David and Goliath

For more than a month Goliath made his daily challenge. The fact that during this time the Philistines had made no attempt to outflank the army of Israel implies that since their disastrous defeat at Michmash the Philistines had not been strong enough for a full—scale attack. They were now relying on intimidation and the possibility of victory through single combat. This conclusion is strengthened by their precipitous retreat once Goliath was vanquished.

When David went to see his brothers, he heard the taunts of Goliath. His response was, literally, "Who is the Philistine, this uncircumcised [one]?" David gave emphatic utterance to his disdain for the giant who held Saul and his men in terror. With faith in God, a faith that Saul might also have had, David was not in the least impressed by Goliath's stature. Had Saul been obedient to God the victory might well have been his own but God could not trust him with victory such as this. Goliath is referred to throughout the chapter as "the Philistine." David could scarcely hide his contempt for such a braggart. Even his brother's reproach (v. 28) did not deter him. He heard the story of Goliath from many mouths, and spoke so earnestly that the news was soon carried to Saul.

Saul was impressed with David's courage and offered his own armor. David's courteous reply, "I have not proved them," is evidence of (1) his faith in other equipment that he had previously tested, and (2) his reliance on past experience in meeting new situations as they arose (see LS 196). David ascribed to the power of God victory even over wild animals. Danger had developed in him a sanctified courage, and faithfulness in little things had effectively prepared him for greater trusts. He had proved to be a trustworthy shepherd over his father's sheep now he was called to champion the cause of his heavenly Father's flock (see Eze. 34:5, 23 37:24 Matt. 9:36 25:33 John 10:12, 13).

The procedure he chose was determined by his own spiritual convictions rather than by the un—sanctified judgment of others, irrespective of position. How much depends upon purity of motive when one is going forth on a perilous enterprise! David could not fight in Saul's armor—he must be himself. God designs that every man shall work in his own harness. We see a man in public life who takes well with the people, and we copy his mannerisms, hoping to find success through them. But God wants men who will be themselves, men who will learn from each day's experience what they need to know in order to solve tomorrow's problems. Thank God for men who dare to use the equipment God has provided them.

David, using a sling and stone, conquered Goliath. His victory was over a Philistine who was the very personification of blasphemy. It was a victory of spiritual forces over material brute strength. In view of the events of previous months, how necessary it was that Israel be taught this lesson! In reply to Goliath's curse, David exultantly cried, "I come to thee in the name of the ... God of the armies of Israel" (v. 45). A simple stone from the brook plus a lad's skill and his confiding trust in the eternal God gave the Israelites a lesson they were never to forget, even though they seldom emulated it.