David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand, he struck down the Philistine and killed him. … When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines ...” 1 Samuel 17:45-50, 51b-52 NIV
One of the most famous accounts in biblical history is the battle between a shepherd boy and a giant. The average man in that day was 5’ to 5’3”. The records from the Septuagint, Josephus (Jewish historian), and the Dead Sea Scrolls say Goliath was 6’9”, although the Hebrew text used in many translations says he was 9’9”. In either case, he was much bigger, louder, and with massive weapons and armor, very threatening to all the soldiers, let alone to a teenage boy. David had just arrived, bringing food from home to his older brothers. The Philistines and Israelites had agreed one man would fight from each army. The victor would win for his nation, and the opposing nation would become their subjects.
Goliath’s morning threats completely demoralized the Israelite army. When David arrived, he was shocked. He couldn’t imagine that his brothers and the other men who knew the God of Israel would allow Him to be maligned and scorned in this way. He volunteered to go against Goliath with just his sling and stones. His faith was so strong that his willingness inspired enough confidence in King Saul that he agreed to David’s offer. David’s speech to Goliath was heard by not only Goliath but by both armies. It was bold, confident, and inspiring. My heart beats faster when I read it, and I almost feel goose bumps rising on my arms. Can you even imagine the hearts and minds of those Israelite men, feeling quivers of hope for the first time? Their king wouldn’t even fight Goliath to save the nation. Can you see how all their hearts were directed to God? David said all credit would belong to God before God did anything to show His power. “Everyone” would know there was a God in Israel! You know the end of the story. David’s faith inspired others and they shared in the amazing victory. The God who was honored and given the glory continued to use humble David and bless his leadership in and for Israel.
- My courageous faith will inspire others, and my true leadership will point people beyond me to Jesus.