The comparison of David and Goliath is well embedded in our culture. It is normally used to compare “the little guy” with the corporate giant, or an unfair duel noting the size of one or the other. I think it even comes to mind when we talk about “the underdog”. We inherently understand the difference between comparing strength or wealth. How can “he/she” win when faced with a faceless organization with seemingly unlimited resources.

But the story is much deeper for us people of faith.

Here’s the setup. King Saul has come to reign because God chose him. He was seen as the “right man” for the nation who wanted to be like all the other nations who had kings. Remember that the people of God had lived in a true theocracy, where God had appointed judges to rule in disputes and bring wisdom to community life. But the Israelites were not content (there’s a lesson there too) to be as God intended. No they wanted their own king – to be like the other nations.

So King Saul is on the throne. And what is noteworthy about King Saul? He’s a mighty warrior, chosen by God to lead this nation. The Philistines are historic enemies of Israel. The fight between them is in many ways – ongoing.

1 Samuel records that the two armies are camped on either side of the valley and the challenge has been given that one man should come from Israel to fight the champion of the Philistines – Goliath.

Goliath is an imposing figure towering over everyone else – a behemoth of a man.

King Saul, chosen by God, to lead God’s people should have been the one to step forward with faith in God and the knowledge that he had been given success in the past to fight Goliath. But that’s not what Saul is thinking.

Along comes the shepherd boy David. He is shocked at the behaviour of everyone – and I assume the King too, but saying that might not be a good thing for your ongoing survival – and so David makes the obvious statement.

“Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

Good question young man. Why fear this man – he’s only a man. And they are the people of God, the chosen ones, the favoured and provided for ones! Confidence is David’s posture, not fear.

I will say here as an insert. People who live in fear can never find real freedom and happiness because there’s always something that will replace today’s fear tomorrow.

I digress.

And here’s the truth embedded in the story.

“³⁴ But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, ³⁵ I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. ³⁶ Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. ³⁷ The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

David had experience with God. God had provided for him and rescued him in the past, and he believed He would in the present.

Good hindsight gives good insight.

Has God been faithful in your life? Do you have any evidence that He’s provided for you, guarded you, and brought you through tough times?

Then you can say – He’s done it before and He’ll be with me now – through “this”….whatever this is.

That’s real hope in a world that is throwing things at us all the time.

There is no promise, in context, that I know of in the Bible that says we’ll have all we want, or life will be easy, or there won’t be tough paths to walk. But there are numerous promises that God will be with us, strengthen us, and provide for us. He will give us grace!