David & Goliath: A New Look into a Common Bible Story
One of my struggles is intentional study time. (I know, ugh!!!) So, I’ve joined the “Say This With Me” monthly subscription box that specifically targets this area with weekly practical tips and study guides to scriptures.I will definitely do a separate post to give more details, but you can learn more at SayThisWithMe.com.
The first study is about 1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath.
Study Verse: 1 Samuel 17:47
And all those in assembly will know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you (the enemy) into our hands.
David and Goliath is a popular bible story, usually one we learn about early in youth. But we’re always challenged to seek new revelations from the Holy Spirit even about common scriptures when reading the bible. The study guide highlights key words and provides formal definitions. Then prompts the reader to dig deeper in what stands out to them.Something interesting that caught my attention in 1 Samuel 17, was the word “battle” and how God saves beyond the sword and spear. Then also the choice of David to use a “stone” for his fight with Goliath.
So, let’s unpack and dig deeper! Starting with the concept of battle, I did a google search of “ways to win war”. One of the first articles to populate was “War Strategies to Win in Business” published by Business Insider. I noticed a few parallels between the author’s strategies and David’s character in 1 Samuel 17. I’ve highlighted some below.
Declare war on your enemies. Determine who and what you stand against or compete with and use it to motivate you.
David was filled with fury anyone had the audacity to try the “armies of the living God”
Amidst the turmoil of events, do not lose your presence of mind. Unexpected challenges and setbacks will tempt you to respond with anger or anxiety, which will only create more difficulties for yourself. Learn to refrain from imposing your emotions onto reality and see things objectively so that you can react with a calm mind.
- Even though David’s own brother mocked and questioned his motives, Saul doubted him and others laughed, he was not moved, discouraged or distracted by any of their words.
Create a sense of urgency and desperation. Even if you are optimistic, aspirational, and self-confident, you will never become successful if you do not have something compelling you to action.
After meeting with Saul, David wasn't just all talk. He immediately prepared himself for his encounter with Goliath.
Know your enemy. Pay less attention to the entire team of your competition and instead study its leader.
Goliath and his shield bearer came out to the front line. David only attacked one. David was focused on the real enemy, not those around it or fruit thereof.
Overwhelm resistance with speed and suddenness. Take the time to prepare a thorough offensive, and then catch your opponent off guard.
Because David was prepared, he was ready to move when it was time to go. His quick and agile reaction provided leverage to take Goliath head on, literally (pun intended, lol).
Lastly, I think the scripture “God can save without the sword and spear” is both literal and spiritual. Literally, after many nights fighting in traditional warfare with swords and spears between Israel and the Philistines, God decides to save Israel in the most unconventional way possible. But, why? I was interested in David’s choice weapon for a war, a stone. Again, I went to google for a formal definition.
1: a concretion of earthy or mineral matter:
a (1) : such a concretion of indeterminate size or shape (2) : rock
b : a piece of rock for a specified function: such as (1) : a building block
I’m not a bible scholar (yet), but this sounds very familiar, right? Let’s see.
In Psalm 118:22, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” In Psalm 78:35, “And they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.” Then in Romans 9:33, “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
David was laughed and mocked by his mere presence, let alone going to battle with a sling and 5 smooth stones. Yet, David used a stone all others rejected and it indeed caused the fall of Goliath and became the very cornerstone that redeemed Israel in victory against the Philistines. May I present to you, this is a prophetic illustration of how God would come to save Israel (and the world) through Jesus Christ and victory of salvation. (MINDBLOWN) Some of us have heard the story of David and Goliath since the baby pews of children’s church, but I’d never heard it taught or even in my own reading recognized the foretelling of what would come from David’s lineage almost 500 years later.
“God can save without the sword and spear” is more about the war for our souls. In the end, God wins and He uses one stone, the rock, also known as Jesus Christ to do it.