In the Valley of Elah, the army of Israel gathered against the army of the Philistines. Elah is located between Socoh and Azekiah (1 Samuel 17:1). The Philistines had invaded Israel and were determined to continue conquering their territory. They brought Goliath with them! Goliath was their best warrior and had an imposing figure. He was over nine and a half feet tall and wore armor that weighed nearly 200 pounds. He also carried a spear with a head that weighed almost 20 pounds (1 Samuel 17:2-7).
Goliath challenged Saul and his army for 40 days (1 Samuel 17:8-16). The Philistines would become their servants if Israel’s best soldier could defeat him. If Goliath won, then Israel would become the servants of the Philistines.
No one in the army of Israel could muster up the courage and faith to accept Goliath’s challenge. It wouldn’t be until a shepherd boy arrived on the battlefield that God was glorified.
David faces the giant.
- David was the youngest son of Jesse and lived in Bethlehem. After being selected to be the next king of Israel, David returned to shepherding his father’s flock (1 Samuel 17:12). David’s father instructed him to take food to three of his brothers who were fighting in Saul’s army and bring back word on their condition (1 Samuel 17:13-15).
- Upon arriving in Elah, David noticed Goliath mocking the army of God and the soldiers being afraid (1 Samuel 17:16-24). He was greatly disturbed by Goliath’s taunting and asked the king for the opportunity to meet the giant on the battlefield (1 Samuel 17:25-32).
- David appealed to his experience as a shepherd (1 Samuel 17:33-37). He was confident that Goliath would meet the same fate as the lion and the bear!
- David refused to wear Saul’s armor because it had not been tested (1 Samuel 17:38-39). He took his shepherd’s staff, a sling, and five smooth stones onto the battlefield (1 Samuel 17:40).
- Goliath mocked, insulted, and cursed David (1 Samuel 17:41-44).
- David took one stone, slung it, and struck the giant in the head (1 Samuel 17:45-49). He also took Goliath’s sword and cut off his head (1 Samuel 17:50-51).
- When the Philistines saw their champion dead, they began running back to the gates of one of their cities, and the army of Israel pursued and defeated them (1 Samuel 17:52-53).
Facing our “giants.”
- We all have “giants.” Giants represent challenges and obstacles that the devil puts before us. These “giants” could be addictions, troubled marriages, bad influences, or fears.
- We must believe that we can “defeat” our giants. David had confidence that he could bring down the Philistine champion (1 Samuel 17:36). We must never view our challengers as unconquerable!
- We can defeat our “giants” with God. David did not go on the battlefield alone (1 Samuel 17:45-47). The Lord brought him to victory! If we have faith and trust in God, He will also empower us to overcome any obstacle.
- Our victories over “giants” can inspire others. The entire army of Israel gained confidence after David’s victory (1 Samuel 17:52). Our victories can inspire others to work harder, become more zealous, be faithful, and never waver in their faith.
Conclusion:
What giants need to be defeated by the power of God in your life?