He was on an errand to carry food for three of his elder siblings who were recruited in the Israelite army. David was a young man who was imbued with love for country.
That morning, David arrived just when the two armies were taking their positions on the battle lines. There and then he heard Goliath’s threats. What shocked him was that no one reacted to this giant’s bluffs. In fact, everybody was terrified that each time he came on the scene the Israelite army retreated. This had been going on for forty days. Neither the king nor any soldier dared take on Goliath.
David also overheard the Israelites saying: “Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give his daughter in marriage and will exempt his father’s family from taxes.
Was not that a good incentive or motive for one of those soldiers to call off Goliath’s bluff? The king’s daughter and tax exemption for the whole family? Yes, it was, but it would have been suicidal for someone without a track record to have taken the plunge.
Track records tend to speak for themselves and put you above your folks. It was not an experiment or a fluke for David, it was part of his curriculum vitae. He had fought and killed a bear and a lion the size of Goliath; this would be a repeat performance for him. Experience is an asset in one’s biodata. It is not an exaggeration. It is real and a déjà vu. It cannot be denied. It is a prima facie conclusion.
Rumours ran so fast that the bravery of this youngster reached the ears of the king who immediately summoned him. On meeting the king, David repeated to his ears. “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32) At this the king responded: “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth.” (1 Samuel 17:33) The king’s judgement of David was humiliating, however he assured him of his ability with this resume. “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.” (v36) He continued: “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 Samuel 17:36-37)
David did not sound convincing enough, so the king put a coat of armour on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.” (vv.38-39) David was not comfortable with such regalia so he told the king bluntly, “I cannot go in these, because I am not used to them.” (v39) And he took them off.
Straightaway, David gathered five stones from a nearby river, put them in a pouch in his shepherd’s bag and off he went - stubborn and defiant. As he advanced, Goliath and his shield bearer advanced. David took courage in both hands. Goliath despised him and cursed him. “Come here and I’ll give your flesh to the birds.” (v44) David also challenged 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.” (v46)
Then David prophesied: “This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcass of the Philistine army to the birds of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for He will give all of you into our hands.” For a moment, it seemed David was calling a bluff. But was he really?
The next thing that happened, Goliath was on the ground. He had received a shot from David’s sling that sunk into his forehead. David, as prophesied, took Goliath’s sword and cut off his head. In total commotion, the Philistines “turned and ran.”
This story does sound like a fairy tale, doesn’t it? Far from it! First, David said exactly what would happen to his opponent, and with absolute precision that was how it unfolded. Of all the places the stone could hit, it hit the only open spot in Goliath’s amour – his forehead. That could not have been David; it was God working out His purpose using David as an instrument. God confirmed exactly what David had said he would do to this enemy of Israel.
When we give up ourselves to God’s service and put Him in the driving seat, He will accomplish great and mighty things through us, for His glory alone. God is still looking for willing vessels ready to carry out His bidding. Could that be YOU?
“And the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14)
If in your neighbourhood there is someone molesting you and your neighbours; if there is someone in your family that is making life difficult for you, take a cue from David. Hand the matter to God. “For He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20) That is your bona fide duty, if you cherish peace. Shalom!