May 23, 2025 • 50 mins
Chapter 06 of Heroes in the Bible: David with Dr. Tony Evans is inspired by 1 Samuel 17.
David & Goliath - An unexpected hero faces off against an insurmountable foe. In just a few moments of heated battle, David & Goliath face each other in a battle that will alter history forever.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Matthew 6:33, But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
But seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, and all
these things will be given to you as well. Matthew
six thirty three. Father, to day, I choose to seek
you first, seek your kingdom and your righteousness. I know
that in your kingdom there is no sickness, no poverty,
(00:23):
no jealousy or strife. There is no lack or need
because you so generously and abundantly provide. As I pursue you, Lord,
as I embrace a kingdom mindset and focus on applying
kingdom principles to my life, I realize I don't ever
(00:44):
have to worry about anything. I don't have to worry
about what I will wear, or what I will eat,
or where I will sleep. Your word says you delight
in protecting me, providing for me, and meeting all of
my needs because you love me. So to day, I
(01:09):
will spend time in your presence. I will seek your face,
I will listen for your voice, and then I will
step out in faith. I will walk with confidence and authority.
I will boldly pursue every opportunity you give me, every
(01:29):
open door.
Speaker 2 (01:30):
You open to me.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
I will accomplish each one of the tasks you have
assigned to me. I will live up to my high
and holy calling. I will bring glory and honor to you.
As I do, I know you will continue to provide
everything I need to fulfill my destiny. I thank you
(01:54):
and I praise you to day, and I pray in
Jesus name.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned to
immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told from pray
dot COM's podcast, Heroes in the Bible.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, your host for Heroes in
the Bible. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please
share it with your family and friends and help us
spread God's word. Welcome to the epic Adventure of David,
a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal,
and murder. While most people know of David the Myth,
(02:38):
few people know about David the Man. I'm glad you're
here with me as we mind the depths of this
renowned tale. In this episode, we encounter the famous story
of David and Goliath. This story has been told in
thousands of different ways, using thousands of different mediums. It
is a tale embedded in our culture. The underdog defying
(02:58):
all odds, and the little guy standing up against the bully.
But make no mistake, the epic of David and Goliath
is not about you and me. We are not David,
and our problems are not Goliath. No, this legend points
forward to an even greater battle of good and evil.
The story of David bravely vanquishing the harbinger of death
(03:20):
Goliath is meant to be an image of something even
more significant. In this episode, allow yourself to be caught
up in the majesty of David's story, be inspired by
his bravery, and be encouraged by his heart for God.
But remember that David is not the ultimate hero of
this tale. He is a shadow of greater things to come,
(03:41):
and a con do it for the deliverance of God.
May we all be inspired by this story to look
to God the same way David looks to God and
trust in his final victory over death. Our episode begins
with a prelude, a story in the future of God's
greatest hero. This prelude reminds us that there there is
a greater giant than Goliath and a greater hero than David.
(04:04):
Let's not wait any longer. It's time for Episode six
David and Goliath.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Prelude to Chapter six. The thundering skies bellowed like war droms.
Death itself was raging like a wild animal. Its claws
were sinking deeper into the neck of God's chosen hero.
Jesus knew his hour had come. It was time for
the full weight of God's wrath to be poured out
onto him. Every sin, past, present, and future required punishment.
(04:43):
So Jesus looked up to heaven, and the mighty judgment
of Yahweh struck down like a bolt of lightning. In
that very moment, the entire sins of humanity were released
onto Jesus, He who knew no sin became sin. Also
mankind could be reconcile to God. Once again, He wore
the dirtiness of humanity so they might wear his righteousness.
(05:07):
Jesus greened to the heavens and cried out Eli Eli
le us about to me, which.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
Means, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Speaker 2 (05:22):
People laughed at his christ, but they did not see
the cosmic shift taking place before them. Jesus, who had
been connected with the Father and Spirit since before time
was created, was now separated from them. Jesus endured separation
from God so that no person would ever have to again.
It had been done. The weight of mankind sins were
(05:45):
thrust on his shoulders. Now the only thing left to
do was bury them in the grave. To do that,
Jesus had to die. He looked down at the people below.
His eyes were darkened and nearly lifeless.
Speaker 5 (05:58):
I am thirsty.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Jesus whispered. The soldier shrug and took a sponge from
the latrines. They would use sour wine to sanitize themselves,
so they took the sponge filled with excrement and placed
it on his lips. Jesus tasted the filth of humanity,
then looked to the heavens. He lifted his legs and
arms to take one final breath. The lightning struck beside him,
(06:23):
causing the soldiers to fall back. Then, with the booming
voice of the almighty Jesus yell, it is finished, and
he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Just
as he had spoken, the good shepherd laid down his
life for his sheep. God's chosen hero had vanquished the enemy.
(06:44):
The fear and death had been conquered. By the loving
yet powerful passion of the Good Shepherd. Chapter six, David
and Goliath battle. Saul craved it. The sound of iron
and bronze clashing and clanging, the smell of campfire intermixed
(07:04):
with blood and sweat. More than anything, Saul craved the glory.
He craved the sounds of his people cheering and singing
his praises. He longed for the moment shortly after victory,
lifting his arms and basking in the admiration of his men.
Saul imagined these things as he led his men up
the hills of Sukka. The Israelite army gathered and encamped
(07:28):
on a mountain overlooking the valley of Ela. On the
other side of the valley and camped on a mountain
standing opposite them were the Philistines. There, clamoring echoed across
the canyons. Saul stood tall and proud on the other
side of the valley in front of his men. His
bright and polished armor gleamed in the sun. His large
(07:49):
sword was strapped securely to his side. The hilt of
his sword, much like his armor, was interlaced with gold
and fine jewels, a statement of Saul's importance and sense worth.
Saul looked down at the battlefield. The grassy and flat
valley was surrounded by large stones and cracks in the ground.
The mountains surrounding the valley had uneven footing. It would
(08:12):
be a treacherous descent for both armies. He looked up
to see the horde of Philistines swaying back and forth
on the other side. The slow beat of drums began
to play, echoing across the valley. The drums were haunting there,
swaying and chance quickened. With the beats of drums. They
hissed and sneered at the Israelites. Their sways became frantic
(08:34):
and animalistic. Jonathan was beside his father, growing nervous at
the strange confidence of the army. Then, like the Red
Seas once did many years ago, the Philistine horde parted
in two. They crouched and bowed to their knees, laughing uncontrollably.
The drum ceased, but the ground was still shaking. Saul
(08:58):
could feel the quaking of the earth on his feet.
Something wasn't right. The men of Israel looked, and from
the crowd of Philistines emerged an inhuman like creature He
had the frame of a man, but his size was
like the beasts of gold. He cast a shadow over
the Philistine soldiers below as he marched forward. His legs
(09:19):
were as wide as tree trunks. He wore a coat
of mail draped over his monstrous chest. Saul stepped back
in terror. His arms were dense with muscle, holding a
spear of pure iron. The monster's name was Goliath. His
name was being chanted across the valley, reverberating into the
ear of Saul. There will be no glory in fighting
(09:43):
that man, Saul thought to himself.
Speaker 6 (09:45):
His hands would crush my skull.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
In an instant, Goliath paced up and down the ranks
of his men, roaring like a lion. The Philistines cheered
and banged their swords against their shields. Goliath unsheathed his
sword and swung it again the tree hanging beside the cliff.
The trees splintered into a thousand pieces and tumbled down
into the valley. Goliath laughed and stretched his arms out
(10:09):
to the Israelites.
Speaker 7 (10:10):
Ha ha, ha, ha ha ha.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Come now, the giant jeer.
Speaker 4 (10:16):
Why shed any more blood than we have to? Am
I not a Philistine?
Speaker 7 (10:21):
Are you not? All servants of Saul. Let us settle
this battle.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
King Saul golt He feared what his next words would be.
Even from one hundred yards away, Goliath could smell Saul's fear.
It wafted over to him like the smoke from freshly
cooked meat. He soaked it in, enjoying every moment. The
giant smiled with all his teeth. He lifted his spear
(10:47):
and pointed it to Saul.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Choose a man, king of Israel. Let him come down
and battle me. If he is able to kill me,
the Philistines will be your servants.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
The giant let down his spear and looked back at
the soldiers.
Speaker 6 (11:03):
The Philistines laughed.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Their mocking cackles filled the air like a bad smell.
Then there was silence. Goliath looked over at Saul with
nostrils flaring. With a low and rumbling voice, the giant
spoke seriously, saying, but.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
If I prevail against your man, when I tear every
limb from his body, feasting on his flesh, then you,
King Saul, and all your people will be enslaved to
us for generations to come.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
The Giant's challenge sent shivers down saul spine the king
composed himself. Judging by the size of both armies, he
knew that they were outmatched. If they sent any more
soldiers down into the valley, they would surely succumb to
the Philistines. However, there was no man in his ranks
able to take on the giant. The offer from Goliath
(11:59):
was a mock. The Philistines knew that they would win
either way. Sending Goliath was nothing more than a taunt.
Saul had always stood ahead above every man he fought.
He rarely feared the swing of another man's sword. However,
the creature standing before him was no man. He was
(12:20):
a beast from ancient days. He had the frame of
monsters told in children's tales. He was a harbinger of
death and a symbol of Saul's inevitable demise as king.
Before Saul could open up his mouth, Goliath's voice thundered
again across the valley.
Speaker 7 (12:37):
I defy you, Saul.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
I spit in the face of your people, your nation,
and your God. If you do not have a man
brave enough to fight, prove that you are not a
colin and fight me yourself.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Saul was motionless. His men looked at him, waiting for
a response. Clouds of the sun above removing the gleam
from Saul's armor. Never before had Saul felt so helpless.
