Creator, Father, King #109

Everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear.

TODAY’S DEVOTION INVOLVES A scared army, a shepherd boy, a slingshot, and a very surly giant. This story, found in 1 Samuel 17, is one of the most famous narratives in the Bible.

If you guessed “David versus Goliath,” you’re correct!

Israel and its chief enemy at the time, Philistia, had drawn up battle lines in the valley of Elah. Day after day, a Philistine giant named Goliath brazenly marched out and dared Israel to send someone to fight him. Goliath stood about nine feet, nine inches tall, and with all his armor and weaponry, he was like a human tank!

No one from Israel—not even King Saul—was brave enough to take Goliath’s challenge. But when David arrived from tending his father’s sheep, he courageously took the challenge.

The heart of the story is found in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, when David laid out the true odds for the menacing giant: “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (verse 45). In other words, Goliath had no chance.

Enraged, Goliath rushed to meet David, who swung his slingshot and—bull’s-eye!—sunk a stone right between Goliath’s eyes.

Battle over. No more giant.

What’s It Mean?

David versus Goliath is an incredible story. But too often, we focus solely on David. We marvel at his remarkable faith—and rightfully so. We would do well to display that level of faith in difficult times.

But don’t walk away from this story simply being wowed by a man or asking yourself, “What are the giants in my life that I need to slay?” That completely misses the point. This story isn’t in the Bible to glorify David. It’s there to glorify the God who saved him!

When David faced one of the biggest challenges of his life, he turned to the God of the universe who gave him a mighty victory. God is greater than all our enemies, trials, fears, and doubts. He can deliver us from all trouble through faith.

The focus of this story is not on mortal man, but on the immortal God who is powerful to save. May that be your focus, as well!

Now What?

When you are faced with a big problem, read Proverbs 3:5-6 and trust in the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Did You Know?

After defeating Goliath, David cut off his head and took it to Jerusalem to display as a victor’s trophy (1 Samuel 17:54). Creepy!