David Meets Saul
16:14—23
Once the Holy Spirit left Saul, he began to have problems. A harmful spirit tormented him. This evidently resulted in problematic behavior such as temper fits and moodiness.
Saul’s servants recognized this and believed music would calm Saul. One of the young servants had seen David and recommended him. The servant described David as skillful at playing the lyre, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent of speech, and of good presence. (18)
There may have been some exaggeration there. David had not been to war, but he had evidently fought with wild animals who threatened his father’s sheep.
The best quality was that “the Lord is with him”. (18) We see the contrast here: Saul was suffering because the Lord was no longer with him, but David was succeeding because the Lord was with him.
Initially, Saul loved David and arranged to have him serve him full time. He even made David his armor bearer, a position that would signify his affection for and trust of David. However, this approval would not last.
David and Goliath
17:1-58
This is one of the most well known stories in the Bible. It shows David as a man of faith and of valor. Saul appears to be neither of these. Therefore, David is portrayed as the champion of Israel, not Saul.
The Battle Lines Are Drawn
17:1-3
The Philistines were long time enemies of Israel. They inhabited cities on the coast. They constantly invaded Israel, often taking over parts of Israel’s territory.
They have become the offspring of the serpent at enmity with the offspring of Eve, a continuing fulfillment of God’s word in Genesis 3:15.
This story is based around a Philistine attack. The Philistines and the Israelites had taken up positions in the high places on either side of the Valley of Elah.
Goliath Seeks A Fight
17:4-11
Goliath appeared as a champion of the Philistines. He was very large, over 9 feet tall. He may have been one of the Anakim, sons of Anak. They were described as “great and tall”. (Deuteronomy 2:10; 9:2) The spies Moses sent into Canaan said they were as grasshoppers compared to the Anakim. (Numbers 13:22)
Despite their size, God gave Joshua victory over them. The survivors fled to Gath, where Goliath was from, and Ashdod, another Philistine city. (Joshua 11:22)
Goliath was heavily armored with bronze mail covering this torso, plus armor over his legs. He had a full body shield and a large spear with an iron head. He would have been a fearsome sight.
Goliath challenged the Israelites to send a champion to fight him. The winner would procure victory over the other country. The losing country would become the servants of the winning country. This went on for 40 days.
The number 40 often stands for a time of testing in the Bible.
Saul should have been the champion of Israel, but did not volunteer. The whole army was dismayed and greatly afraid. (11)
David Comes To Visit
17:12-27
David’s three oldest brothers went to battle with Saul. David commuted between Saul and Bethlehem to tend his father’s sheep.
Jesse sent David to take food to his brothers in the Israelite camp. He heard Goliath making his challenge. He saw the Israelites flee in fear. He heard the men talking about the rewards Saul offered for a man to fight Goliath.
Eliab Reacts
17:28-30
Eliab was angry at David for coming to the camp. He denigrated him by saying his job was to keep “those few sheep”. He accused him of presumption and evil in his heart.
This appears to be jealousy on the part of Eliab. He witnessed the anointing of David by Samuel the prophet, so he knew David was chosen and empowered by God. Eliab likely felt that he, as the oldest son, should have been chosen. He may also have been embarrassed that David, as the smaller and younger man, was volunteering to fight the giant while Eliab had not.
Saul Lets David Fight
17:31-37
Although Saul thought David unqualified to fight the giant, who was a seasoned warrior, David was undeterred. He believed that the could kill a giant man just as he hand killed lions and bears.
But, most of all, David believed that God would give him the victory. (37) The Lord would not allow Goliath to defy his armies. So, Saul let David go and fight.
David Kills Goliath
17:32-54
David entered the battle with no armor or sword. He took his slingshot and five stones. But his real weapon was the Lord. He said he came in he name of the Lord of hosts. And he killed Goliath, cutting off his head. The offspring of Eve bruised the head of the offspring of the serpent. (Genesis 3:15)
Saul’s Degradation
17:55-58
Saul did not remember who David’s father and family was. He wanted to keep David with him, but could not remember who he would have to instruct to get it done.
Takeaways
1. The Lord is the real hero of the story.
He defeated the enemy and used an unlikely person with insufficient weapons to do so.
As Nebuchadnezzar would later say: “he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand or say to him ‘what have you done?’.” (Daniel 4:35)
2. God does not call us to fight in our own strength and it often does not end well when we do.
Instead, he calls us to stand firm in Christ and his power to fight our battles and defeat our enemies.
Romans 16:20 says: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet”.
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