This would be a good moment to pray. However, he
knew nobody would listen. God had turned his face from
him for forty days. Goliath walked down into the valley,
(13:17):
goading Saul to fight him. For forty days, Saul and
the people of Israel were silent. Did you pack the bread,
Jesse asked David. Yes, Father, David said, while strapping the
rest of the supplies to his donkey.
Speaker 7 (13:35):
What about the extra wine skins on the bandages.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Jesse continued in a sharp tone.
Speaker 5 (13:40):
I've packed both Father, eliab Abita Dab and Shama will
have everything they.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Need, David replied respectfully. Jesse grunted and walked off. Since
David became Saul's armor bear and musician, he had been
making his way to and from the palace. He still
had sheep to tend to, even though he was now
a servant of the king. David packed his donkey filled
with supplies to bring to his brothers. They had marched
(14:06):
with Saul to Succa to battle the Philistines. His father
beamed with fatherly pride that his three eldest sons had
joined the ranks of the king's army. A part of
David longed for his father to look at him with
the same approval and admiration. However, since being in the
courts of Saul, he felt his need for fatherly attention
less and less. Saul was kind to David and seemed
(14:29):
to enjoy his presence. Not only that, but David had
grown close to his son Jonathan during his time in
the palace. Jonathan gave him the brotherly affection he lacked
from his own brothers. David led his donkey towards Sukka,
anxious to see how Israel was faring against the Philistines.
He had heard Saul speaking with his generals about being outnumbered.
(14:50):
Although he was Saul's armor bear, it was more a
title than an actual job. The king would never allow
a child like him to march with him into battle.
He had not yet seen the glory of war. He
did not have the privilege of marching with Saul or
carrying his own sword to defend Israel. He was forced
to remain with the sheep and carry supplies to his brothers.
(15:12):
David reached Sukka, anxious to see what had come of
the battle. He had a boyish excitement for war, heroism
and bravery. In him was a warrior spirit that desperately
desired to join in arms with his countrymen. Instead, David
was unloading a sack filled with cheese and bread for
his brothers and their commander. The low status David held
(15:33):
in his family disappointed him at times, but David was
resolved in his own identity before God. He did not
strive to be someone he wasn't. Rather, with every step
he sought to honor the Lord in the best way
he could. If that meant delivering supplies to his haughty
older brothers, then so be it. David cared not how
(15:54):
he was used by God to serve. He only cared
that what he did pleased the heart of his Lord.
As David entered camp, he could hear the shouts of
war rumbling near the valley. Giddy with excitement, David tied
up the donkey and ran towards the hill overlooking the battlefield.
He was surprised to see no battle at all. Rather,
(16:14):
the armies of the Israelites and Philistines posturing at one
another from either side of the valley. Each army clamored
at the other, banging their swords on the shields and
hurling insults. It was a confusing sight to David. The
shepherd boy waded through the crowds in search of his brothers.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
The little lamb is here.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
A voice chided from the distance. David paused and looked
out at his feet. He closed his eyes and sighed
in irritation. Out of all the shouting and clamoring of soldiers,
Shama's mocking voice was loud and clear. David turned around
to see Shama and Abinadab walking over. They wore their
thick armor with bronze buckles to hold the straps, However,
(16:56):
they hung loosely on their chests. The shaft of their
were made of wood with iron tips of the end,
and David noticed how peculiarly dull the tips of their
spears were. It was almost as if they had not
sharpened them in days.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
Aren't they about to march into battle?
Speaker 2 (17:13):
David thought to himself.
Speaker 5 (17:15):
Why not sharpen your spears and tighten your armor.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Shama took David's head under his arm and ruffled his
light curly hair.
Speaker 5 (17:22):
The runt of the litters here to watch.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
He teased. Shama and Abinadab laughed at David's expense. Their
teasing was a regular part of David's childhood. He expected
nothing less from them. Clearly, they hadn't been to battle
even once since marching up to Sukkah with Saul. David
was curious as to why that was. He released himself
from his brother's grip and walked towards the front of
(17:46):
the crowd. His brothers were irked by his indifference towards
their presence.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
Where are you off to, Don't bother the other soldiers, runt.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
They yelled. David ignored them. As he made his way
to the front. He found a high vantage point on
a stone, overlooking the battlefield. David peered forward, looking upon
the Philistine horde chanting opposite them. They banged their drums
and swayed back and forth. Their laughs were like the
hissing of a brute of vipers. The evil in their
(18:15):
eyes sent chills down David's spine.
Speaker 5 (18:18):
What are they chanting for?
Speaker 2 (18:20):
David thought? He scanned the entire Philistine side, as the
Philistines had every day since meeting the Israelites. The army
parted in two to make way for their champion. The
beast like man covered in bronze mail, marched forward, making
the ground quake beneath him. The sword strapped to the
side of his belt was as long as David's torso
(18:43):
every step seemed to hold the weight of a mountain.
As he marched forward to the edge of the canyon,
the giant raised his spear high above his head, then
slammed the end of it into the ground in front
of him. Rocks cracked on the edge and fell into
the valley below. The giant laughed and forward towards the
Israelite army. Ah, he cried. David's heart verberated in his
(19:07):
chest at the giants, roar.
Speaker 7 (19:08):
Oh, among you dogs will come and fight me.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
Goliath yelled.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
I've waited, and you cowards have yet to send a challenger.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
He pointed to Spirit Saul, just as he did every.
Speaker 4 (19:21):
Day, as your God, as weak as your spine, King Saul,
aren't you the brave Israelites that conquered Pharaoh? I spits
at your ancestors and your god workless cowards.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
David's muscles tightened and his brow furrowed. He felt the
same fire in his bones from the night he saw
the lion take his lamb. David looked to his left.
King Saul was standing in front of the soldiers. He
was a sight to behold, his broad chest puffed out
towards the Philistines as he stood atop his horse. The
(19:58):
light beamed off his golden arm. The hilt of his
sword was engraved with Hebrew battle poetry. However, the king
was motionless, speechless. He had nothing to say to the Philistine.
For weeks, Saul had tried to strategize a way to
gain an edge over the enemy. However, they outnumbered them greatly,
(20:19):
and the best way to defeat them was to accept
Goliath's offer. However, no one moved. The king, who was
once lauded for his bravery, was paralyzed by fear and
in action. The men began to disperse back to their tents.
Once again, their posturing was fruitless. No amount of battle
(20:39):
cries were going to make the Philistines flinch. They knew
it was only a matter of time before Israel lost
all hope. That is when they would strike. There is
no weapon greater than fear, and the Philistines wielded it
like no one else. David slid down the stone and
stopped a few of the men marching back.
Speaker 5 (21:00):
Can somebody please tell me what is going on?
Speaker 2 (21:03):
He asked, You haven't heard. One of the soldiers asked.
Speaker 6 (21:06):
This giant has come to defy Israel. The king has
promised riches and his daughter's hand in marriage to whoever
defeats him, and no one has come up against him.
David asked, not one. You've seen the size of his hands.
They could grip a man's skull like a loaf of bread.
I will not pursue him, and I can attest that
(21:27):
no one here will either, not even the king.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
David's fist tightened and his jaw clenched.
Speaker 5 (21:34):
He has mocked our God.
Speaker 2 (21:37):
He said under his breath. The soldiers nodded. He has.
Speaker 5 (21:42):
However, none of us wish to make a greater mockery
of him by jeopardizing our army. Under the rules of
the challenge, if he prevails, the entire nation will be
made philistine slaves. Who among us wants to be responsible
for dying at the hand of Goliath and allowing him
to enslave all our people?
Speaker 2 (22:04):
The man made a valid point, David pondered, the question.
Bravery was not enough to march against Goliath. If someone
went to fight him and they died, the Philistines, by
right would be able to enslave the survivors. Whoever marched
up against the giant didn't just need a warrior's heart,
He needed to be sure he would win. David was
(22:26):
lost in thought for a moment. Then a firm grip
grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him around. It
was Eliab, his oldest brother. He grabbed David and shook him.
Speaker 7 (22:36):
What are you doing here?
Speaker 8 (22:38):
He scolded, Have you left the sheep to wander around
and die into wilderness?
Speaker 7 (22:42):
Go home?
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Eliab shoved David to the ground. David got back up
immediately and the lungs at his brother's shoving him back.
Eliab caught him by the arm and threw him to
the ground again. David got back up, but Aliah braised
a finger and yelled.
Speaker 8 (22:58):
I know why you're here, baby brother. You have come
here to see the battle. You just couldn't help yourself,
could you. We're all here ready to die, and you
seek to wash the battle like a sport.
Speaker 7 (23:09):
Go home.
Speaker 8 (23:10):
There is no place for you here.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
David paused and looked at his older brother. He had
all the looks of a hero, but on the inside
he was no greater than the giant on the other
side of the valley. He used his size and power
to intimidate and taunt. David looked back towards the Philistine
army and clenched his fist. His brother continued to chide him,
(23:33):
but he did not listen. With his back turned to
a leib, he sighed and said.
Speaker 5 (23:40):
You and I both know I have done nothing.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
David turned his head, his eyes burned with holy fire.
Eliab stepped back, unable to discern what David would do next.
The shepherd left his brother and marched towards Saul's tent.
Saul paced back and forth in his tent. The king's
tent was wide and tall enough to host his generals
(24:05):
and the battalion commanders. Jonathan was also an attendant. Standing
beside his father, They could all sense a weariness from
the king. His eyes were heavy and deep and anxious thought.
He leaned over the side of his throne and sighed.
Speaker 6 (24:22):
This giant has made a mockery of us, and yet
there is nothing we can do about it. Saul whispered,
I have made the reward for his head great, yet
no one has mustered up the courage to go out
and fight him. We have run out of time, my king.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
One of his commanders said.
Speaker 6 (24:43):
If we wait any longer to accept his challenge, they
will just march against us in the night. We cannot
I know what they are capable.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
Of, saw snap throwing his cup against the beams of
the tent.
