1 Samuel 17: David Wins

"David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel's armies - you have defied Him.  Today, the Lord will hand you over to me.'"

1 Samuel 17:45-46a

This is truly a remarkable story.  David is sent to his brothers as a delivery-boy, bringing food and supplies from home to his three oldest brothers on the front-line of battle against the Philistines.  David, the youngest, a shepherd boy, hears the 9-foot 9-inch giant, Goliath, defying the God of Israel and offering himself up as the Philistine Champion in a one-on-one battle against any Israelite.  David asks about the giant, and his brothers call him foolish for even asking about the situation.

David, who has experience killing lions and bears, but not humans, offers himself as Israel's Champion, trusting that the Lord will protect him as He has protected him from the wild beasts who threaten his sheep.  King Saul offers David the fanciest weapons and armor from his own stores, but they are too heavy and cumbersome for the small and agile boy.  Instead, he opts for his simple shepherd's garb, a satchel with a few stones plucked from the ground, and a simple sling.

David then verbally dominates Goliath, showing fearlessness, faith, and confidence that the Lord is on his side.  He sends Goliath's words right back at him, saying that it will be the limbs of the Philistines who get fed to the birds that day, not the Israelites'.  He provokes Goliath and then runs to meet him on the battlefield, where he promptly and swiftly sends a rock from his sling flying so fast that it literally embeds itself into the Philistine's forehead.  Then, he takes the giant's own sword and kills him with it, decapitating him and taking his head all the way to Jerusalem to show God's glory in defeating Goliath.

Question of the Day:

Have you ever read the actual biblical story of David and Goliath?  Not just the children's story versions or heard it talked about?  I hadn't until today.  If you're like me and haven't read it before, I highly recommend reading 1 Samuel 17.  The whole chapter is quite an amazing story.

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, give me the faith of David to know that You will continue to look after me and my house if we are willing to boldly proclaim Your Word to all those who would threaten us.  Give me the strength of David to stand up against those who defy Your Name.  Give me the courage of David to stand up even when the oppressor is impressive and frightening.  Give me the wisdom of David to ask questions and learn about things before jumping right in and committing myself to things I am not ready for.  Give me the reflexes of David to jump into action the moment You Call me to do so.  Amen.