I Samuel 17:1-37 - The Threat of Goliath

I Samuel 17:1-37

Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philstine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (verse 26)

Message: The Threat of Goliath

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Saul is still king over Israel with David residing in his court. Chapter 17 begins with the word that the Philistines have gathered for battle. [Found this great map here showing the place where the Philistines have gathered - Socoh which is in Judah, below Jerusalem (which resides in the tribe of Benjamin)]. Philistines camped on one side of the mountain and Israel on the other mountain side with a valley in between (v.1-3). 

Enter Goliath, about 9 feet 9 inches tall and had armor weighing 125 pounds. He had on shin guards and a javelin (v.4-7). 

Goliath stands and announces himself as the Philistine and asks Israel for a man to come to him. A fight is offered with the winner becoming servants of the other (v. 8-10). Israel was afraid (v.11). 

In the next 8 verses an overview of David and Jesse is given. Jesse had 8 sons and lives in Bethlehem (15 miles to Socoh, the place of battle so probably a days journey). "David went back and forth from Saul (in Socoh) to tend his father's flock at Bethlehem (verse 15)." David isn't even thought to be included in the battle but Jesse's other sons are present. Jesse instructs David to bring food to the camp for his brothers. 

The next 6 verses (v.20-25) David arrives and heads to the battle line to greet his brothers. Goliath speaks again the words he spoke before and David hears them. Men of Israel tell David that whoever defeats this man will be extremely honored and respected and receive the king's daughter. David responds in verse 26, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?" David is marveled that anyone would have that audacity to think they could defeat anyone represented by the Living God. 

From the moment David arrives throughout all of the conversations he has confidence in himself, his experience as a fighter, recalling when he fought a lion taken a lamb from his flock. He used his bare hands. It is in David's words (verse 32) that reflects his confidence, "Let no man's heart fail on account of him."  He tells Saul that he is able to fight the Philistine and Saul says to him in verse 37, "Go, and may the Lord be with you." 

Verse 26 are the first recorded words of David. And his words declare his confidence in God. Previously, it is God that has chosen David without any words or works shown by David. But when David does speak he proclaims his confidence in God. His first description is a man after God's own heart. He is the unlikely hero. 

As I have studied Saul, he seems like an everyday leader. On the surface there isn't much wrong with him, but Samuel does reflect him as being not too confident in God and having to be reminded to look to God for help and guidance. Contrast is David who is chosen by God and immediately reflects confidence in God. Saul was not anti-God by any means. He tried to please God, but perhaps his pleasing was more defined by himself. 

Summary: The Philistines have come to do battle and Goliath challenges anyone to fight him with the winner resulting in those people serving the other. David in coming to provide food for his brothers declares confidence that he can defeat Goliath because of God. 

Promise: God can deliver us from His enemies and we need to have complete confidence in Him alone. 

Prayer: God, you choose your workers and You have clearly chosen some for your purposes while others do not work for your glory completely and yet you sill can work through their lives for your good purpose. I think all people hope that they would be on your side. I pray that I am like a David, chosen by You, after your own heart, reflecting You. Be the strength in my life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 9:1-2 - Saul, Son of Kish

I Samuel 9:1-2

1 Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, son of a Benjaminite, a valiant mighty man. 2 He had a son whose name was Saul, a young and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome man than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people.

Message: Saul, Son of Kish

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: My Overview of I Samuel 1-8 -- Elkanah comes to Shiloh to offer sacrifices and provides a double portion to his wife Hannah who is without children. Samuel is then born to Hannah and Elkanah and taken to Shiloh to be dedicated to the Lord. Hannah praises God. In contrast, Eli (the priest) has 2 worthless sons that do not follow the Lord compared to Samuel that is dedicated to the Lord for service. Eli trains Samuel and he is growing with the Lord God, as a prophet, and bringing God’s word to Israel. Eli, after 40 years as judge, dies after hearing his sons have died, Israel has been defeated and the ark is taken by Philistines. One of Eli's sons - Phinehas wife has a son, Ichabad meaning, "The Glory Departs from Israel." The Philistines take the ark to Dagon, their god as a sort of victory but Yahweh conquers Dagon and other cities for possessing the ark of God. With all of the judgment taking place by possessing the ark, the Philistines turn over the ark and make a guilt offering of tumors and mice. Offerings received from the people as well. Samuel leads the people to restoration from the hand of the Philistines. The people respond by putting away their foreign Gods and Samuel removes the evil, restores the good and God responds and makes a way for victory against the Philistines. At the end of Samuel's life, the people want a new king of their own doing. God provides a king through Samuel, not giving them what they need, but what they want. 

Verse 1 introduces this son from the tribe of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob (Israel). Verse 1 mentions Aphiah as being in the line of Benjamin, but there is no other mention of Aphiah and he was not a son of Benjamin, nor Becorath or Zeror, but Abiel is the great grand-father of Saul. Interesting these names listed and yet not clearly connected and yet the author it important to show this lineage of Saul.  Kish was a "valiant mighty man."

Kish had a son name Saul. 

- a young and handsome man

- not more of a handsome man among sons of Israel (Jacob) and that is over 700 years, so I suppose he is quite handsome

- taller than any of the other people

I suppose it is of note that the most interesting information to share about Saul is he is handsome and tall. His father was a valiant mighty man. Saul, however is handsome and tall. Saul looks the part and this seems to be what the people want. God gives the people what they want. Elections are set up as popular vote. The people choose their leader. But God ultimately is in charge so whoever is at the head is who the people want. Yet God is involved. 

Summary: God gives the people what they want in a leader - Saul - tall and handsome. 

Promise: Am I more focused on my looks and appearance or my spiritual growth and who I am as a person. 

Prayer: Lord, perhaps from this verse I am to learn that while being handsome and tall and good looks is what matters to people so very often and also to me most of the time, what I need to be more focused on is what i son the inside. O God, I am like these people, that want the good looking king - wife. Lord, help me in this. I need this lesson today. I need to be about You. And what is important to You. Redefine me God. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.