Speaker 6 (24:55):
I have marched against these demons for years, and yet
they the multiply like rodents in the city streets. What
am I to do?
Speaker 5 (25:04):
Am I to send out men into battle with that
giant casting a shadow over them? They will run in
with weak knees and retreat at the first sign of trouble.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Saul sat down and rubbed his head. He breathed in deeply,
and composed himself. Saul lifted his hand apologetically.
Speaker 6 (25:23):
We are at an impasse. Are men without hope? They
are without something to inspire them to battle.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
The king trailed off into thought. He stared at the
fire burning in the center of the tent. He recalled
the feigned memory of simpler times when he sat by
the fire with Samuel and spoke about his new kingdom.
He poked the dying embers. We need some sort of spark,
Saul whispered to himself. All the men in the tent
(25:53):
were silent as they watched Saul brood over the fire. Then, abruptly,
breaking the silence, David through the tent. Saul looked up
and smiled, Ah, David, I am glad you are here.
We could all use some music to calm our souls
at the moment. David ignored Saul's request and instead bound
(26:15):
to the floor. He beat his fist against his chest
and said.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
My King, let no man's heart lose hope because of
the giant on the other side of the valley. I
will go and fight the philistine.
Speaker 2 (26:29):
Saul and the others in his tent held back chuckles.
The king leaned down and helped David up on his feet,
brushing the dust off his clothes. Saul shook his head
and said, surely you are filled with fire, young David.
But what sort of king would I be to let
a boy go up against a giant? You are young,
(26:50):
and that giant has been killing warriors since he was
your age. David stepped back and bowed his head.
Speaker 5 (26:57):
My King, are you familiar with the role of a shepherd.
Speaker 2 (27:01):
He asked calmly. Saul scratched his head.
Speaker 6 (27:04):
Of course, my father had a few flocks of his own.
You tend to the sheep, leading them to the best
grass and water.
Speaker 2 (27:13):
David shook his head.
Speaker 5 (27:14):
That may be so, but the roll of the shepherd
was first and foremost to protect the sheep at all costs.
When there came a lion or a bear to take
one of my lambs, I did not hesitate to attack it.
I have run for miles and climbed mountains to pursue
(27:36):
the beasts that take my sheep. When a lion once
took my lamp, I pursued it and rescued the lamp
straight from its jaws. I struck it down, because a
good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
The rest of the men in the room were stirring uncomfortably.
The passion in David's voice was abrasive. They did not
like a young nobody like that, David having such a
tone in front of the king. He pointed back towards
the valley. He gave a slight grin. His eyes were
gleaming with intensity and hope.
Speaker 5 (28:10):
This philistine is no greater than that lion. He comes
in and threatens God's flock. He roars and bears his
teeth against us. He has defied the armies of God
and made a mockery of him. I will strike down
this giant with the same power by which I struck
down the lion, by the might of God himself. The
(28:33):
Lord who delivered me from the paw of the predator,
will deliver me from the hand of this philistine.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Saul's heart beat swiftly. Listening to David speak in his
voice was the very passion of God. It had been
a long time since Saul came in contact with the
spirit of God. He had longed for his presence and
his anointing. Once again, coming through the voice of this
small shepherd boy, the very courageous spirit of God was
(29:02):
bursting forth like a mighty tempest. Saul stood up and smiled,
very well, go and the Lord be with you. The
officers in the room gassed at Saul's words. He had
just commissioned a boy no older than sixteen to march
against the greatest warrior the world had ever seen. Saul
(29:24):
held David by the shoulders and.
Speaker 6 (29:26):
Smiled, I can feel your fire, David, But you will
need help. If you're going to stand against a giant,
you will need the finest armor and weaponry Israel has
to offer.
Speaker 2 (29:40):
Saul took his armor that was resting on the side
of his throne and draped it over David's body. He
put a helmet of bronze on his head and draped
a coat of mail over him. He strapped his sword
over his shoulder and tightened his belt to keep the
armor together. The firelight bounced off of the golden armor.
David waddled in place. Armour was so heavy that he
(30:01):
was barely able to move. For all its splendor, the
armor was more of a hindrance than a defense. Saul's
sword was beautifully crafted and elegant, but it was heavy
with jewels and gold. It had the appearance of glory,
but ultimately it fell short of being truly effective. David
took the helmet off and slipped out of the armor,
(30:22):
placing the sword in Saul's hand. David bowed his head
and said.
Speaker 5 (30:26):
My King, your armor is splendid. However I have not
tested it, nor do I see it helping me. For
all its beauty, I fear it is more of a
hindrance than a defense.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
Do not be foolish, boy.
Speaker 6 (30:42):
You need a real weapon, You need real.
Speaker 2 (30:44):
Armor, Saul scolded. David gripped his staff and secured his
sling tightly to his belt.
Speaker 5 (30:52):
These will be my weapons, he said. God has done
far more with far less.
Speaker 2 (30:59):
The shepherd boy, and left the tent without another word.
Saul was speechless. He ran his fingers through the bright
golden armor. For all the king's glamour and appearance of strength,
it seems that he had just been taught a lesson
from a child. David quietly descended down the side of
the canyon towards the trees. The forest was silent and serene,
(31:22):
hosting the songs of birds and a babbling brook. David
sat near the brook and breathed him deeply. He closed
his eyes, feeling the slight breeze caress his cheek. The
sun above was scattered from the leaves above. David dipped
his hands in the water and took a sip. He
ran the cold water over his neck and looked up.
(31:42):
You are a shepherd, he sent to God.
Speaker 5 (31:45):
Even though I walk into the valley of death, I
will fear no evil.
Speaker 2 (31:52):
You are with me. The wind rustled the leaves above.
The humming sound of swaying trees was a comforting response.
Reached down into the brook and retrieved five smooth stones
the size of his palm. He meticulously chose each of
them and placed them in his leather pouch. He stood
to his feet and stretched his arms with his shepherd's staff. Then,
(32:14):
with the silent courage of a warrior, David marched towards
the valley to meet Goliath. The Philistine descended into the valley,
as he had done every day, He roared challenges to
the Israelis above. He clanged his spear against his shield,
making it echo across the valley.
Speaker 7 (32:33):
Who shall fight me, he yelled? Who shall come and
slay me?
Speaker 2 (32:38):
He taunted. The giant had grown angry that so much
time had passed since he first made the challenge. He
was vexed by their cowardice. He was angry, He was
thirsty for blood. Saul stood over the cliffs with the
other men, watching the giant march into the center of
the valley. He stretched out his arms and raised his
(32:58):
voice to Saul.
Speaker 7 (33:00):
Is the final chance to send a champion.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
Saul, let the dogs of Israel send a man to
fight me. Or we will lay waste to your camps
and your cities.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
The men of Israel stirred and murmured. They all looked
to their king to see if he would step forward. However,
Saul remained still and silent, looking at the battleground below.
The giant smiled and banged his ear against his shield.
Speaker 7 (33:25):
Again, cowards, all of you are cowards.
Speaker 4 (33:30):
You have shamed your ancestors this day to survive the
slavery of Egypt, all to crumble by our hand.
Speaker 7 (33:39):
Pathetic words.
Speaker 2 (33:42):
As Goliath was taunting the Israelites, he heard them all
gasp and turned to the left of the canyons. Out
from the stones, to Goliath's right, the shepherd boy emerged.
His light curls were held back, with the bandana revealing
his eyes. They were lit with the fiery passion of
God himself. He marched towards the giant with intention. Every
(34:04):
step was purposeful and filled with confidence. As he stepped
out of the shadows into the light of day, he
stopped twenty yards in front of Goliath and added his
shepherd staff firmly into the ground. The Giant had a challenger,
and Israel had its champion. Golias beastly grin turned into
a visceral snarl. He spat at David and roared at him.
Speaker 4 (34:27):
Have I a dog that you come to me with twigs?
Of all the mighty men of Israel, they said you
to fight me. I am insulted. I can break this
boy between my fingers.
Speaker 2 (34:43):
The wind whistled through the valley. David was immovable and resolute.
His gaze was locked onto the giant. He opened not
his mouth. He simply looked forward at the foe ahead,
calculating his next mood. Goliath was irked by David's silence.
He wailed curses into the air, banging his fists against
(35:04):
his chest and a silver bag.
Speaker 4 (35:06):
You and your God will crumble beneath my feet. Come
to me, boy, I will give your flesh to the
birds and beasts to feast on. There will be no
memory of you. I will make it so there is
no glory in your death.
Speaker 2 (35:27):
David paid close attention to the wind shifting through the valley.
He shot out from the side of the canyon and
whistled from his left to his right. He had to
be sure about the wind. David threw his staff at
the giant's feet and stretched out his arms.
Speaker 5 (35:41):
You come to me adorned with glimmering armor. Your sword
is large, and your spear is heavy.
Speaker 2 (35:48):
David's gaze was fearsome. He beckoned the giant and said,
I come.
Speaker 5 (35:53):
To you in the name of the Lord of Hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, the liberator of slaves,
and creator of the stars. It is he who is
your challenger, Giant, not I. So come come at me
with all the strength in your bones.
Speaker 6 (36:11):
For I declare this.
Speaker 5 (36:12):
Day that no man, no matter how large, is any
match for the creator of the sun and stars. This
day it will be your head that rolls off your shoulders,
to be eaten by the beasts and the birds. All
the world will know that there is a god in Israel.
All will know that he needs no sword or spear.
(36:36):
The battle is his, The outcome is final. So come
come to me, Giant. Do your worst, and I shall
do mine.
Speaker 2 (36:49):
Golias anger is kindled a forward by the light. He
raged and lunched towards the shepherd with all his might.
The earth quakes beneath him. David could feel the ground
shift and shake with every leap. The giant was surprisingly
quick lay the wine goliath closed the gap between him
and his prey. However, David was prepared as the giant
(37:12):
began as pursuit. David took a single step back and
retrieved his sling in a single stone from his pouch.
