Moments with my First Love [UNDER REVISION]

MOMENT 83: Behind a Courageous David

Kindly read first the book of 1 Samuel chapter 17 from verse 1-50 before proceeding to the content of this chapter.

The story of David and Golliath is a well-known parable. I'll bet, even the pre-believers knows how the story flows.

In the Biblical story, the army of Philistine gathered for war against Israelites. Those two armies faced each other as they camped for battle on opposite sides of a steep valley because that time, the Philistines were at war with King Saul.

Goliath
- came from descendant of the Nephilim—the offspring of the "sons of God" and their human wives. You will read this in the Book of Genesis 6:1:4.

(Nephilim was translated as giants in some Bibles but left untranslated in others. They are mysterious beings or people of unusually large size and strength who lived both before and after the great flood. But according to my study and researches, scholars are still debating about their true identity.)

- Philistine warrior from Gath and considered as their champion. (1 Samuel 17:4)

- Goliath was significantly taller than the average Hebrew male. In the Bible, he was describe with a height of six cubits and a span. So, he's a big guy in modern standard.

- Fully armored warrior (1 Samuel 17:5-7

David
- The youngest son of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:11)

- he was a shepherd before God has chosen him to anoint to be the next king of Israel.

- a boy yet the only person willing to fight Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:32)

- he fought and killed Golliath with only a sling and a stone. He declined to use Saul's royal armor. (1 Samuel 17:38-40)

Reading our dwelling verse:

v45 Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with la javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, ewhom you have defied.

v46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. mAnd I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day nto the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, othat all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,

v47 and that all this assembly may know that pthe Lord saves not with sword and spear. qFor the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand."

Whenever we are to face battles in life, may we have this kind of courageous spirit like David had.

How did David had this kind of courage and confidence?

How come that he didn't even show any sign of fear or trembling in front of his enemy who's bigger and stronger than him?

1. He knew the use of his anointing.

In 1 Samuel 16:13, he was anointed by prophet Samuel for he was the one that God has chosen in replacement of King Saul. Given the fact that he was just a boy and had no knowledge of running a kingdom, God saw the condition of his heart which made him qualified for the position.

Aside from that, David was also aware of himself having no knowledge, training, and experience in fighting. But because he knew that God's a nointing was with him, he didn't even flinch at any form or appearance of his enemy, Golliath.

He didn't care how large he is, all that matters was he was displease when Golliath disrespect the Name of God.

He knew that even if he wasn't yet declated as the new king, because Saul is still alive, the anointing that was given upon him wasn't useless. That anointing manifest the moment it was given unto him. (1 Samuel 16:13)

2. He knew his God.

In 1 Samuel 17:34-37, David told Saul about the saving of his God to him in the mouth of the lion and bear. He was confident that if God didn't let him be in danger with lion or bear, why would God  would forsake him with only a mere huge philistine? David knew his God. He is confident about how he knew God.

3. He will fight in the Name of the Lord.

This is probably my most favorite point. Always remember that no matter how great you are, how trained you are, how skillful and such you are... If you will fight in the Name of the Lord, you will just be a loser in the end. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David said that though Golliath came with seord and with a spear and with a javelin, he come in the name of the Lord of host!

Prophet Micah emphasized in Micah 4:5 when he said, "For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of our God for ever and ever."

A. David's heart is to fight for God's glory!
B. David's heart is to win the fight to make God known!

David didn't had a double purpose. He knew his purpose very well, and he didn't put himself in the situation. All he did was through God, with God and for God! What kind of dependence was that? I also want that kind of confidence!

Whatever battles you are to face, may your heart be always confident and courageous to fight for God's glory and fame! Not about you and never about you!

And make sure to win the battle! Aim to win for this will be for God to be known by many and be glorified!

Shalom!
Glory be all to God! :)