“As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. When the Israelites returned from their pursuit of the Philistines, they plundered their camps. David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent.” 1st Samuel 17:48-54 NIV
THE CLASSIC BIBLE STORY
David and Goliath. It’s one of the greatest bible stories of our childhood church experiences! A shepherd triumphing over a seasoned warrior giant with a sling and a stone! The unseen and unknown son of a Bethlehemite emerges as the chosen vessel of the God of Israel to perform a feat of battle that would be remembered for generations! Even the term, “David and Goliath“, has been solidified in many cultures to describe the “little guy taking on the big, bad guy” and being victorious in the process!
THE GIANT IS REVEALED
A large portion of this entire story focuses on how the great giant was able to instill complete fear into the Israelites once he appeared on the scene. Day after day, Goliath spoke defilement against God and the armies of Israel. He spoke with such terror that all of Israel’s fighting men would flee in fear, even at the sight of him (1st Samuel 17:24).
The same is true even today. How often do we feel the surge of fear at the sight of an unforeseen bill, or a possible loss of a job, or hearing of a bad report from someone we love? Goliath, the giant, is dead but the spirit that he operated in is still in existence today.
THE COVENANT
“David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1st Samuel 17:26 NIV
David knew his God! He spent many hours tending his father’s sheep and playing his harp, praising God. He knew Him and he knew His character. Even better, David knew about the covenant that God had with Israel (read Genesis 17:6 – 17:14)! It was signified in the physical realm with the act of circumcision. Uncircumcised meant no covenant! Every time David heard of the defiling filth coming from Goliath, he would speak out in covenant faith to deflect the lies of Goliath with the truth! David spoke with such great faith that he prophesied the death and demise of Goliath by cutting off his head and feeding his corpse to the birds. The God of Israel would deliver him into his hands today (Genesis 17:46-47).
YOU SHALL BRUISE HIS HEAD
“David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent.” 1st Samuel 17:54 BSB
Interestingly, once David prevailed over Goliath, he took his head and brought it to Jerusalem. Why would he do this? Could it be that David knew about the future crucifixion of their Messiah? Could it be that David knew of the exact location where Jesus would be crucified, therefore buried the head of Goliath there? Could it be that this place was named, “Golgotha”, (from Goliath of Gath) which means, “Place of the skull”? Could it be that David was being obedient to fulfill an ancient prophecy?
“And I will put enmity between you [the serpent] and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 NIV
LOOKING FOR THE HIDDEN TREASURES
When a giant appears, he will try to get you to agree with his lies and to bind you with fear. When a giant appears, he will do his best to intimidate you and cause you to run the other direction. Why is this? If he can get you to come into agreement with his lies, then he will get to keep what he has stolen! You see, The giant has no covenant! We do! If you belong to Jesus Christ, you are in covenant and direct fellowship with the Father! When a giant appears, it is because the Father has brought him out to be exposed! Furthermore, when a giant appears, he brings with him the treasures that he has stolen! By faith, take a moment to see past your giant and to gaze upon the camp that is behind him! Truly, that is the treasure and the plunder awaiting to be taken! When a giant appears, it is for us to take our covenant authority, declare the victory, and cut off its head!
A PRAYER OF BLESSING
I hear the Lord saying, “My child, My beloved warrior bride! You have everything you need in Me through My Beloved Son, Jesus Christ! I decree over you from the courts of heaven that you shall overcome all the giants that are resisting you and defiling you! You shall plunder and take back what was stolen from you, for the enemy has been exposed and found guilty! Rise in your authority that I have established in you through My Son. Truly, you will plunder and recover all!”, says the Lord of Hosts.