1 Samuel 17

1 Samuel 17:1

C. Defeating Goliath (Chap. 17)17:1-11 The Philistines gathered their armies for battle near the Valley of Elah, southwest of Jerusalem and not far from Gath. Saul and his army assembled nearby, with the Valley of Elah between them. A champion by the name of Goliath came out of the Philistine camp daily for forty days, defying the armies of Israel to send him a worthy opponent. There were no volunteers. This giant was about nine feet nine inches tall and wore at least 175 pounds of armor. His iron spearhead alone weighed over fifteen pounds. The heavy weapons were no problem for Goliath, since he himself must have weighed somewhere between 600 and 750 pounds (possibly more, depending on his build). This gave him many times the strength of a normal man. 17:12-30 On one occasion, when David was bringing supplies to his three oldest brothers at the battlefront, he heard the taunts of the giant and saw the fear on the faces of the Hebrew soldiers. He asked what would be done for the man who silenced this swaggering brute. Eliab, his oldest brother, rebuked him, probably to mask his own cowardice, but David persisted in checking into the prizes that awaited the man who would kill the giant. 17:31-40 Saul soon got word that a young man had been found to fight for Israel, and David was brought before him. When Saul saw David, he had understandable doubts about the lad’s ability. But David had known the power of God working through him when he defended his flock against the lion and the bear. He had proved God in private; now he could rely on God in public. Seeing his courage and determination, Saul gave him his own armor, but David discarded it because it was a hindrance to him. Instead, he went forth armed with five smooth stones, a sling, a staff, and the power of the living God! 17:41-54 When Goliath saw David, who was probably around twenty at this time, he was incensed that Israel should insult him by sending out what in his eyes was a mere child to fight him. But David had no trace of fear as he responded to the giant’s curses. He had complete faith that the Lord would give him the victory. As Goliath moved toward him, David . . . slung the first stone, hitting him in his forehead. The giant fell forward on his face. David then used the Philistine’s own sword to kill him and cut off his head. When the Philistines saw this, they fled, with Israel in hot pursuit. 17:55-58 These verses seem to present a problem: It is strange that Saul did not recognize David when he had already appointed him as his armorbearer (1Sa_16:21). However, it should be noted that it does not say that Saul did not know who this young hero was; it simply says that he asked, “Whose son is this?” Saul could have easily forgotten David’s family background. Williams comments: Saul, having promised exemption of taxation to the family of the victor, and the hand of his daughter in marriage with a handsome dowry, naturally asks Abner for information respecting David’s father and his position in society. . . . This seems to be confirmed by the fact that David later expressed his unworthiness to be the king’s son-in-law (1Sa_18:18). Michael Griffiths makes a good application: Both Jonathan (chap. 14) and David initiated action on a small front just where they were, but what they did led to great victories. There is a need for us alike to take the field locally. We cannot hope to take on the whole of the enemy force, but we do not have to do so. There is a work for Jesus ready at your “front.” We are called to be bold and to take the initiative where we are. God will take care of the rest when, as a result of our action, the battle spreads along the whole front.