David Defeats Goliath

  One of the most popular Bible stories is David killing Goliath, the underdog overcoming all odds to be victorious over the giant.  What is just as intriguing are the side stories that led up to David killing Goliath.  These side stories give the end result of Goliath’s death even more significance and just how powerfully and mightily God is as He uses people to accomplish His work on earth.

   This story is found in 1 Samuel 17.  David’s three oldest brothers are serving in the Israeli army battling the Philistines and Goliath.  David, being the youngest of the eight brothers is not old enough to serve in the army and also he has responsibilities at home, tending the sheep (vs 13-18).  One day his father Jesse has David go on an errand to bring food to David’s three brothers and bring back news of what is going on.

   While carrying out his errand, David hears Goliath mocking God which Goliath had done for 40 straight days.  David questions why no one would be counted for God and stand up against Goliath.  Why was no one doing the right thing representing God (vs 23-27)?  David’s oldest brother, Eliab, hears David asking and Eliab goes berserk with David.  Perhaps Eliab’s anger stems from the fact that his little, youngest brother is asking such ridiculous questions and has no idea how dangerous it is to individually fight Goliath. 

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