The story of David and Goliath is a fascinating story that teaches us to trust in the incomparable power of God. The account is found in the Bible, in 1 Samuel 17.
The Philistines, a pagan people, had challenged the people of Israel to war, something they did frequently. On this occasion they decided to set up camp on a mountain and the Israelites positioned themselves on the opposite mountain, with the Valley of Elah in the middle of the two armies.
Among the Philistines there was a famous warrior named Goliath. This was dedicated to going out every morning and every afternoon for 40 days to challenge the Israelites to choose a warrior from among their number to fight against him. They would decide the future of their towns in a duel face to face, man to man. He yelled at them:
“I challenge the Israeli army today! Pick a man to fight me!”
(1 Samuel 17:10b)
The Israelites, however, were filled with fear every time they heard Goliath.
“When Saul and all the Israelites heard what the Philistine said, they were dismayed and very afraid.”
(1 Samuel 17:11)
Why did Goliath cause so much fear among the people of Israel? Who was Goliath?
The problem was in the fact that Goliath was not an ordinary man. He was famous as a warrior and he was also huge. ¡Goliath was almost 3 meters tall! And, as if this were not enough, he also wore a awesome bronze armor. She was wearing a helmet and a breastplate that weighed 120 pounds. He wore leg guards and a large javelin, plus an iron-tipped spear. Just looking at him made everyone terrified!
Every day they heard their challenges, but they could not find a solution. Saul, king of Israel, offered a handsome reward for the man who would fight Goliath: his daughter for wife, riches, and exemption from taxes! But with everything and that, the days passed and absolutely no volunteers appeared. Until David came…
David, a young man full of faith
In 1 Samuel, chapter 16, we find interesting details about David. He was very young, probably a teenager. He was the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons and had recently been anointed by the prophet Samuel as the next king of Israel. As soon as Samuel anointed David, the Spirit of the Lord descended upon him with power (1 Samuel 16:13).
However, neither Saul nor the people knew about this. For them, David was just a simple sheepherder, the trade he exercised. His three older brothers were with the army of Israel on the front lines. Since 40 days had already passed, Jesse (the father) wanted to know if his three children were alright and he sent David to bring some food and find out about the well-being of his brothers.
David, dutiful son that he was, made arrangements with another shepherd to care for his flock and prepared for the journey. When he got to the camp he heard the shouting and saw the armies line up face to face, but nothing happened. David went to greet his brothers and heard how Goliath challenged and mocked the army of Israel. Worse yet, he saw that “every time the Israelites saw Goliath they fled in terror” (1 Samuel 17:24).
David’s decision
David did not understand how it was possible that no one went out to fight Goliath, not only because of the reward offered by Saul but because of the insults that Goliath uttered against the people of God. So he decided to offer to fight! Those who were near him ran to tell Saul. Finally there was a volunteer!
Saul quickly approached and could not believe his eyes. He was almost a child! Impossible for him to face off against a warrior as huge and experienced as Goliath. But David related experiences that he had had as a shepherd caring for and defending his sheep against ferocious animals. He answered Saul with courage and with total confidence that God would protect him against Goliath the same way she had protected him against animals.
The confrontation and its outcome
Saul tried to get David to put on his war uniform because he didn’t want to send him out to fight without any kind of protection. He put on her bronze helmet, his breastplate, and strapped his sword on her. But David couldn’t even move carrying all that heavy on him.
David took off all his armor and decided to use the same weapons he used when the animals attacked his herd. “He took his staff, went to the river to pick out five smooth stones, and put them in his shepherd’s bag. Then, sling in hand, he approached the Philistine »(1 Samuel 17:40).
When Goliath saw David he was offended. How could they send a youngster without armor to fight him? He cried out, “am I a dog that you come to attack me with sticks?” and cursed David.
But David replied:
You come against me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (…) All who are here will recognize that the Lord saves without the need of sword or spear. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will deliver you into our hands.
(1 Samuel 17:45 and 47 – emphasis added)
David ran quickly towards the battle line with his sling in hand. With all the agility and strength he had he threw a stone directly at Goliath’s forehead. Due to the surprising impact right between the eyebrows, Goliath fell to the ground. David ran to where Goliath was, grabbed his sword and finished him off with it, cutting off his head.
The Philistines ran out in terror and the army of Israel chased them and plundered their camp.
God had miraculously delivered his people! And he did it through David, the young sheepherder who trusted in his infinite power.
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