Read 1 Samuel 17

God or Goliath?

The Philistines were one of the great enemies of Israel. Israel had won at Michmash and it took many years for the Philistines to recover from that defeat. Their most fearsome champion at this time was Goliath, a giant from Gath. The armor this giant was wearing was very heavy as described by the inspired writer.

Goliath taunted the Israelites. He was confident that no one could defeat him. He was big and strong and well-protected. He was so confident that he issued such a challenge that the loser’s side would be servants of the winner’s. “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” (1 Samuel 17:10).

The response of Saul and the Israelite army, while not surprising, is disappointing. “When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17:11). Never mind what God had done in delivering the people out of Egypt; forget all the times he had raised up judges to deliver them from their oppressors. Even in the days of Saul himself, had God not shown Himself to be stronger than Israel’s foes? Yet, time and time again, the people show dismay and fear.

There was one young man, however, that was not afraid. He was not even a part of the army, but when he heard the jeers of Goliath, David wondered at the Israelites’ reaction. “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26). David knew the power of God, even if everyone else had forgotten.

We are going to face Goliaths in our lives. The challenges hurled at the people of God today come in many forms: physical persecution, societal discrimination, and sadly, sometimes, trouble from within the church itself. We serve the same God that David served, and He is still bigger than any problem we may face.

Let us have the same attitude as David, who said to the king, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:32). Face the problem head-on, knowing that God will be victorious when all is said and done!