My hope is you do not skip over the familiar story of David and Goliath or close your heart off from God showing you something new in chapters 16 and 17. King Saul is the king God gave Israel based on their choice of outward presence and power. Now, God makes a choice based on an inward heart devoted to Him (16:7).
I kind of laugh at the exercise Samuel goes through in 16:1-12 until God reveals the youngest son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, David, as the one Samuel is sent to anoint. Samuel is surprised, me too. How often does that exercise play out in my life? Ok God, the obvious choice in front of me must be right. And God says no. God redirects me to a different choice that ends up better that my eyes could not see without God. God sees differently than we do. God knows what He is doing.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5
In front of his father, older brothers, and elders of Bethlehem, Samuel anoints young David with oil. Is the room filled with puzzled looks? The practice of anointing was a symbol of significance and reminds me of Psalm 23:5 and Psalm 92:10. Why is Samuel anointing David? It feels random to everyone in the room. Later, we learn in 16:18 the reputation of David’s heart when King Saul calls on David to come to his palace.
David is courageous, loyal, strong, skillful, and wise. Bingo. As the reader it makes sense why David is the only one walking out covered in oil. Also, when you read the lineage of Jesus in Matthew 1, David is part of the family line that leads to the Savior of the world coming to earth. This is intentional. A sovereign choice by God.
Nearby Bethlehem at Socoh, less than 20 miles, the Philistines prepare for battle against Israel. King Saul and Israel assemble their men but are shaking in their boots on their side of the mountain across from the Philistines (17:11). Where is David? He is not deemed for battle probably due to his small stature or age. Therefore, David divides his time between stringing his lyre and watering his sheep. The Philistines give an ultimatum to Israel. This battle will be decided by a face-off between one Philistine named Goliath a giant from Gath and one Israelite. So, who’s stepping in the ring for Israel? (Insert deep gulp from King Saul). David does not come to mind. David was called into the palace to string his lyre to war off a harmful spirit from King Saul. Warring off a giant is different. Right?
Here is where chapter 17 connects back to chapter 16. David’s gumption and humility radiate the presence of God. From a sequence of events that God orchestrates, David makes it to the battlefield one morning where Goliath comes out to repeat his challenge to Israel again (17:10). This happens every day for 40 plus days. At this point I lost count. However, today the challenge falls on fresh ears in 17:23, “And David heard him.” Something happens inside David. It is not fear that heats David, but courage. I think it blows David’s mind (17:26,36). Why has no one stepped up to this Philistine who defies the God of Israel? He is nothing compared to our God.
King Saul gives approval for David to enter the ring for Israel. How does David prepare for battle? Initially, David is loaded up with a bronze helmet, sword, and full armor. He probably takes two strenuous steps and is out of breath. How am I supposed to use these strange things to fight against the enemy? I have not trained with a breastplate or helmet. David forms a new plan. He puts off the traditional armor of war and grabs his trusted staff, stones, and sling shot that has led David to victory as a shepherd in the fields many times.
Q: How do I approach the enemy? Am I weighed down by the wrong armor or is there one piece of armor that always comes through (Ephesians 6:10-20)?
The courage and confidence in the God of Israel leads David out to battle. As David stands across from Goliath, he proclaims for everyone to hear that he comes in the name of the Lord. God must increase, I must decrease (John 3:30). Before David defeats Goliath, he says the victory coming will testify “that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (17:45-47). These words from David help me pray back darkness in my life and the world today.
What God does next is incredible! One stone, one shot, and one giant hits the ground. Can you imagine how the earth shook? In that moment every person tangibly felt the victory of God. And then, I cannot get over celebrating the phrase to describe the Philistines in this moment. “THEIR CHAMPION WAS DEAD” (17:51). The enemy is defeated, the fear is removed, and darkness is no more. For those who believe in God with their whole hearts like David they live in the good news that our LIVING GOD made a way! Does anyone else see the analogy? Israel represents you and me in this story who are anxious and fearful when the enemy steps forward. Goliath is the giant tower of darkness the enemy convinces me cannot be defeated. And David portrays the Good Shepherd who defeats the enemy, who does not fear, and who acts with a giant heart of love for the one He protects.
God wants our hearts. If your heart is not in something like dance, a start-up business, teaching, your marriage, or following God, it will not last. God chooses the next king of Israel with a heart fully devoted to God because God is building a kingdom that will last.
Q: What are we waiting for to radically listen, trust, and believe in the Lord Almighty?
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