He placed the stone in the sling and began to
swing it behind. He bent his knees and drew a
deep breath. For a single moment, time itself stood still.
The wind ceased its blowing, and all David could hear
(37:35):
was his own feeling. He watched the giant run at
the same pace of his own arm beat. He had
one shot at the giant, only one. He pivoted his
foot back, bent his front knee, and prepared for the
first strike. If the giant attacked first, it was over.
He must be the first one to act. The boy
(37:57):
burst forward with the sling still swinging by behind him.
Elia took the bait and pounced forward with his sword
high in the air. The shepherd released the sling, sending
the stone whistling through the air. The stone landed directly
into the beast's head, cracking it instantly. The giant's momentum
was halted as it crumbled to the ground. The entire
(38:20):
earth shook beneath him. The boy took action, immediately, pouncing
on the giant fearlessly. He took the giant's sword in
his hands and raised it high in the air. The
giant laid there with his back on the ground, looking
up at the shepherd boy. The final thing his eyes
beheld on earth was the swing of God's mighty hero.
The young shepherd roared as he swung the sword down,
(38:44):
beheading the giant. David's roars echoed through the valley. His
cries of victory were not like any other warriors. It
was a passionate and victorious song given unto the word.
Sound was powerful and straight from the heart of God.
The men of Israel were inshot as they watched the
(39:06):
boy that belied his head into the air. God's chosen
hero had vanquished the enemy. The very embodiment of fear
and death had been conquered by the loving, yet powerful
passion of a shepherd. The Israelite army cried out in
victory and descended down the canyon towards the Philistines. Emboldened
(39:30):
by David, they ran towards the enemy. The Philistines ran
as the children of Israel stormed their camp. David picked
up another sword and began to fight alongside them. Saul
also entered the battlefield with renewed fire in his bones.
He rode into the enemy lines atop his horse. The
king swung his sword with fury and confidence. The entire
(39:52):
army of Israel did not consider for a moment that
they were outnumbered. They had just beheld a small shepherd
boy demonstrating the of God against a fierce warrior. Nothing
was impossible for them, because nothing was impossible for God.
A lieb A beinedab and Shama ran and battled with
(40:13):
passion as well. They struck together, gaining an advantage over
several Philistine soldiers. When they began to feel outmatched, David
joined them. The brothers watched as the runt of the
litter wielded a blade with grace and power. He was
like a musician, using rhythm and cadence with each swing
and parry. He was a sight to behold, and he
(40:35):
restored hope to every soldier. Saul watched David from a distance.
It was unlike anything he had ever seen. Who is
that warrior? The king thought to himself, it cannot be
the boy who played the harp in my halls. It
was the forgotten son of Jesse, the Bethelmite was the
hero of Israel. God's chosen shepherd had protected them flock
(41:01):
and save them from the jaws of the lion.
Speaker 3 (41:07):
God's chosen hero has vanquished the enemy. The fear in
death has been conquered by the loving yet powerful passion
of the good Shepherd. This was the final line in
the prelude to this episode. It can be used to
describe David's victory against Goliath, but we know by now
there was something even greater that was accomplished on the
(41:27):
cross by Jesus. We are supposed to look at the
fight of David and Goliath as a picture of Christ's
triumph over sin and death. Jesus is David, born in
Bethlehem and ridiculed by his own brothers. Goliath is sin,
paralyzing even the strongest men. Looking at it this way
puts the whole story in a different perspective. This doesn't
(41:49):
mean we can't relate to David. As we follow his
life even more, we will find that we have much
in common with him. But this story in particular, stands
above The rest is to give us a glimpse into
the heart of Heaven itself. The entire Bible leading up
to this point has been pointing to the Cross, but
it hadn't yet had a powerful image. Like David versus Goliath,
(42:12):
the young Shepherd's bravery, trust, and passion expresses the heart
Jesus had when he marched up the mountain for you
and I. This episode began with Saul's craving for conquests.
The way he thinks about his own glory is similar
to how an attic thinks about their next fix. With
the absence of God and Samuel guiding his conscience, he
(42:33):
has descended even further down the dark pit of pride. However,
his delusion of grandeur are brought to a halt when
he sees Goliath. Saul, who is used to being the
largest person in battle, comes face to face with a
monstrosity of a man. His hawking frame and beast like
features make Saul a scared child. There are some enemies
(42:55):
even the strongest among us can't defeat. Goliath delivers a
challenge to the people of Israel. They must send one
man to fight him, and if that man prevails, then
the Philistines have lost the structure of this challenge is
very important. Whoever faces Goliath will represent all of Israel.
If he wins, he will be solely responsible for their deliverance.
(43:17):
Every man under the command of Saul must think about
how they measure up to this giant and make a
conscious decision to fight or flee. No man, even the
king himself, feels strong enough to face such a menacing folk.
The truth is, we're all helpless to defeat sin on
our own. The enemy can only be defeated by a hero,
(43:39):
but we know deep down that we aren't that hero.
Even the strongest among us are helpless in the face
of sin and death. So who is strong enough? Who
is the deliverer? Brave and strong enough to fight Goliath?
David enters the camp of Israel, perplexed by their inaction.
It seems plain to David what should be done, and
(43:59):
he almost seems surprised that nobody has risen up. Yet David,
from the outside, can appear naive in his confidence. Men
far more season in battle wouldn't dare face Goliath, but
David seems to have no fear. Is David naive? Is
he delusional and perhaps too confident in his own skills. No, actually,
(44:21):
it's the exact opposite. David doesn't consider his skills too
much at all. He knows that God is at the
front of this battle, and all he needs to do
is step out and obey. The Lord has proven time
and time again that he doesn't need skilled warriors, he
needs willing hearts. David is willing. After enduring the mockery
of his brothers, David steps forward into Saul's tent and
(44:44):
volunteers himself to face the giant. He is met with
chuckles and grins, which makes sense since he is just
a shepherd boy. David, up to this point has only
been known as Saul's personal musician. Of course, he would
not be taken seriously. However, David's words compel Saul and
his men. David tells Saul about his encounter with the lion,
(45:07):
then says, he defied the armies of God and made
a mockery of him. I will strike down this giant
with the same power by which I struck down the lion,
by the might of God himself, the Lord who delivered
me from the paw of the predator, will deliver me
from the hand of this philistine. Saul is moved and
(45:28):
feels that David may be the spark is real needs.
Saul gives David his blessing, then proceeds to give David
his golden scaled armor, sword and shield. Naturally, it doesn't
fit David. He politely rejects Saul's gesture and takes the
armor off. What Saul proceeds as necessary, David perceives as
(45:49):
a hindrance. Saul saw it necessary to cover himself head
to toe in protection and splendor, but David saw it
as a danger. This is a grand metaphor. Saul's armor
is a representation of his own pride and self reliance.
Saul used it to protect himself, but also to parade himself.
The armor was a symbol of the outward appearance of
(46:11):
strength Saul held. So Dear David, having inner strength and
trusting God, did not need Saul's false protection. He refused
the armor, and thus refused to take on Saul's prisona.
The world is going to try its best to cover
you with Almah you don't need, but there is no
substitute for the peace that comes from God. David goes
(46:34):
down to the brook near the battlefield and prays to God,
you are my shepherd. He said to God, even though
I walk into the valley of Death, I will fear
no evil. You are with me. This was taken from
Psalm twenty three, a famous song and prayer to God.
It is not a stretch to think that David prayed
something similar before facing go Liarth. He knew he had
(46:55):
nothing to fear, for God was with him. Our new
and budding hero bravely entered the valley, standing opposite the giant,
ready for the battle. Goliath was insulted by David's presence
and cursed him. David was small and young, clearly no
match for a warrior like Goliath. Here lies a common
(47:16):
theme found in scripture. The small and powerless rise up
to take on the large and powerful. Think about Joseph
rising up in the hostile country of Egypt. Think about
Moses and the Israelites standing up to Pharaoh. Think about
the liberated slaves of Israel taking on the giant armies
of the Canaanites. The entirety of scripture up until this
(47:38):
point has told us the story of David and Goliath
before we even met them. David, as small as he
may be, has a giant of a god beside him.
The odds are not in Goliath's favor, and David knows it.
This is why he is able to speak boldly to
the giant, yelling, come to me Adorn with glimmering Almah.
(48:03):
Your sword is large and your spear is heavy. I
come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, the liberator of slaves,
and the creator of the stars. It is he who
is your challenger, Giant, not I. So come come at
me with all the strength in your bones. For I
(48:24):
declare this day that no man, no matter how large,
is any match for the creator of the Sun and
the stars. This day it will be your head that
rolls off your shoulders, to be eaten by the beast
and the birds. All the world will know that there
is a God in Israel. All will know that he
needs no sword or spear. The battle is his, the
(48:46):
outcome is final. So come come to me, Giant. Do
your worst, and I shall do mine. These words send
chills down my spine. David spoke with such passion and confidence.
I can only hope have this kind of faith. This
episode reaches its climax when Goliath leaps toward David, all
(49:06):
to be met with the stone lodged in his skull.
David beheads his enemy and lifts it up for all
to see. What happens next is a brilliant image. The
entire army of Israel is filled with passion. After David's victory.
They storm the valley and take on the Philistines. That
carriage was given to them by David. He is the
(49:29):
one who slew Goliath, but they are all beneficiaries of
that triumph and are emboldened by it. This is what
Christ's victory does to us. The victory Jesus has over
death gives us carriage, strength and passion. We are beneficiaries
of Christ's triumph. The people of Israel now know who
David is. It is impossible for him to remain anonymous.
(49:53):
In our next episode, we will see how fame affects David.
Will he succumb to the same temptation saw, How will
Saul deal with David's growing popularity, and what about Saul's
promise to give his daughter's hand in marriage To find out.
