1 Samuel 17

In the previous chapter, Saul was first introduced to David the musician who is able to bring a song of peace to his troubled soul. In this chapter he receives a second introduction to David, now as the courageous and faithful man of war, used by God to bring a different peace to Israel, the peace that comes through the defeat of enemies that are more than they can handle. In both chapters he is beyond what others would have thought possible. His own family does not seem to understand him, but Saul's son Jonathan has the eyes to see him for who he truly is, the Lord's anointed savior.

The adversary that David defeats in this great contest is the frightening warrior of Gath, the giant Goliath. This Goliath openly taunted the Israelites, calling for a volunteer who would dare to go head to head against him. No one was found who was up to the challenge among the frightened warriors of Israel. Even Saul was afraid.

David had a different spirit in him. He said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” His oldest brother, Eliab, thought he knew what was in David's heart; presumption, thrill-seeking, and evil. David's words of courage brought him before Saul, who questioned David's ability to face the big man. But rather than be discouraged by the words of those who wanted him to back down, David considered the providence of the Lord in his life. Goliath was a beast who was defying the God of Israel. The Lord had enabled young David to defeat wild beasts in the past. How much more would God help him now.

Rejecting Saul's heavy armor, David went out with a staff, five smooth stones, and a sling to meet a man in battle that caused all of the men of Israel to run and hide. Goliath looked at David with the same disbelief that came from all who look only at the outward appearance. He taunted David and cursed him by the gods of the Philistines.

Now was the moment for the true king of Israel to shine. What was his confidence? The God of Israel. “The battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.”

We all know what happened next. Nothing could have been more unlikely than for young David to prevail over Goliath with a sling and a stone. Yet here is another story that was even more unlikely: that a man of Nazareth would defeat sin, misery, death, and hell by the power of a righteous life and His own death on the cross. This is what Jesus has done for us.

When David won his amazing victory in the name of the Lord, it caused Saul to question whether he had the right understanding about this man's background. When the disciples of Jesus witnessed His amazing miracles they also wondered. “Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey Him.” They might have asked Saul's question: “Whose son are you?”

Jesus, the long expected Son of David, was not only the Son of Mary; He was also the Son of God. He was not only David's descendant; He was also David's Lord. By His death He accomplished an astounding victory over sin. Death no longer has the final say for us because of Him.