We refreshed our insights, or we gained new ones whenever we read about the battle between the little David and the gigantic Goliath. One question for us to ponder for this season: What is one giant that you are fighting in your life today?

David is a teenager. Jewish boys join the army at age 20 (Nu 1:3). Since his older three brothers are already soldiers; the next three brothers and he are likely in their teens. As for height, he is small in built (1 Sam 16:7). Goliath is probably at least one foot taller than David. He is also strong as his armor weighs 125 pounds (50 kg, 1 Sam 17:5). David and Goliath are the two contenders. But for what are they fighting?

This is not merely a battle against earthly flesh and blood; but it is also a spiritual warfare to stand up for God’s glory. In the previous chapter, David was chosen by God and anointed by Samuel to succeed Saul as the next king of Israel after Saul disobeyed God. As a man after God’s own heart, David knows what is at stake and wants to fight this battle. And he won it with the help of God.

All the characters except David see this as an on-going war between the two nations, Israel and Philistines. First, Goliath. In his threat, he openly defies the ranks of Israel from their king to the soldiers (17:10). Second, the Israelite army. They echo the same thing as Goliath when he comes to them the next day (17:25). Third, David’s eldest brother, Eliab. He disregards David’s sincerity and rebukes him that this battle ground is no place for mischievous boys like him to be here (17:28). Fourth, Saul. When David stands before him, he looks him down. David is too young in a war for adult soldiers (17:33). For these four people, God is not in the picture at all.

However, for David, the moment that he enters the battlefield and hears the arrogance of Goliath, his heart feels that Goliath has blemished God’s name. When Goliath is defying the nation of Israel, David believes that since Israel belongs to God, he is defying the armies of the living God (17:27). The soldiers are cowering in fear by this arrogant enemy (17:26). David strongly believes that the reproach must be removed. His conviction in honoring God can be observed by the nine times that he mentions God (17:26, 36-37, 45-47). Unlike the four people above, God is in every picture of his life including this battle.

When Saul questions his credibility as a young boy to confront Goliath, he boldly proclaims that God who has helped him struck down lions and bears, will also be the One who will help him to overcome this giant. And when Goliath curses him for his useless wooden shepherd’s shaft against his armored plated body, David stands courageously in the Lord. He rebuts Goliath that though he comes with sword, spear and javelin, he comes by the name of the Lord of hosts. Beloved brothers and sisters, are you encountering a situation today at home, school, work and church when morals are being compromised? Let us follow the example of David and not to be ashamed. We can ask God for wisdom to be His voice in defending the biblical values of purity and integrity.

From every human viewpoint, David is clearly an underdog from the outset. First, he is only a boy and has not reached the age to join the army. Second, he is not a soldier trained in the weapons of war. Third, his physical stature is no match against Goliath; even the armor he wears is too huge for him. Fourth, everyone does not speak in favor of him – Eliab his brother, Saul his king and Goliath his enemy. However, God has anointed and raised David up for this hour to stand up against someone who taunts His people and puts down His name. David’s faith and conviction in God surprises all that day and the readers today.

Ponder and Pray : Dear God, Thank you for your presence with me as I face this giant, …. (describe what is this giant) in my life. I want to follow and do your will. I know that obstacles and troubles such as this giant may line up my way. Teach and empower me like David so that I can accomplish Your will by Your grace and with Your help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.