David Defeats Goliath

41Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David.42He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44“Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!”

45David said to the Philistine,“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47All those gathered here will know that 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.”

48As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. (1 Samuel 17) 

Thoughts: The soldiers were afraid.  David did not know enough to be afraid.  He did have faith enough in God to believe God could help him defeat this Philistine monster as he had delivered David from the bear and lion (17:36-37).  David didn't need Saul's armor.  He just needed faith in God and a few stones for his slingshot.  David sought to do this so that all the world would know there is a God in Israel.  One of the great verses is that "the battle belongs to the Lord" (2 Chron. 20:15; Zech. 4:6; Ex. 14:14; 2 Cor. 10:4; et al).  It is not the kind of weapon or the height of the soldier or number of soldiers that count.  A small boy with a sling does not seem to have much chance against a giant trained soldier.  This is an example of hope.  Apart from God we are nothing.  But nothing is impossible with God!

Prayer: Let me believe in you and trust that you will see me through, O Lord.