Young David Fights Goliath
Even though Scripture contains only one story about Goliath, most people know it well. This, however, is not for his valor but for his arrogance.
Goliath serves in the Philistine army. He stands out because he’s taller than everyone else. His stature is an amazing nine feet.
The Israelite army squares off against the Philistine army, with a valley separating them. Each morning Goliath comes out and taunts them.
He challenges them to send out their champion to fight. Whichever man loses, their nation will become subject to the other.
As a large man with a formidable appearance, Goliath is confident of victory.
The Israelite army cowers in fear before this imposing man. No one dares to fight him. No one, that is, until young David comes along.
Full of godly confidence, David runs toward the arrogant Goliath with only his sling and five stones. Goliath mocks him for his audacity.
Yet with David slinging his first stone, Goliath falls. David uses the giant-of-a-man’s own sword to behead him.
With their defeated champion lying dead in the valley, the Philistine army flees. The Israelite army gives pursuit. They rout their enemy and plunder their camp.
From a human standpoint, Goliath stands as the sure victor. Yet David prevails. Such is the case when we align ourselves with the Lord Almighty.
With God on our side, one person can make the difference.
Are we more like Goliath or like David?
How well do we do at placing our confidence in God instead of our own abilities?
[Read about Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:1–54. Discover more in 1 Samuel 21:9.]
Learn about 100 more biblical characters in More Old Testament Sinners and Saints, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Get your copy today.
More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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