Tune into our next episode, A Dowry of Blood. Thanks
again for listening for more inspiring stories. Daily prayers and
(50:17):
wisdom to last a lifetime. Go to pray dot com.
Share this podcast with a family member or friend, and
help us spread God's word. God bless
But seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, and all
these things will be given to you as well. Matthew
six thirty three. Father, to day, I choose to seek
you first, seek your kingdom and your righteousness. I know
that in your kingdom there is no sickness, no poverty,
(00:23):
no jealousy or strife. There is no lack or need
because you so generously and abundantly provide. As I pursue you, Lord,
as I embrace a kingdom mindset and focus on applying
kingdom principles to my life, I realize I don't ever
(00:44):
have to worry about anything. I don't have to worry
about what I will wear, or what I will eat,
or where I will sleep. Your word says you delight
in protecting me, providing for me, and meeting all of
my needs because you love me. So to day, I
(01:09):
will spend time in your presence. I will seek your face,
I will listen for your voice, and then I will
step out in faith. I will walk with confidence and authority.
I will boldly pursue every opportunity you give me, every
(01:29):
open door.
Speaker 2 (01:30):
You open to me.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
I will accomplish each one of the tasks you have
assigned to me. I will live up to my high
and holy calling. I will bring glory and honor to you.
As I do, I know you will continue to provide
everything I need to fulfill my destiny. I thank you
(01:54):
and I praise you to day, and I pray in
Jesus name.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned to
immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told from pray
dot COM's podcast, Heroes in the Bible.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, your host for Heroes in
the Bible. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please
share it with your family and friends and help us
spread God's word. Welcome to the epic Adventure of David,
a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal,
and murder. While most people know of David the Myth,
(02:38):
few people know about David the Man. I'm glad you're
here with me as we mind the depths of this
renowned tale. In this episode, we encounter the famous story
of David and Goliath. This story has been told in
thousands of different ways, using thousands of different mediums. It
is a tale embedded in our culture. The underdog defying
(02:58):
all odds, and the little guy standing up against the bully.
But make no mistake, the epic of David and Goliath
is not about you and me. We are not David,
and our problems are not Goliath. No, this legend points
forward to an even greater battle of good and evil.
The story of David bravely vanquishing the harbinger of death
(03:20):
Goliath is meant to be an image of something even
more significant. In this episode, allow yourself to be caught
up in the majesty of David's story, be inspired by
his bravery, and be encouraged by his heart for God.
But remember that David is not the ultimate hero of
this tale. He is a shadow of greater things to come,
(03:41):
and a con do it for the deliverance of God.
May we all be inspired by this story to look
to God the same way David looks to God and
trust in his final victory over death. Our episode begins
with a prelude, a story in the future of God's
greatest hero. This prelude reminds us that there there is
a greater giant than Goliath and a greater hero than David.
(04:04):
Let's not wait any longer. It's time for Episode six
David and Goliath.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Prelude to Chapter six. The thundering skies bellowed like war droms.
Death itself was raging like a wild animal. Its claws
were sinking deeper into the neck of God's chosen hero.
Jesus knew his hour had come. It was time for
the full weight of God's wrath to be poured out
onto him. Every sin, past, present, and future required punishment.
(04:43):
So Jesus looked up to heaven, and the mighty judgment
of Yahweh struck down like a bolt of lightning. In
that very moment, the entire sins of humanity were released
onto Jesus, He who knew no sin became sin. Also
mankind could be reconcile to God. Once again, He wore
the dirtiness of humanity so they might wear his righteousness.
(05:07):
Jesus greened to the heavens and cried out Eli Eli
le us about to me, which.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
Means, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Speaker 2 (05:22):
People laughed at his christ, but they did not see
the cosmic shift taking place before them. Jesus, who had
been connected with the Father and Spirit since before time
was created, was now separated from them. Jesus endured separation
from God so that no person would ever have to again.
It had been done. The weight of mankind sins were
(05:45):
thrust on his shoulders. Now the only thing left to
do was bury them in the grave. To do that,
Jesus had to die. He looked down at the people below.
His eyes were darkened and nearly lifeless.
Speaker 5 (05:58):
I am thirsty.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Jesus whispered. The soldier shrug and took a sponge from
the latrines. They would use sour wine to sanitize themselves,
so they took the sponge filled with excrement and placed
it on his lips. Jesus tasted the filth of humanity,
then looked to the heavens. He lifted his legs and
arms to take one final breath. The lightning struck beside him,
(06:23):
causing the soldiers to fall back. Then, with the booming
voice of the almighty Jesus yell, it is finished, and
he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Just
as he had spoken, the good shepherd laid down his
life for his sheep. God's chosen hero had vanquished the enemy.
(06:44):
The fear and death had been conquered. By the loving
yet powerful passion of the Good Shepherd. Chapter six, David
and Goliath battle. Saul craved it. The sound of iron
and bronze clashing and clanging, the smell of campfire intermixed
(07:04):
with blood and sweat. More than anything, Saul craved the glory.
He craved the sounds of his people cheering and singing
his praises. He longed for the moment shortly after victory,
lifting his arms and basking in the admiration of his men.
Saul imagined these things as he led his men up
the hills of Sukka. The Israelite army gathered and encamped
(07:28):
on a mountain overlooking the valley of Ela. On the
other side of the valley and camped on a mountain
standing opposite them were the Philistines. There, clamoring echoed across
the canyons. Saul stood tall and proud on the other
side of the valley in front of his men. His
bright and polished armor gleamed in the sun. His large
(07:49):
sword was strapped securely to his side. The hilt of
his sword, much like his armor, was interlaced with gold
and fine jewels, a statement of Saul's importance and sense worth.
Saul looked down at the battlefield. The grassy and flat
valley was surrounded by large stones and cracks in the ground.
The mountains surrounding the valley had uneven footing. It would
(08:12):
be a treacherous descent for both armies. He looked up
to see the horde of Philistines swaying back and forth
on the other side. The slow beat of drums began
to play, echoing across the valley. The drums were haunting there,
swaying and chance quickened. With the beats of drums. They
hissed and sneered at the Israelites. Their sways became frantic
(08:34):
and animalistic. Jonathan was beside his father, growing nervous at
the strange confidence of the army. Then, like the Red
Seas once did many years ago, the Philistine horde parted
in two. They crouched and bowed to their knees, laughing uncontrollably.
The drum ceased, but the ground was still shaking. Saul
(08:58):
could feel the quaking of the earth on his feet.
Something wasn't right. The men of Israel looked, and from
the crowd of Philistines emerged an inhuman like creature He
had the frame of a man, but his size was
like the beasts of gold. He cast a shadow over
the Philistine soldiers below as he marched forward. His legs
(09:19):
were as wide as tree trunks. He wore a coat
of mail draped over his monstrous chest. Saul stepped back
in terror. His arms were dense with muscle, holding a
spear of pure iron. The monster's name was Goliath. His
name was being chanted across the valley, reverberating into the
ear of Saul. There will be no glory in fighting
(09:43):
that man, Saul thought to himself.
Speaker 6 (09:45):
His hands would crush my skull.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
In an instant, Goliath paced up and down the ranks
of his men, roaring like a lion. The Philistines cheered
and banged their swords against their shields. Goliath unsheathed his
sword and swung it again the tree hanging beside the cliff.
The trees splintered into a thousand pieces and tumbled down
into the valley. Goliath laughed and stretched his arms out
(10:09):
to the Israelites.
Speaker 7 (10:10):
Ha ha, ha, ha ha ha.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Come now, the giant jeer.
Speaker 4 (10:16):
Why shed any more blood than we have to? Am
I not a Philistine?
Speaker 7 (10:21):
Are you not? All servants of Saul. Let us settle
this battle.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
King Saul golt He feared what his next words would be.
Even from one hundred yards away, Goliath could smell Saul's fear.
It wafted over to him like the smoke from freshly
cooked meat. He soaked it in, enjoying every moment. The
giant smiled with all his teeth. He lifted his spear
(10:47):
and pointed it to Saul.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Choose a man, king of Israel. Let him come down
and battle me. If he is able to kill me,
the Philistines will be your servants.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
The giant let down his spear and looked back at
the soldiers.
Speaker 6 (11:03):
The Philistines laughed.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Their mocking cackles filled the air like a bad smell.
Then there was silence. Goliath looked over at Saul with
nostrils flaring. With a low and rumbling voice, the giant
spoke seriously, saying, but.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
If I prevail against your man, when I tear every
limb from his body, feasting on his flesh, then you,
King Saul, and all your people will be enslaved to
us for generations to come.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
The Giant's challenge sent shivers down saul spine the king
composed himself. Judging by the size of both armies, he
knew that they were outmatched. If they sent any more
soldiers down into the valley, they would surely succumb to
the Philistines. However, there was no man in his ranks
able to take on the giant. The offer from Goliath
(11:59):
was a mock. The Philistines knew that they would win
either way. Sending Goliath was nothing more than a taunt.
Saul had always stood ahead above every man he fought.
He rarely feared the swing of another man's sword. However,
the creature standing before him was no man. He was
(12:20):
a beast from ancient days. He had the frame of
monsters told in children's tales. He was a harbinger of
death and a symbol of Saul's inevitable demise as king.
Before Saul could open up his mouth, Goliath's voice thundered
again across the valley.
Speaker 7 (12:37):
I defy you, Saul.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
I spit in the face of your people, your nation,
and your God. If you do not have a man
brave enough to fight, prove that you are not a
colin and fight me yourself.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Saul was motionless. His men looked at him, waiting for
a response. Clouds of the sun above removing the gleam
from Saul's armor. Never before had Saul felt so helpless.
This would be a good moment to pray. However, he
knew nobody would listen. God had turned his face from
him for forty days. Goliath walked down into the valley,
(13:17):
goading Saul to fight him. For forty days, Saul and
the people of Israel were silent. Did you pack the bread,
Jesse asked David. Yes, Father, David said, while strapping the
rest of the supplies to his donkey.
