Today we continue considering the story of David, knowing that all in the Word of God has been written for our learning, an unending treasure that shows us the way to go and the way to discard. The Word remains relevant today because there is nothing new under the sun, all of what has been and will ever be is covered in the scriptures – all wisdom is available! Looking at the battle in the Valley of Elah, we will draw out key lessons from Israel’s conquest of the Philistines. The Bible tells us, ‘a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span’ (1 Samuel 17:4). Goliath can represent any mighty opposition in a believer’s life – that sickness, poverty, wicked boss, etc. – any force that has risen up against the progression of children of God today. There has been a tendency to become familiar with the story of David and Goliath, but we must appreciate that Goliath was a mighty warrior, he was experienced and had a reputable track record. This is not to overstate the enemy and instill fear, but it is important to be aware of the adversary and the level at which he operates so you can come higher. The Bible tells us that Goliath challenged the army of Israel to produce one man who would represent them against him in the battle (v.9), but when they all saw him, they feared for their lives – including Saul. Again, it is important to note who Saul was; Saul was a fierce warrior, the tallest man in Israel, one whom David described to be ‘swifter than eagles and stronger than lions’ (2 Samuels 1). These experienced men were being taunted by Goliath and they were terrified. This is not fiction; this was a real life and death threat and all of Israel was at their knees in desperation.
Now, while all this was happening, the Bible tells us that David was in the fields keeping his father’s sheep (1 Samuel 17:15). This was after the prophet Samuel had anointed him King, but we see how he was still being treated cheaply, wherein his father even sent him to bring food to his brothers who were present for the battle in the Valley of Elah. As he approached, David heard yet another charge from Goliath and saw how fearful the Israelites were against him. That is the agenda of the enemy, to bring fear, because in fear, God is unable to reach you. The adversary knows that when we operate in fear, we are operating outside of the parameters of God’s love as perfect love casts out all fear, and faith works through love. He paralyses your faith through fear and short circuits your ability to receive help from heaven. After hearing this charge from Goliath, David asked, ‘“What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”’ (v.26). David’s attitude is exemplary, he went back to the covenant Israel had with God, and wondered who dares stand against the Word of the Lord spoken over Israel. David did not observe Goliath physically, he looked at him in the spirit, and saw that he had no backing and had no covenant with God. Every situation we go through in life should be handled in this manner – what does the word of the Lord say? That should be our bottom line.
But when David’s brother heard him, his anger was aroused against David. He barked, ‘“Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”’ (v.28). This was the same Eliab who was present when David was anointed, but we see here the enemy using his jealousy against his younger brother to discourage David. But the scriptures tell us that David turned away from him and asked the very same question again to another (v.30). David did not bother justifying himself to attain his brother’s endorsement, he looked forward unto the cause at hand – because it is possible to win the argument and lose the war. When David’s words reached Saul, the king sent for him. David said to the king, ‘”Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine”’ (v.34-37). David recounted all that God had done for him, reminding his own soul about the victories he has won with God. It is very important to keep remembrance of all the works of God in our lives, because we will have courage in that if He has done it before, He shall surely do it again! Saul then gave David his blessing, and attempted to dress David in armor. However, David rejected the armor because he knew on whom his trust was set on, and did not want to get distracted by subtle and deceitful shields (v.39). David then went forth to fight Goliath carrying with him his sling and five smooth stones (v.40). Interesting that David carried five stones – perhaps he was making provision, that should it require more than one attempt, he would have enough to go again in the power of the Lord.
The Bible tells us that Goliath taunted David, saying, ‘“Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” (v.44), but David told him, ‘” You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (v.45). He began to amplify God, making his opponent smaller and his God bigger! He continued to proclaim, ‘” …then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands” (v.47). David’s confidence in the Lord was undeniable, and these are the kinds of utterances that bring the attention of heaven to a man. David knew that while he was in the battle, it was God himself fighting – he had removed himself from the picture and allowed God to take centre stage. And the rest is history, David conquered his enemy with one strike of the stone to his forehead (helmet and all), and the giant fell on his feet and David took Goliath’s sword and cut off his head with it. What an example!
PRAYER
How great are you Father, how great is Your Word! You are our present help, You do not allow our foot to be moved, You who keeps us do not slumber nor sleep. You are our keeper, You are our shade upon Your own right hand. The sun shall not strike us by day, nor the moon by night. You preserve our souls from evil, now and forevermore. We thank You! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
