By Michael Hopkins
Introduction
The story of David and Goliath is one of the most popular and inspiring accounts in the Bible. It’s a tale of faith, courage, and the triumph of the underdog. This story, found in the 1st Book of Samuel, Chapter 17, teaches us that even seemingly impossible challenges can be overcome with faith in God1.
The Setting
The Philistines, a powerful and warlike people, had gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah1. On the other side, Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, drawing up their battle line to meet the Philistines1. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them1.
Goliath’s Challenge
From the Philistine camp emerged a champion named Goliath, from Gath. His height was six cubits and a span1. He wore a bronze helmet, a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels, bronze greaves on his legs, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back1. His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels1. His shield bearer went ahead of him1.
Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, challenging them to single combat. He proposed that if an Israelite could defeat him, the Philistines would become their subjects. But if he won, the Israelites would serve the Philistines1. On hearing Goliath’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified1.
David: The Shepherd Boy
David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse, who was from Bethlehem in Judah1. Jesse had eight sons, and David was the youngest1. While Jesse’s three oldest sons had followed Saul to the war, David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem1.
One day, Jesse asked David to take some food to his brothers and their commander, and to bring back news of them1. David reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry1. As he was talking with his brothers, Goliath stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it1.
David’s Faith and Courage
David was not afraid of Goliath. He said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him”2. Saul was hesitant, but David convinced him by recounting how he had killed a lion and a bear while protecting his father’s sheep1. He declared, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine"1.
The Battle
Armed with his faith, a sling, and five smooth stones from the brook, David confronted Goliath1. As Goliath moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him1. He took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground1.
Thus, David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him1. The Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran1.
Conclusion
The story of David and Goliath is a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the power of God. It teaches us that with faith, courage, and God’s help, even the most formidable of challenges can be overcome. As David said, "it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands"3.
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