After David had returned to shepherding, the Philistines began to attack Israel. Saul gathered the troops and went to fight against this enemy. David’s three oldest brothers went with Saul’s army. After a while, Jesse, David’s father, wanted to know how the army was fairing and sent David with some supplies to find out.
As David walked into the Israelite camp, Goliath, a nine-foot-tall giant, walked out from the Philistine camp and made his proposal. “Why are all of your soldiers lined up ready for battle? You are Saul’s servants. I am a Philistine. So, choose one man and send him to fight me. If that man kills me, he wins, and we Philistines will become your slaves. But if I kill your man, then I win, and you will become our slaves. You will have to serve us.”
Now the Israelite army was afraid of Goliath. Saul, who was taller than any of the others (1 Sam.9:2) should have been the champion that would fight Goliath. But no one fought him. When David hears Goliath’s taunt, he says, “Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?” David offers to go fight the giant. His brothers make fun of this, but other soldiers tell King Saul.[1]
The story of David and Goliath is well known and often is seen as a parable of victory for the underdog. But why should have David, who wasn’t even a solider in the army, fight Goliath? It was Saul that was Israel’s champion. 1 Sam.9: 2 Kish had a handsome young son named Saul. Now Saul was not only the most handsome man in Israel, but he was also the most imposing, standing taller than all others.[2] But God’s Spirit had departed from Saul because of his disobedience and he was tormented with depression and fear (1 Sam. 16:14) This is why David would come and play the harp. Music seemed to soothe the rough times for Saul.
Perhaps the Philistines knew the king was in a bad way and chose to attack and take advantage of the situation. We can see the contrast of fear with Saul and the army and the confidence David had because of his relationship with God.
How about you? Has your faith helped you move forward in life with the confidence that God is with you? If not, that situation can change. God promises to with us always and work through situations with us. If you need more help in this area, seek out a pastor or more mature believer to mentor you. God desires everyone to grow in the faith and will answer prayer requests for that.
To hear more about David and Goliath, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/david-and-his-songs-the-early-years/the-lord-gives-me-the-victory
[1] Summarized from 1 Sam.17:1-30.
[2] The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society