Sunday, March 14, 2010

1 Samuel 17-19: Facing Giants

David faced more than one giant in his life.  The obvious one was the Philistine, Goliath who tormented the Israelites from his post in the enemy camp.  All of the Israelites were trembling in fear, and none of them would take Goliath up on his challenge to come and fight.  Only David, the shepherd boy, and part time harpist to soothe Saul's nerves, saw Goliath clearly, and his response was one of indignation. "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" - 1 Sam 17:26 NIV

When David tells Saul that he is going to fight Goliath, Saul reminds him that he is only a boy.  David recounts how God helped him kill lions and bears in order to protect the sheep and tells Saul that, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."  - 1 Sam. 17:37 NIV

So Saul gives David his blessing and dresses David in the customary armour and helmet of the warriors.  But David, being only a boy, finding himself unable to walk around loaded down with armor, took it off and went to face the giant with only five stones and the armor of God.  The Israelites were victorious over the Philistines that day, but Saul had already forgotten David's contribution.

When the women greeted the returning army with the refrain "Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands," Saul became angry and the very next day the evil spirit, that was to continually haunt the relationship between Saul and David, made its presence known when Saul threw a spear at David while he was playing the harp.  David's music was no longer soothing to Saul.  The evil spirit became another taunting, jealous, giant that would pursue David the rest of Saul's life.

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