1 Samuel 17:28-47 – A Giant-Conqueror
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Who will step forward to deliver God’s people and vindicate his glory? Who will be the giant-conqueror – tall regal Saul, handsome Eliab, Jesse’s eldest, or some well armed, skilful, experienced combatant? Read verse 32 again.
David – the cheese-bearing shepherd boy, inexperienced and armour-less; ruddy and handsome, yet bearer of sticks and stones. Goliath is insulted (verse 43). There is no prestige in beating a child. Israel’s chosen giant-conqueror does not appear to compare with his foe, and his weapons do not seem like they will avail much. But remember 16:7 – it’s not appearances that count. This is exactly what we should expect – remember Hannah’s song in chapter 2: “not by might shall a man prevail… the bows of the mighty are broken and the feeble binding on strength… he will give strength to his King and exalt the power of his anointed.”
The giant-conqueror is not what we’d expect, humanly speaking. His weapons and armour are not the same as the world’s, and his method is not what you’d expect. His heart is bursting with zeal for God’s glory. Here is David, the giant conqueror, God’s chosen messiah-king.
God is again showing us his way of working: human expectations are reversed. We are so quick to judge things the way Eliab (verse 28), Saul (verse 33), and Goliath (verse 43) did – by outward appearance. Whether it’s the value of people, the quality of preachers, or the success of a church, we invariably view them from Man’s perspective. But we don’t see what God sees, nor value what he values. If we were less caught up in judging things by outward appearance we would spend less time being discouraged.
Questions
- Who or what have you been judging by Eliab, Saul and Goliath’s standard?
Prayer Points
- Ask for forgiveness for viewing things through the eyes of Eliab, Saul and Goliath.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.