Lessons from David and Goliath
by Joe R. Price
October 31, 2010
The victory of young David over the giant Goliath is one of the most well known events of the Old Testament (1 Sam. 17). This epic struggle thrills the hearts of children as well as adults and continues to encourage and secure the hearts of God’s faithful. Here are few, brief lessons for us to remember from that historic event.
Fear debilitates. The men of Israel “were dreadfully fearful” as the Philistine champion taunted and defied the armies of Israel (1 Sam. 17:24, 11). King Saul and the men of Israel quaked before the giant. Fear and weakness of faith prevented them from meeting the challenge. It was only after they saw David courageously kill Goliath that the men of Israel pursued the enemy (1 Sam. 17:51).
We must not be afraid of the opponents of truth and righteousness, regardless of their size and strength. Our God is greater than the “giants” around us (1 Jn. 4:4). The sinful giants of worldliness and immorality, of religious error, of stubborn pride and more – none of these are stronger than our King and Defender. God’s word assures us that “we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:5-6; Matt. 10:28-31).
Is there not a cause? Even the brothers of David were skeptical and condescending toward him when he showed his desire to fight the giant. David’s reply remains a battle cry of the faithful: “Is there not a cause?” (1 Sam. 17:26-32).
A battle is raging for your soul and you must be strong in the Lord to stand and be delivered from the devil (Eph. 6:10-13). Immorality is infiltrating the church; doctrinal error is minimized and accepted while spiritual apathy increases among Christians. Yes, there is a cause for which Christians must stand and fight! (1 Tim. 6:12; Jude 3-4).
Faith is the victory. David trusted God. We hear it in his words to Saul: “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear; He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Sam. 17:37). Similarly, “this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (1 Jn. 5:4).
David did not defeat Goliath because he was physically stronger but because he trusted God, who is stronger than all. The battle is the Lord’s, not mine and not yours (1 Sam. 17:47). Trust and obey Jesus; He will save you (Acts 4:12). Christians are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37, 31-39).
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