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1 Samuel 17:1–11
And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” (v. 10).
As we move into 1 Samuel 17, we encounter one of the most well-known stories in all of Scripture—David’s conflict with Goliath. This story is so universally known that the phrase “David vs. Goliath” is often used in popular speech to describe lopsided mismatches in contests of all sorts, from wars to political races to sporting events. However, the fact that the “David” in popular analogies is invariably the underdog and the “Goliath” is always the favorite proves that the lessons of this story have been overlooked entirely. As we explore this chapter in our next six studies, we will attempt to go deeper.
The story begins when the Philistines once again mount a threat to Israel. This might not have happened had Saul not hindered Israel with his rash vow during the previous conflict (14:24, 29–30), but the location of this face-off, which is close to the Philistine border, indicates Israel has pushed its enemies back quite far. Now, however, the Philistines regroup and march into Judah, and Saul assembles his men to meet them in the Valley of Elah. The Philistines take positions on one side of the valley and the Israelites on the other. But before the armies clash, a lone warrior steps out from the Philistine ranks, one Goliath of Gath, who proposes a high-stakes method of settling the issue—man-to-man conflict between himself and an Israelite champion. Under his plan, the loser’s people will serve the winner’s. This Philistine is a mountain of a man, standing a little less than 10 feet tall, and with his great size comes great strength, such that he is able to bear heavy armor and to wield a massive spear and javelin. In the confidence of this strength, he taunts Saul and his men to send someone to fight him. Secure in his belief that no Israelite can match him, he defies the Israelite army. But his boasting is foolish, for he does not see that he is defying not just Israel but Israel’s God.
Unfortunately, Saul and his men also have forgotten who is their champion. As a result, they are terrified by Goliath’s challenge. Saul no longer has the Spirit of God to embolden him (see 11:6), and even Jonathan seems to have no faith in this instance (see 14:6). To a man, the Israelites focus on Goliath’s outward appearance, and quail before him. Israel needs a man who will not look on the physical stature of this giant, a man who has God with him.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Goliath was defying not just Israel’s armies but the commander of those armies—God. And as Job asks, “Who has defied Him without harm?” (9:4, NASB). The answer, of course, is no one. And yet, all non-believers are defying God, knowing of Him (Rom. 1) and yet rejecting Him. Pray that your unbelieving friends will cease their defiance.
For Further Study
- Ps. 74:10
- Rom. 5:10; 8:7
- Eph. 2:16
- Phil. 3:18