Well, today is the tomorrow I promised 2 days ago. Sometimes it is like the song about "tomorrow never comes"--anyway back to David, Saul, Goliath.
David took supplies to the captain and his brothers. He was chastised for coming and asking questions. BUT, David says he will go against, not the giant Goliath, but the ones opposing GOD's people. David's view was totally different than the rest of the army AND Saul. Again, religion or faith??
David goes before Saul, tells him he has slain a lion and a bear that took one of his sheep and that he will take this man, Goliath, as he did the lion and bear.
So, the old traditions come forth in Saul when he wants David to wear his (Saul's) armor. David said no as he had not PROVED the armor. Proved here means David had not used the armor, was not used to it and how to fight in it, therefore, it would be a hindrance to him. (1 Samuel 17:39)
Notice verse 40: 40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
First, why did David choose 5 smooth stones? Why just a sling?
Now the fun begins. As David drew near the Philistine, Goliath, looked and could not believe his eyes. He probably was filled with rage as they, the Israelites, sent a mere youth to fight him. Let us settle in and see the words that come forth. First Goliath speaks: 43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field
Oops, Goliath curse David by whose gods, Goliaths, the Philistines, not the living God. Then he threatens the youth David. He said I'll cut you up and feed you to the birds and beasts. So, was David intimidated?? Read on--- 45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
David showed no fear and challenged the Philistine. You come with weapons, but I come how??? In the name of the LORD of hosts, the GOD of the armies of Israel----and what else?? WHOM THOU HAS DEFIED - obviously they, the Philistines, do not believe in the living God and turned to other gods. This, we know, is a no-no! David does not stop, he continues and repeats to Goliath what Goliath had spoken to him. 46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
David comes back with his threat, wait, no, this is a promise from David. He will defeat Goliath and what???? ALL THE EARTH MAY KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD IN ISRAEL!!!
David continues his speech saying that he came not with sword, spear and shield, but armed with only GOD. This is GOD's battle and the Philistines will be turned over to the Israelites. Now don't you imagine Goliath and all the army laughed greatly at this. Here is a youth with a sling and a staff. Hmmm, what fools! Oh, but wait.
Now the fun begins. A thought to remember, all will bow before the living God. Okay, the Philistine rises and moves toward David. What does David do? He runs, yes runs! But where does he run? Verse 48: David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine
Yes, David ran toward Goliath. And then what? Running, 49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead
The stone sunk into Goliath's forehead. I don't know if this killed Goliath or just knocked him unconscious, whatever it did it is of no matter. Usually when struck by something one would fall back. See what happens next:and he fell upon his face to the earth.
Goliath fell not back, but upon his face to the earth. All shall bow before the LORD GOD, and when we bow we go forward. Goliath fell before the LORD GOD.
Then what continues to happen? Do the Philistine armies attack? David won the battle, ran forth to Goliath and since David did not have a sword, he took Goliath's sword and cut his head off. Wow! This youth stood strong in the faith of the LIVING GOD! Will you? Do you?
This mere youth gave the Israelite army the courage they should have had all along, but this was God's will. They chased the Philistines, came back and took the spoils of their tents. David went back to Saul with the head of Goliath. King Saul, until this time, knew nothing of David, his brothers, or who his father is.
A big change is now coming in the life of David. Notice though, the army of Israel were living in RELIGION, and sitting in their "pews" doing nothing. David was living the FAITH, and went forth knowing GOD was with him. He killed Goliath, whose last action was to fall on his face before the Lord.
David talked the talk and walked the walk. Will you? Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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