Speaker 7 (13:35):
What about the extra wine skins on the bandages.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Jesse continued in a sharp tone.
Speaker 5 (13:40):
I've packed both Father, eliab Abita Dab and Shama will
have everything they.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Need, David replied respectfully. Jesse grunted and walked off. Since
David became Saul's armor bear and musician, he had been
making his way to and from the palace. He still
had sheep to tend to, even though he was now
a servant of the king. David packed his donkey filled
with supplies to bring to his brothers. They had marched
(14:06):
with Saul to Succa to battle the Philistines. His father
beamed with fatherly pride that his three eldest sons had
joined the ranks of the king's army. A part of
David longed for his father to look at him with
the same approval and admiration. However, since being in the
courts of Saul, he felt his need for fatherly attention
less and less. Saul was kind to David and seemed
(14:29):
to enjoy his presence. Not only that, but David had
grown close to his son Jonathan during his time in
the palace. Jonathan gave him the brotherly affection he lacked
from his own brothers. David led his donkey towards Sukka,
anxious to see how Israel was faring against the Philistines.
He had heard Saul speaking with his generals about being outnumbered.
(14:50):
Although he was Saul's armor bear, it was more a
title than an actual job. The king would never allow
a child like him to march with him into battle.
He had not yet seen the glory of war. He
did not have the privilege of marching with Saul or
carrying his own sword to defend Israel. He was forced
to remain with the sheep and carry supplies to his brothers.
(15:12):
David reached Sukka, anxious to see what had come of
the battle. He had a boyish excitement for war, heroism
and bravery. In him was a warrior spirit that desperately
desired to join in arms with his countrymen. Instead, David
was unloading a sack filled with cheese and bread for
his brothers and their commander. The low status David held
(15:33):
in his family disappointed him at times, but David was
resolved in his own identity before God. He did not
strive to be someone he wasn't. Rather, with every step
he sought to honor the Lord in the best way
he could. If that meant delivering supplies to his haughty
older brothers, then so be it. David cared not how
(15:54):
he was used by God to serve. He only cared
that what he did pleased the heart of his Lord.
As David entered camp, he could hear the shouts of
war rumbling near the valley. Giddy with excitement, David tied
up the donkey and ran towards the hill overlooking the battlefield.
He was surprised to see no battle at all. Rather,
(16:14):
the armies of the Israelites and Philistines posturing at one
another from either side of the valley. Each army clamored
at the other, banging their swords on the shields and
hurling insults. It was a confusing sight to David. The
shepherd boy waded through the crowds in search of his brothers.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
The little lamb is here.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
A voice chided from the distance. David paused and looked
out at his feet. He closed his eyes and sighed
in irritation. Out of all the shouting and clamoring of soldiers,
Shama's mocking voice was loud and clear. David turned around
to see Shama and Abinadab walking over. They wore their
thick armor with bronze buckles to hold the straps, However,
(16:56):
they hung loosely on their chests. The shaft of their
were made of wood with iron tips of the end,
and David noticed how peculiarly dull the tips of their
spears were. It was almost as if they had not
sharpened them in days.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
Aren't they about to march into battle?
Speaker 2 (17:13):
David thought to himself.
Speaker 5 (17:15):
Why not sharpen your spears and tighten your armor.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Shama took David's head under his arm and ruffled his
light curly hair.
Speaker 5 (17:22):
The runt of the litters here to watch.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
He teased. Shama and Abinadab laughed at David's expense. Their
teasing was a regular part of David's childhood. He expected
nothing less from them. Clearly, they hadn't been to battle
even once since marching up to Sukkah with Saul. David
was curious as to why that was. He released himself
from his brother's grip and walked towards the front of
(17:46):
the crowd. His brothers were irked by his indifference towards
their presence.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
Where are you off to, Don't bother the other soldiers, runt.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
They yelled. David ignored them. As he made his way
to the front. He found a high vantage point on
a stone, overlooking the battlefield. David peered forward, looking upon
the Philistine horde chanting opposite them. They banged their drums
and swayed back and forth. Their laughs were like the
hissing of a brute of vipers. The evil in their
(18:15):
eyes sent chills down David's spine.
Speaker 5 (18:18):
What are they chanting for?
Speaker 2 (18:20):
David thought? He scanned the entire Philistine side, as the
Philistines had every day since meeting the Israelites. The army
parted in two to make way for their champion. The
beast like man covered in bronze mail, marched forward, making
the ground quake beneath him. The sword strapped to the
side of his belt was as long as David's torso
(18:43):
every step seemed to hold the weight of a mountain.
As he marched forward to the edge of the canyon,
the giant raised his spear high above his head, then
slammed the end of it into the ground in front
of him. Rocks cracked on the edge and fell into
the valley below. The giant laughed and forward towards the
Israelite army. Ah, he cried. David's heart verberated in his
(19:07):
chest at the giants, roar.
Speaker 7 (19:08):
Oh, among you dogs will come and fight me.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
Goliath yelled.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
I've waited, and you cowards have yet to send a challenger.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
He pointed to Spirit Saul, just as he did every.
Speaker 4 (19:21):
Day, as your God, as weak as your spine, King Saul,
aren't you the brave Israelites that conquered Pharaoh? I spits
at your ancestors and your god workless cowards.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
David's muscles tightened and his brow furrowed. He felt the
same fire in his bones from the night he saw
the lion take his lamb. David looked to his left.
King Saul was standing in front of the soldiers. He
was a sight to behold, his broad chest puffed out
towards the Philistines as he stood atop his horse. The
(19:58):
light beamed off his golden arm. The hilt of his
sword was engraved with Hebrew battle poetry. However, the king
was motionless, speechless. He had nothing to say to the Philistine.
For weeks, Saul had tried to strategize a way to
gain an edge over the enemy. However, they outnumbered them greatly,
(20:19):
and the best way to defeat them was to accept
Goliath's offer. However, no one moved. The king, who was
once lauded for his bravery, was paralyzed by fear and
in action. The men began to disperse back to their tents.
Once again, their posturing was fruitless. No amount of battle
(20:39):
cries were going to make the Philistines flinch. They knew
it was only a matter of time before Israel lost
all hope. That is when they would strike. There is
no weapon greater than fear, and the Philistines wielded it
like no one else. David slid down the stone and
stopped a few of the men marching back.
Speaker 5 (21:00):
Can somebody please tell me what is going on?
Speaker 2 (21:03):
He asked, You haven't heard. One of the soldiers asked.
Speaker 6 (21:06):
This giant has come to defy Israel. The king has
promised riches and his daughter's hand in marriage to whoever
defeats him, and no one has come up against him.
David asked, not one. You've seen the size of his hands.
They could grip a man's skull like a loaf of bread.
I will not pursue him, and I can attest that
(21:27):
no one here will either, not even the king.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
David's fist tightened and his jaw clenched.
Speaker 5 (21:34):
He has mocked our God.
Speaker 2 (21:37):
He said under his breath. The soldiers nodded. He has.
Speaker 5 (21:42):
However, none of us wish to make a greater mockery
of him by jeopardizing our army. Under the rules of
the challenge, if he prevails, the entire nation will be
made philistine slaves. Who among us wants to be responsible
for dying at the hand of Goliath and allowing him
to enslave all our people?
Speaker 2 (22:04):
The man made a valid point, David pondered, the question.
Bravery was not enough to march against Goliath. If someone
went to fight him and they died, the Philistines, by
right would be able to enslave the survivors. Whoever marched
up against the giant didn't just need a warrior's heart,
He needed to be sure he would win. David was
(22:26):
lost in thought for a moment. Then a firm grip
grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him around. It
was Eliab, his oldest brother. He grabbed David and shook him.
Speaker 7 (22:36):
What are you doing here?
Speaker 8 (22:38):
He scolded, Have you left the sheep to wander around
and die into wilderness?
Speaker 7 (22:42):
Go home?
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Eliab shoved David to the ground. David got back up
immediately and the lungs at his brother's shoving him back.
Eliab caught him by the arm and threw him to
the ground again. David got back up, but Aliah braised
a finger and yelled.
Speaker 8 (22:58):
I know why you're here, baby brother. You have come
here to see the battle. You just couldn't help yourself,
could you. We're all here ready to die, and you
seek to wash the battle like a sport.
Speaker 7 (23:09):
Go home.
Speaker 8 (23:10):
There is no place for you here.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
David paused and looked at his older brother. He had
all the looks of a hero, but on the inside
he was no greater than the giant on the other
side of the valley. He used his size and power
to intimidate and taunt. David looked back towards the Philistine
army and clenched his fist. His brother continued to chide him,
(23:33):
but he did not listen. With his back turned to
a leib, he sighed and said.
Speaker 5 (23:40):
You and I both know I have done nothing.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
David turned his head, his eyes burned with holy fire.
Eliab stepped back, unable to discern what David would do next.
The shepherd left his brother and marched towards Saul's tent.
Saul paced back and forth in his tent. The king's
tent was wide and tall enough to host his generals
(24:05):
and the battalion commanders. Jonathan was also an attendant. Standing
beside his father, They could all sense a weariness from
the king. His eyes were heavy and deep and anxious thought.
He leaned over the side of his throne and sighed.
Speaker 6 (24:22):
This giant has made a mockery of us, and yet
there is nothing we can do about it. Saul whispered,
I have made the reward for his head great, yet
no one has mustered up the courage to go out
and fight him. We have run out of time, my king.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
One of his commanders said.
Speaker 6 (24:43):
If we wait any longer to accept his challenge, they
will just march against us in the night. We cannot
I know what they are capable.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
Of, saw snap throwing his cup against the beams of
the tent.
Speaker 6 (24:55):
I have marched against these demons for years, and yet
they the multiply like rodents in the city streets. What
am I to do?
