Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 17
The details of the story of David and Goliath are familiar. Goliath stood about nine and a half feet tall ... his armor weighed 125 lbs ... the head of his spear weighed 16 lbs ... he was an undefeated champion in the kind of one-on-one battles he was suggesting with Israel’s representative. In stark contrast to the Philistine warrior, David had refused any armor and his only weapon was a sling and five stones, which he carried in his shepherd’s bag.
It is a stirring story of faith and victory. As we study the text, we must search for clues to help us understand the root of David’s faith. If we can discover what David thought and felt, we can draw close to God in the same way and know a deeper faith in our own souls.
One of the keys to David’s faith is his zeal for the honor of God. Three times David makes reference to Goliath taunting God (1 Sam 17:26,36,45). David has put the honor of God before his own life. He is willing to risk everything to defend God’s name. David desires "that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel" (1 Sam 17:46). To be consumed by the glory of God is to be shaped by it in everything we do. And it does give us courage.
Second, David is utterly convinced of the power of God. God had shown Himself to be mighty in saving David from a lion and a bear as he watched over his father’s sheep (1 Sam 17:34-37). David knew that the strength of his life was rooted in the omnipotence of God. David's declaration to Goliath revealed this foundation for his faith. "... the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear. For the battle is the LORD's" (1 Sam 17:47).
