When we left Saul and David, Saul was suffering mentally from an evil spirit. David was summoned to soothe Saul’s nerves on the recommendation of a servant who said he played the lyre well and the Lord was with him.
It worked; the music was soothing to Saul. Saul liked David and made him an armor bearer. And in 1 Samuel 17, walks Goliath.
Subscribe to BBC on Apple, Spotify , or Amazon.
In this short interchange, there is a critical difference in the perception between the men and David. The Israelites say with resignation, “do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel?” David says with indignation, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine that defies the army of God?” The Israelite’s perception is that Goliath is a man defying men. The Israelites are resigned to fail because Goliath is bigger.
Remember that the Israelites are obsessed with height. Height was what they wanted in a king, and height is what they got with Saul. He was a head taller than any of the other Israelites, but now they have an enemy that dwarfs their tall king.
David’s perception is that Goliath is an enemy of God, defying God. David is indignant because his God is bigger. In David’s eyes, this battle will take place on another plane. It is the Lord’s fight, and he will deliver Israel. The point is that because David has a heart for the Lord, his perception is altered. He sees through the eyes of faith and his faith has taught him that he has a very big God. Goliath is nothing to God.
Scene 1: Goliath Defies God for Forty Days and Forty Nights
Scene 2: Saul Dodges his Responsibility as King
In Scene 3: David Defends God
Scene 4: David Steps into the Spotlight
Verses Mentioned:
Show Notes:
Bible Timeline
The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club.