Speaker 5 (25:04):
Am I to send out men into battle with that
giant casting a shadow over them? They will run in
with weak knees and retreat at the first sign of trouble.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Saul sat down and rubbed his head. He breathed in deeply,
and composed himself. Saul lifted his hand apologetically.
Speaker 6 (25:23):
We are at an impasse. Are men without hope? They
are without something to inspire them to battle.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
The king trailed off into thought. He stared at the
fire burning in the center of the tent. He recalled
the feigned memory of simpler times when he sat by
the fire with Samuel and spoke about his new kingdom.
He poked the dying embers. We need some sort of spark,
Saul whispered to himself. All the men in the tent
(25:53):
were silent as they watched Saul brood over the fire. Then, abruptly,
breaking the silence, David through the tent. Saul looked up
and smiled, Ah, David, I am glad you are here.
We could all use some music to calm our souls
at the moment. David ignored Saul's request and instead bound
(26:15):
to the floor. He beat his fist against his chest
and said.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
My King, let no man's heart lose hope because of
the giant on the other side of the valley. I
will go and fight the philistine.
Speaker 2 (26:29):
Saul and the others in his tent held back chuckles.
The king leaned down and helped David up on his feet,
brushing the dust off his clothes. Saul shook his head
and said, surely you are filled with fire, young David.
But what sort of king would I be to let
a boy go up against a giant? You are young,
(26:50):
and that giant has been killing warriors since he was
your age. David stepped back and bowed his head.
Speaker 5 (26:57):
My King, are you familiar with the role of a shepherd.
Speaker 2 (27:01):
He asked calmly. Saul scratched his head.
Speaker 6 (27:04):
Of course, my father had a few flocks of his own.
You tend to the sheep, leading them to the best
grass and water.
Speaker 2 (27:13):
David shook his head.
Speaker 5 (27:14):
That may be so, but the roll of the shepherd
was first and foremost to protect the sheep at all costs.
When there came a lion or a bear to take
one of my lambs, I did not hesitate to attack it.
I have run for miles and climbed mountains to pursue
(27:36):
the beasts that take my sheep. When a lion once
took my lamp, I pursued it and rescued the lamp
straight from its jaws. I struck it down, because a
good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
The rest of the men in the room were stirring uncomfortably.
The passion in David's voice was abrasive. They did not
like a young nobody like that, David having such a
tone in front of the king. He pointed back towards
the valley. He gave a slight grin. His eyes were
gleaming with intensity and hope.
Speaker 5 (28:10):
This philistine is no greater than that lion. He comes
in and threatens God's flock. He roars and bears his
teeth against us. He has defied the armies of God
and made a mockery of him. I will strike down
this giant with the same power by which I struck
down the lion, by the might of God himself. The
(28:33):
Lord who delivered me from the paw of the predator,
will deliver me from the hand of this philistine.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Saul's heart beat swiftly. Listening to David speak in his
voice was the very passion of God. It had been
a long time since Saul came in contact with the
spirit of God. He had longed for his presence and
his anointing. Once again, coming through the voice of this
small shepherd boy, the very courageous spirit of God was
(29:02):
bursting forth like a mighty tempest. Saul stood up and smiled,
very well, go and the Lord be with you. The
officers in the room gassed at Saul's words. He had
just commissioned a boy no older than sixteen to march
against the greatest warrior the world had ever seen. Saul
(29:24):
held David by the shoulders and.
Speaker 6 (29:26):
Smiled, I can feel your fire, David, But you will
need help. If you're going to stand against a giant,
you will need the finest armor and weaponry Israel has
to offer.
Speaker 2 (29:40):
Saul took his armor that was resting on the side
of his throne and draped it over David's body. He
put a helmet of bronze on his head and draped
a coat of mail over him. He strapped his sword
over his shoulder and tightened his belt to keep the
armor together. The firelight bounced off of the golden armor.
David waddled in place. Armour was so heavy that he
(30:01):
was barely able to move. For all its splendor, the
armor was more of a hindrance than a defense. Saul's
sword was beautifully crafted and elegant, but it was heavy
with jewels and gold. It had the appearance of glory,
but ultimately it fell short of being truly effective. David
took the helmet off and slipped out of the armor,
(30:22):
placing the sword in Saul's hand. David bowed his head
and said.
Speaker 5 (30:26):
My King, your armor is splendid. However I have not
tested it, nor do I see it helping me. For
all its beauty, I fear it is more of a
hindrance than a defense.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
Do not be foolish, boy.
Speaker 6 (30:42):
You need a real weapon, You need real.
Speaker 2 (30:44):
Armor, Saul scolded. David gripped his staff and secured his
sling tightly to his belt.
Speaker 5 (30:52):
These will be my weapons, he said. God has done
far more with far less.
Speaker 2 (30:59):
The shepherd boy, and left the tent without another word.
Saul was speechless. He ran his fingers through the bright
golden armor. For all the king's glamour and appearance of strength,
it seems that he had just been taught a lesson
from a child. David quietly descended down the side of
the canyon towards the trees. The forest was silent and serene,
(31:22):
hosting the songs of birds and a babbling brook. David
sat near the brook and breathed him deeply. He closed
his eyes, feeling the slight breeze caress his cheek. The
sun above was scattered from the leaves above. David dipped
his hands in the water and took a sip. He
ran the cold water over his neck and looked up.
(31:42):
You are a shepherd, he sent to God.
Speaker 5 (31:45):
Even though I walk into the valley of death, I
will fear no evil.
Speaker 2 (31:52):
You are with me. The wind rustled the leaves above.
The humming sound of swaying trees was a comforting response.
Reached down into the brook and retrieved five smooth stones
the size of his palm. He meticulously chose each of
them and placed them in his leather pouch. He stood
to his feet and stretched his arms with his shepherd's staff. Then,
(32:14):
with the silent courage of a warrior, David marched towards
the valley to meet Goliath. The Philistine descended into the valley,
as he had done every day, He roared challenges to
the Israelis above. He clanged his spear against his shield,
making it echo across the valley.
Speaker 7 (32:33):
Who shall fight me, he yelled? Who shall come and
slay me?
Speaker 2 (32:38):
He taunted. The giant had grown angry that so much
time had passed since he first made the challenge. He
was vexed by their cowardice. He was angry, He was
thirsty for blood. Saul stood over the cliffs with the
other men, watching the giant march into the center of
the valley. He stretched out his arms and raised his
(32:58):
voice to Saul.
Speaker 7 (33:00):
Is the final chance to send a champion.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
Saul, let the dogs of Israel send a man to
fight me. Or we will lay waste to your camps
and your cities.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
The men of Israel stirred and murmured. They all looked
to their king to see if he would step forward. However,
Saul remained still and silent, looking at the battleground below.
The giant smiled and banged his ear against his shield.
Speaker 7 (33:25):
Again, cowards, all of you are cowards.
Speaker 4 (33:30):
You have shamed your ancestors this day to survive the
slavery of Egypt, all to crumble by our hand.
Speaker 7 (33:39):
Pathetic words.
Speaker 2 (33:42):
As Goliath was taunting the Israelites, he heard them all
gasp and turned to the left of the canyons. Out
from the stones, to Goliath's right, the shepherd boy emerged.
His light curls were held back, with the bandana revealing
his eyes. They were lit with the fiery passion of
God himself. He marched towards the giant with intention. Every
(34:04):
step was purposeful and filled with confidence. As he stepped
out of the shadows into the light of day, he
stopped twenty yards in front of Goliath and added his
shepherd staff firmly into the ground. The Giant had a challenger,
and Israel had its champion. Golias beastly grin turned into
a visceral snarl. He spat at David and roared at him.
Speaker 4 (34:27):
Have I a dog that you come to me with twigs?
Of all the mighty men of Israel, they said you
to fight me. I am insulted. I can break this
boy between my fingers.
Speaker 2 (34:43):
The wind whistled through the valley. David was immovable and resolute.
His gaze was locked onto the giant. He opened not
his mouth. He simply looked forward at the foe ahead,
calculating his next mood. Goliath was irked by David's silence.
He wailed curses into the air, banging his fists against
(35:04):
his chest and a silver bag.
Speaker 4 (35:06):
You and your God will crumble beneath my feet. Come
to me, boy, I will give your flesh to the
birds and beasts to feast on. There will be no
memory of you. I will make it so there is
no glory in your death.
Speaker 2 (35:27):
David paid close attention to the wind shifting through the valley.
He shot out from the side of the canyon and
whistled from his left to his right. He had to
be sure about the wind. David threw his staff at
the giant's feet and stretched out his arms.
Speaker 5 (35:41):
You come to me adorned with glimmering armor. Your sword
is large, and your spear is heavy.
Speaker 2 (35:48):
David's gaze was fearsome. He beckoned the giant and said,
I come.
Speaker 5 (35:53):
To you in the name of the Lord of Hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, the liberator of slaves,
and creator of the stars. It is he who is
your challenger, Giant, not I. So come come at me
with all the strength in your bones.
Speaker 6 (36:11):
For I declare this.
Speaker 5 (36:12):
Day that no man, no matter how large, is any
match for the creator of the sun and stars. This
day it will be your head that rolls off your shoulders,
to be eaten by the beasts and the birds. All
the world will know that there is a god in Israel.
All will know that he needs no sword or spear.
(36:36):
The battle is his, The outcome is final. So come
come to me, Giant. Do your worst, and I shall
do mine.
Speaker 2 (36:49):
Golias anger is kindled a forward by the light. He
raged and lunched towards the shepherd with all his might.
The earth quakes beneath him. David could feel the ground
shift and shake with every leap. The giant was surprisingly
quick lay the wine goliath closed the gap between him
and his prey. However, David was prepared as the giant
(37:12):
began as pursuit. David took a single step back and
retrieved his sling in a single stone from his pouch.
He placed the stone in the sling and began to
swing it behind. He bent his knees and drew a
deep breath. For a single moment, time itself stood still.
