Scripture

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the Name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies – the God of the Armies of Israel whom you defied.”

Observation

David, at his father’s request, leaves the flocks to take supplies to his brothers in Saul’s army. There he sees that a giant named Goliath taunts the Israelites, demanding that someone come out to fight him.

David finds out that the king has promised his daughter and exemption from taxes to the man who defeats Goliath. He volunteers and discovers that Saul’s armour and sword are too heavy for him.

So David responds to Goliath’s taunt. He frames Goliath’s challenge as a defiance against the Lord. Armed with just his sling, David kills Goliath. Emboldened by this, the Israelite army massacres the fleeing Philistines.

Application

David recognises that the Philistines’ hostility to Israel was not just a military or political issue, but a matter of spiritual warfare. They were not fighting against flesh and blood, but against the Lord of Heaven’s hosts.

He could go without armour or sword because his trust was in the Lord. He knew that the battle belonged to the Lord.

Similarly, our battles are not in the flesh, but in the spirit realm. We must fight these battles in the spirit realm using the gifts and weapons of the Holy Spirit.

Whether it is family or work issues that overwhelming us, it is the Lord’s battle. Human wisdom will not give us victory, but the power of the Holy Spirit will.

Prayer

Thank you Lord that, as I put my trust in you, then you will help me to overcome the giants in my life. Amen.