Anointed: A Study in 1 Samuelنموونە

What does it say?

After hearing Goliath’s blasphemous statements against the God of Israel, David volunteered to fight him one-on-one. Wearing no armor, David killed him on the battlefield.

What does it mean?

Saul’s army trembled in fear before the Philistine army and its champion, Goliath. From a human standpoint, this giant of a man seemed too big and powerful to defeat. David, however, saw Goliath from God’s point of view. He was angry that Goliath was getting away with blasphemy against the God of Israel – someone had to do something about it. So David responded in faith, believing His God was greater than any false god. He knew that the Lord would bring him victory.

How should I respond?

When we speak about David and Goliath, it is east to cast Goliath as a representative of all our problems and we, just like David, have the power to overcome them. However, if this is the only response we have, we have missed its ultimate meaning. David and Goliath is a stunning foreshadow of a battle not between warring nations, but between Christ and all the sinfulness of the world. By his death and glorious resurrection, Jesus has defeated our greatest enemies - death, sin, and hell - and provided victory for all of God's people. What "battle" in your life is currently causing you fear or distress? Be comforted today that "the battle is the LORD's" and he goes before us in power and victory.