The wind ceased its blowing, and all David could hear
(37:35):
was his own feeling. He watched the giant run at
the same pace of his own arm beat. He had
one shot at the giant, only one. He pivoted his
foot back, bent his front knee, and prepared for the
first strike. If the giant attacked first, it was over.
He must be the first one to act. The boy
(37:57):
burst forward with the sling still swinging by behind him.
Elia took the bait and pounced forward with his sword
high in the air. The shepherd released the sling, sending
the stone whistling through the air. The stone landed directly
into the beast's head, cracking it instantly. The giant's momentum
was halted as it crumbled to the ground. The entire
(38:20):
earth shook beneath him. The boy took action, immediately, pouncing
on the giant fearlessly. He took the giant's sword in
his hands and raised it high in the air. The
giant laid there with his back on the ground, looking
up at the shepherd boy. The final thing his eyes
beheld on earth was the swing of God's mighty hero.
The young shepherd roared as he swung the sword down,
(38:44):
beheading the giant. David's roars echoed through the valley. His
cries of victory were not like any other warriors. It
was a passionate and victorious song given unto the word.
Sound was powerful and straight from the heart of God.
The men of Israel were inshot as they watched the
(39:06):
boy that belied his head into the air. God's chosen
hero had vanquished the enemy. The very embodiment of fear
and death had been conquered by the loving, yet powerful
passion of a shepherd. The Israelite army cried out in
victory and descended down the canyon towards the Philistines. Emboldened
(39:30):
by David, they ran towards the enemy. The Philistines ran
as the children of Israel stormed their camp. David picked
up another sword and began to fight alongside them. Saul
also entered the battlefield with renewed fire in his bones.
He rode into the enemy lines atop his horse. The
king swung his sword with fury and confidence. The entire
(39:52):
army of Israel did not consider for a moment that
they were outnumbered. They had just beheld a small shepherd
boy demonstrating the of God against a fierce warrior. Nothing
was impossible for them, because nothing was impossible for God.
A lieb A beinedab and Shama ran and battled with
(40:13):
passion as well. They struck together, gaining an advantage over
several Philistine soldiers. When they began to feel outmatched, David
joined them. The brothers watched as the runt of the
litter wielded a blade with grace and power. He was
like a musician, using rhythm and cadence with each swing
and parry. He was a sight to behold, and he
(40:35):
restored hope to every soldier. Saul watched David from a distance.
It was unlike anything he had ever seen. Who is
that warrior? The king thought to himself, it cannot be
the boy who played the harp in my halls. It
was the forgotten son of Jesse, the Bethelmite was the
hero of Israel. God's chosen shepherd had protected them flock
(41:01):
and save them from the jaws of the lion.
Speaker 3 (41:07):
God's chosen hero has vanquished the enemy. The fear in
death has been conquered by the loving yet powerful passion
of the good Shepherd. This was the final line in
the prelude to this episode. It can be used to
describe David's victory against Goliath, but we know by now
there was something even greater that was accomplished on the
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cross by Jesus. We are supposed to look at the
fight of David and Goliath as a picture of Christ's
triumph over sin and death. Jesus is David, born in
Bethlehem and ridiculed by his own brothers. Goliath is sin,
paralyzing even the strongest men. Looking at it this way
puts the whole story in a different perspective. This doesn't
(41:49):
mean we can't relate to David. As we follow his
life even more, we will find that we have much
in common with him. But this story in particular, stands
above The rest is to give us a glimpse into
the heart of Heaven itself. The entire Bible leading up
to this point has been pointing to the Cross, but
it hadn't yet had a powerful image. Like David versus Goliath,
(42:12):
the young Shepherd's bravery, trust, and passion expresses the heart
Jesus had when he marched up the mountain for you
and I. This episode began with Saul's craving for conquests.
The way he thinks about his own glory is similar
to how an attic thinks about their next fix. With
the absence of God and Samuel guiding his conscience, he
(42:33):
has descended even further down the dark pit of pride. However,
his delusion of grandeur are brought to a halt when
he sees Goliath. Saul, who is used to being the
largest person in battle, comes face to face with a
monstrosity of a man. His hawking frame and beast like
features make Saul a scared child. There are some enemies
(42:55):
even the strongest among us can't defeat. Goliath delivers a
challenge to the people of Israel. They must send one
man to fight him, and if that man prevails, then
the Philistines have lost the structure of this challenge is
very important. Whoever faces Goliath will represent all of Israel.
If he wins, he will be solely responsible for their deliverance.
(43:17):
Every man under the command of Saul must think about
how they measure up to this giant and make a
conscious decision to fight or flee. No man, even the
king himself, feels strong enough to face such a menacing folk.
The truth is, we're all helpless to defeat sin on
our own. The enemy can only be defeated by a hero,
(43:39):
but we know deep down that we aren't that hero.
Even the strongest among us are helpless in the face
of sin and death. So who is strong enough? Who
is the deliverer? Brave and strong enough to fight Goliath?
David enters the camp of Israel, perplexed by their inaction.
It seems plain to David what should be done, and
(43:59):
he almost seems surprised that nobody has risen up. Yet David,
from the outside, can appear naive in his confidence. Men
far more season in battle wouldn't dare face Goliath, but
David seems to have no fear. Is David naive? Is
he delusional and perhaps too confident in his own skills. No, actually,
(44:21):
it's the exact opposite. David doesn't consider his skills too
much at all. He knows that God is at the
front of this battle, and all he needs to do
is step out and obey. The Lord has proven time
and time again that he doesn't need skilled warriors, he
needs willing hearts. David is willing. After enduring the mockery
of his brothers, David steps forward into Saul's tent and
(44:44):
volunteers himself to face the giant. He is met with
chuckles and grins, which makes sense since he is just
a shepherd boy. David, up to this point has only
been known as Saul's personal musician. Of course, he would
not be taken seriously. However, David's words compel Saul and
his men. David tells Saul about his encounter with the lion,
(45:07):
then says, he defied the armies of God and made
a mockery of him. I will strike down this giant
with the same power by which I struck down the lion,
by the might of God himself, the Lord who delivered
me from the paw of the predator, will deliver me
from the hand of this philistine. Saul is moved and
(45:28):
feels that David may be the spark is real needs.
Saul gives David his blessing, then proceeds to give David
his golden scaled armor, sword and shield. Naturally, it doesn't
fit David. He politely rejects Saul's gesture and takes the
armor off. What Saul proceeds as necessary, David perceives as
(45:49):
a hindrance. Saul saw it necessary to cover himself head
to toe in protection and splendor, but David saw it
as a danger. This is a grand metaphor. Saul's armor
is a representation of his own pride and self reliance.
Saul used it to protect himself, but also to parade himself.
The armor was a symbol of the outward appearance of
(46:11):
strength Saul held. So Dear David, having inner strength and
trusting God, did not need Saul's false protection. He refused
the armor, and thus refused to take on Saul's prisona.
The world is going to try its best to cover
you with Almah you don't need, but there is no
substitute for the peace that comes from God. David goes
(46:34):
down to the brook near the battlefield and prays to God,
you are my shepherd. He said to God, even though
I walk into the valley of Death, I will fear
no evil. You are with me. This was taken from
Psalm twenty three, a famous song and prayer to God.
It is not a stretch to think that David prayed
something similar before facing go Liarth. He knew he had
(46:55):
nothing to fear, for God was with him. Our new
and budding hero bravely entered the valley, standing opposite the giant,
ready for the battle. Goliath was insulted by David's presence
and cursed him. David was small and young, clearly no
match for a warrior like Goliath. Here lies a common
(47:16):
theme found in scripture. The small and powerless rise up
to take on the large and powerful. Think about Joseph
rising up in the hostile country of Egypt. Think about
Moses and the Israelites standing up to Pharaoh. Think about
the liberated slaves of Israel taking on the giant armies
of the Canaanites. The entirety of scripture up until this
(47:38):
point has told us the story of David and Goliath
before we even met them. David, as small as he
may be, has a giant of a god beside him.
The odds are not in Goliath's favor, and David knows it.
This is why he is able to speak boldly to
the giant, yelling, come to me Adorn with glimmering Almah.
(48:03):
Your sword is large and your spear is heavy. I
come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, the liberator of slaves,
and the creator of the stars. It is he who
is your challenger, Giant, not I. So come come at
me with all the strength in your bones. For I
(48:24):
declare this day that no man, no matter how large,
is any match for the creator of the Sun and
the stars. This day it will be your head that
rolls off your shoulders, to be eaten by the beast
and the birds. All the world will know that there
is a God in Israel. All will know that he
needs no sword or spear. The battle is his, the
(48:46):
outcome is final. So come come to me, Giant. Do
your worst, and I shall do mine. These words send
chills down my spine. David spoke with such passion and confidence.
I can only hope have this kind of faith. This
episode reaches its climax when Goliath leaps toward David, all
(49:06):
to be met with the stone lodged in his skull.
David beheads his enemy and lifts it up for all
to see. What happens next is a brilliant image. The
entire army of Israel is filled with passion. After David's victory.
They storm the valley and take on the Philistines. That
carriage was given to them by David. He is the
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one who slew Goliath, but they are all beneficiaries of
that triumph and are emboldened by it. This is what
Christ's victory does to us. The victory Jesus has over
death gives us carriage, strength and passion. We are beneficiaries
of Christ's triumph. The people of Israel now know who
David is. It is impossible for him to remain anonymous.
(49:53):
In our next episode, we will see how fame affects David.
Will he succumb to the same temptation saw, How will
Saul deal with David's growing popularity, and what about Saul's
promise to give his daughter's hand in marriage To find out.
Tune into our next episode, A Dowry of Blood. Thanks
again for listening for more inspiring stories. Daily prayers and
(50:17):
wisdom to last a lifetime. Go to pray dot com.
Share this podcast with a family member or friend, and
help us spread God's word. God bless
Host
Jack Graham
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