So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

The battle of David and Goliath has got to be my favorite passage in the Bible. I love to read it and I’d like to tell you a few reasons why.

David’s Work was Ignored

David was just a shepherd. Where was Abner? Where were the Benaiahs? Where were the Abishais? The Amasas? The Ittais? The Joabs? Where was Saul for that matter? What about Eliab? No. It was a little shepherd boy from the flock that came and offered himself against the Philistine giant. Eliab his brother was angry at David for standing against the Philistine. He said that David was prideful and naughty of heart.

This is what they’ll say of the faithful. Those who stand up for God will be derided as prideful and having the wrong motives in their heart. Yet the world will be wrong. They will instead be clothed in humility; men, women, and children after God’s own heart; misunderstood of the world and derided.

God does not need the mighty or the noble. God does not need the rich or the famous. God does not need the learned or the aged. God can take a humble child of no name and no fortune to fight his battles. Saul said what everybody was thinking, “Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” (1 Samuel 17:33)

No one could see how this little ruddy boy could possibly defeat a giant. But Samuel had warned when David was anointed, “The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Isn’t it beautiful that David’s heart for Israel was shaped and moulded as he cared for those little sheep. As he fought for and protected the sheep, he was learning how to fight for and protect the children of Israel. But nobody saw that.

David’s Words had Confidence

Never in the Bible was there a man with such confidence. Never once did David even show just the slightest inkling of a hint of fear or doubt. He proclaimed, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45)

Goliath wore his armour with pride. The Bible goes to great length describing the strength and weight of Goliath’s armour and weapons. But David laughs at them and pays them no mind. He treats Goliath’s sword and spear the way they treated his own stature and strength. In their minds the little boy was no match for the giant; but in his mind Goliath and his weapons were no match for God.

I don’t think that for one second David ever though that he’d lose this battle. His faith was in God. When the people heard the Philistine speak, they had fear. When David heard of it, he had faith. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) I want to be like David. I don’t care what the world thinks is possible. With God all things are possible. (Mark 10:27) Paul believed like David, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me!” (Philippians 4:13)

“I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee.” (1 Samuel 17:46) Paul says “Through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body…” (Romans 8:13) God grant us the power through the Spirit to declare the words of David to this old flesh, “I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee!”

David’s Weapons were Simple

The kings armour, his helmet of brass, a coat of mail, and a sword were given to David. He tried to use them, but ultimately he said, “I cannot go with these.” Thus the words of Hosea ring true, “I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.” (Hosea 1:7) This was proven against Sihon and Og in the plains of Moab when the Lord fought for Israel. This was proven at the walls of Jericho. So many times in the Bible, God fights the battles of his people in such a manner that they don’t have to take up a one sword.

Instead, David used what he was accustomed to using to fend off wolves from the sheep; a sling and a stone. It’s astounding how complicated churches make this battle against the flesh and the devil and the world. We have got to use every piece of weaponry ever invented by man. We’ve got to have teen night, women’s night, men’s night, movie night, ugly sweater day, VBS, pachangas, food fests, valentine’s banquets, buses, christmas plays, fall festivals, easter egg hunts, RAs, GAs, volleyball, rock concerts, studies, choirs, praise teams, coffee and donuts, etc., etc., etc…

I’m not particularly against all that stuff, but goodness gracious! I thank God that bible reading and prayer can be sufficient. You can try all those things if you like. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Why can’t we get first things first? You’ll be amazed at what God can do with such simple things as just reading your bible and praying. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4) And in the house of God, if we can just have church, I think God would be pleased. It’s ridiculous to see a church with 3 families trying to act like a church with 300 in attendance. Just have some old-fashion preaching and an old-fashion altar where the saints of God can pray and worship God.

OH NO! It can’t be that simple! I’m finding out in this Christian journey that santification results in simplification. Growing in grace results in the purging of priorities.

David’s War was Victorious

He won. His work paid off. His words came to pass. His weapons prevailed. I don’t know about you, but I like to win. I play to win. Second place is no place. When this is said and done, at the judgment seat of Christ, there will be no participation awards. No. “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15)

Instead Paul admonishes us to “Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) and to “Run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1) Take a look at David. “And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and RAN toward the army to meet the Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:48)

And the victory was not just for David. It was for the Lord God of Israel and the people of Israel. The Bible says that “The men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines… ” (1 Samuel 17:52) The battle is not just yours, but your family’s, your church family’s. Sometimes, people need to see a little victory first in someone else, before they’re in whole hog. Your joy and victory can be an encouragement to others. Victory is contagious!

Final Remarks

The battle of David and Goliath gives hope to the hopeless. It gives strength to the weak. It gives method in all the madness. It offers faith to the fearful. It promises victory in time of trouble. I love the battle of David and Goliath. And I’m 42 years old. 🙂