When David Fought Goliath
When David fought Goliath. It’s the ultimate underdog story. David, the young shepherd boy, slays the mighty Philistine warrior Goliath. Here are lessons from this popular Bible story.
When David fought Goliath. When God’s on your side you are favored to win.
For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. (ESV, Deuteronomy 20:4)
It’s the classic underdog story. Teenage shepherd boy slays giant, seasoned warrior. He’s sparsely equipped, has less combat experience, and a significant size disadvantage. But he talks with complete confidence. Does he possess a secret weapon or simply out of touch with reality?
For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (ESV, 1 Samuel 17:26)
David certainly knew Israel’s history. And heard many stories of how God defeated Israel’s enemies. Many times Israel didn’t even have to fight. Therefore, he could place full confidence in the power of God. But did he expect to face Goliath and watch God strike him down with a lightning bolt?
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. (ESV, 1 Samuel 17:37)
Yes, David had confidence in his Almighty God. But he had some skills too. As a shepherd protecting his flock, he had taken on and killed both wild lions and bears. He was no rookie, but an experienced, battle tested fighter.
When David fought Goliath. He used his best resources
Today we usually consider cutting technology, the latest software, and Six Sigma quality processes our indispensable resources. And king Saul thought the same way. He equipped David with his own battle armor. Certainly, the latest and greatest war equipment of the day. Except it didn’t fit David’s smaller stature. So it was both uncomfortable and unfamiliar to David.
Instead, his best resources were the weapons and ammunition he was most familar with. A sling and five smooth stones.
However, David had been using the sling as a weapon for many years and was already an expert. But he wasn’t alone. The tribe of Benjamin had army warriors dedicated to slinging.
And the people of Benjamin mustered out of their cities on that day 26,000 men who drew the sword, besides the inhabitants of Gibeah, who mustered 700 chosen men. Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss. (ESV, Judges 20:15-16)
Scholars suggest they could hurl stones the size of a tennis ball between 100 to 150 miles an hour with incredible accuracy. Goliath probably didn’t know this. And it presents and important lesson. Never underestimate the effectiveness of a resource with a cursory glance.
When David fought Goliath. He demonstrated individual skill and faith in God.
This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” (ESV, 1 Samuel 17: 46-47)
David’s confidence came from his experience as a fighter along with faith in the power of God. He did more than talk a good game. He practiced and honed his skill. And he engaged in combat against bigger opponents.
Furthermore, David exercised more than a wishful hope of defeating Goliath. He had a vision with a positive outcome. And a plan of attack for taking Goliath down. Because he saw himself cutting off Goliath’s head.
This is an important consideration for us today. Although prayer is an important tool when we face modern giants, we should never sit back and wait for God to solve the problem for us. We should always be prepared to do our part.
This includes constantly equipping ourselves with the tools and know how to use them. Along with recruiting, training, and equipping teams join in our cause.
When David fought Goliath. He took the initiative.
David didn’t wait for Goliath to attack him. He was the first to attack. And it probably took Goliath by surprise. To see a half-pint kid on the attack. I can also imagine a bemused look on his face. Such audacity!
For his part, Goliath scoffed at the young shepherd boy that came out to face him who looked like he was on lunch break from his flock to come fight. Really? Is this the best warrior you have to offer?
David’s positive enthusiasm would not help him. Goliath had face many opponents with enthusiasm. Except what he actually saw was unwavering faith in God. And that makes a huge difference despite David’s appearance.
Suffering defeat to a scrawny shepherd boy with a sling is not a thought Goliath considered. But the rock David delivered was the last thing to enter Goliath’s mind. And he lost his head over it.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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