wanting to fight. Since David volunteered, Saul thought he would help by providing him with his very own armor sword. David was like oh no, I can’t wear this. With the help of God, he went without it. Can you imagine the outward appearance? Could you imagine the looks on their faces when David presented himself? Don’t let the outer appearance fool you!

David took 5 stones out of the brook and a slingshot. That’s all he needed to defeat Goliath. He didn’t even need the other 4, my God! The morale of this story is, you can’t look at the outward appearance, but you have to look at the heart. Because God can use anybody and with very little. David had a heart of a giant! If you like David, one who isn’t looked at first or even considered, don’t doubt yourself. The same God that used David can use you too. Don’t let the enemy tell you, you aren’t strong enough. Don’t let the enemy even open his mouth to defile your God. Our God is greater, stronger, and higher than any other. Be confident in the abilities that God has blessed you with!

Be in yourself. Don’t use what others have used to be successful. Use your keys [your staff, 5 stones, and a sling shot]. Remember how he delivered you from obstacles, each test, and every trial. Like David, think back and remember and hold onto what he has already done. That will give you added faith before your Goliath ahead. Like the song David Lawrence and the Tri-city singers sung, “Giants do die, the bigger they are, the harder they fall!

Prayer:

Father God, we thank You on today. Thank You for Your word. It’s in Your word that we are encouraged and inspired. We seek strength from You to continue in our calling. We know God that there will be giants, tests, and trials, but You have given us the power to defeat and overcome. Strengthen our inner man, strengthen our hearts. We don’t want to fail You God; uplift us and uphold us each and every day. In your mighty name we pray, Amen.