1 Samuel 17:34-54

Goliath was a “champion” of the Philistines. Goliath was an imposing figure. ◦ He stood about 9½ feet tall. ◦ His armor weighed over 125 pounds. Saul and all Israel “were dismayed and greatly afraid” (v 11).

1 SAMUEL 17:32-54

A SHEPHERD’S CONFIDENCE AND A KING’S TREPIDATION vv 32-40

Saul discounts David because he is young and inexperienced. ◦ Age and experience are great teachers. ◦ But, the young can do much in serving God.  “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak” (Jer 1:7).  “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim 4:12).

Saul believed David had no experience. ◦ Yet, he was experienced at witnessing God’s protection. ◦ Has God not been faithful in your life, too?  Doesn’t God’s past faithfulness help us trust His future faithfulness?

Saul put his armor on David. ◦ Saul’s armor was probably different from everyone else’s.  He could be identified as the King on the battlefield.  Saul probably wanted everyone to think the King went against Goliath. ◦ Saul also demonstrates a lack of faith in God.  David has just told Saul all that God has done, but Saul still doubts.

WILL WE BE MORE LIKE DAVID OR SAUL?

A SHEPHERD’S CONFIDENCE AND A GENTILE’S TAUNTS vv 41-47

Goliath is commonly called “the Philistine.” ◦ Probably a way of showing the author’s disdain for Goliath—His name doesn’t deserve mention. Goliath taunts David by his gods. ◦ Taunting was quite common in individual combat. ◦ These taunts were supposedly effective, for they were endorsed by one’s deity.

The author juxtaposes Goliath’s weapon with David’s God. ◦ Goliath had come forth with all sorts of weapons—they won’t do him any good when God fights for David. ◦ David doesn’t have all of Goliath’s weaponry, but he does have God on his side.

David’s motivation in killing Goliath: ◦ He wanted to rid the earth of one who would defy God the way Goliath had. ◦ He wanted God to be vindicated (vv 46-47). We, too, have great opportunities to bring glory & honor to God.

A SHEPHERD’S CONFIDENCE AND AN ARMY’S TERROR vv 48-54

Slingshots were used in warfare in this era, but they weren’t terribly effective. ◦ If someone was wearing a good helmet, there wasn’t much you could do with a slingshot, unless you got very lucky. ◦ God is involved in this victory!

BECAUSE ONE BOY BELIEVED GOD, THE ISRAELITES WERE VICTORIOUS IN BATTLE. What would happen if we believed God?

DO YOU NEED TO COME AND BEGIN TRUSTING GOD?