June 23 | 1 Samuel 17:50-58

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DAILY READING

1 Samuel 17:50-58 

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REFLECTION

The End of an Unending Battle

By Dave Mann

Today’s text is a summary of the important points that the author wants to be understood about this well-known story from the Old Testament.  After the Exodus, the story of David and Goliath is in the race to be the second-best-known story in the Old Testament.

So, what does the author think is important?

• V. 50 – David killed Goliath without the assistance of his own sword or the sword of King Saul.  Goliath was tall, well-equipped with weapons of war, experienced, and overly confident in himself.  David was short, ill-equipped (only a sling), inexperienced, and confident in the Lord.  The Lord fights for those who trust in him.

  
  

• V. 51 – After Goliath was felled by a stone to the forehead, David used Goliath’s sword to decapitate him.  He held up the head so that all could see – Philistines and Israelites – that the task was complete.  Both the enemies of the Lord and his people need to see the evidence.  When you do what God has called you to do, finish the job.  Sometimes, you may have the opportunity to use the enemy’s weapons against him.

  
  

• V. 52 – When the Philistines saw the severed head, they fled.  When the Israelites saw the head, they ran forward in pursuit.  The example of one person acting with trust in the Lord can be an effective inspiration for many others.

  
  

• V. 54 – David placed Goliath’s head and his weapons in special places.  It is not wrong to keep memorials to remind yourself and others of God’s faithfulness.

  
  

• ]Vv. 55-57 – Saul wanted to know more about David, especially his father.  If you gain success because of God’s work in your life, it is not unusual for you to gain some fame.  People may well seek you out.

  
  

• V. 58 – David’s response to Saul’s inquiries about his family were humble.  David showed honor to his father and King Saul.  “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”  When we gain notoriety, we should be ready to share humbly and to give God the glory.

The battle between David and Goliath is a microcosm of the world's struggle – God against the so-called “gods” of the world.  Goliath boasted in himself. David boasted in Yahweh.  David was not delivered because he was made of the right stuff, but because he trusted in the right God.

PRAYER

O Lord of the heavenly hosts, thank you for preserving the story of the epic battle between David and Goliath.  Help us to recognize the battles that plague your kingdom here on earth.  Grant us the courage to respond with faith and to obey your call in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.

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